by Tony George
One has to think a healthy Cavs team with Irving and Love back in the fold, perhaps a free agent acquisition or two, and a decent draft pick would create enough depth and talent on the floor to compliment James and put them on the next level. I do agree with oddsmakers that Cleveland should be, and currently are, the odds on favorite to win an NBA Title next season.
In the West, not so sure the Thunder are not worth the stretch with a healthy team next year but the Billy Donovan experiment leaves some doubt in my mind, and it is unlikely that Golden State can go back to back simply because the Western Conference is littered with good teams, but if they can keep the team together and get a better inside presence than Bogut, the Warriors are serious contenders as well again next season. There is vastly more parity in the West than the East, and while Curry and company are solid and well coached, it is a battlefield to get through the Playoffs.
The Chicago Bulls in the East will be the main contender to Cleveland with a new coach and new attitude. The Washington Wizards have one of the best back-courts around and with some personnel changes can also contend, and I am surprised to see them at 40 to 1, but they will be a longshot wager of mine to win the Eastern Conference as a backup play to the Cavs which no doubt will be in the finals of the Eastern Conference barring a major injury to LeBron James.
The biggest waste of money here on the futures are the Lakers at 33/1. Talks of Dwayne Wade teaming with Kobe Bryant, plus a high draft pick, has fueled speculation they will be a contender next season, both players were great in the day, but are on the downside of their careers and a rookie is a rookie, and rarely can impact a teams destiny in his first year.
I will have my official picks on the futures out in late July after the draft and some free agent trades, both the Futures to win the Eastern and Western Conference as well as my best bets to win it all. Digest these in the meantime.
NBA Odds to win 2016 NBA Championship
Cleveland Cavaliers 11/4
Golden State Warriors 4/1
Oklahoma City Thunder 15/2
San Antonio Spurs 10/1
Los Angeles Clippers 11/1
Chicago Bulls 14/1
Houston Rockets 16/1
Atlanta Hawks 25/1
Memphis Grizzlies 28/1
Dallas Mavericks 33/1
Indiana Pacers 33/1
Los Angeles Lakers 33/1
Miami Heat 33/1
New Orleans Pelicans 33/1
Portland Trailblazers 40/1
Toronto Raptors 40/1
Washington Wizards 40/1
Boston Celtics 50/1
Brooklyn Nets 100/1
Denver Nuggets 100/1
Detroit Pistons 100/1
Milwaukee Bucks 100/1
New York Knicks 100/1
Phoenix Suns 100/1
Sacramento Kings 100/1
Utah Jazz 100/1
Minnesota Timberwolves 150/1
Charlotte Hornets 250/1
Orlando Magic 250/1
Philadelphia 76ers 250/1
Paul Chirimbes | |
ALL Access Pass ALL SPORTS Money Plays Chip Chirimbes the 'Big Game Player' and Three-time Handicapping Champion is offering SEVEN full days of ALL SPORTS winners for only $149. Take advantage now with the HOTTEST HANDICAPPER in the Nation as his RED HOT streak continues. - $149.00 |
Click here to view all of today's premium picks.
