Eastern Conference Playoff Winner Odds Breakdown
By: Craig Trapp
With just a few games in the regular season in the NBA its about time to start examining the playoff picture. The Eastern Conference has a solid three teams that all can win the Eastern Conference crown. Lets look at all three of these Eastern Conference favorites and break down their odds to win the East.
Cleveland Cavaliers (-200): The best record in the league currently and the best home record in all of the league. With only one loss at home all the Eastern Conference foes will have their work cut out for them. Lebron has finally received help from his supporting cast with Mo Williams and Big Z really playing well this year. Lebron James has been even better this year and is a triple double threat nearly every game. Not great future odds value for the Cavs but with home court advantage will be tough to beat.
Boston Celtics (+200): The championship team from last year has been a shell of themselves since KG went down with a knee injury. Veteran teams usually can turn it up come playoff times but an unhealthy Garnett will make it much more difficult. A positive change for this team has been their young players that have really stepped up with all of the injuries. Rondo has become a much better point guard and at times he can dominate games. Too many injuries to take only 2-1 for your betting odds value. Look elsewhere don't waste your money on a banged up Celtic Team!
Orlando Magic (+450): Don't look now the Magic are in 2nd place in the division and look to host the Celtics in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Dwight Howard is not getting enough respect this year. An MVP type season from Howard has this Magic team right at the top of the Eastern Conference. Pretty hard to believe that you can get over 4-1 on a team that has played both the Celtics and the Cavaliers well this year. The key to this team will be consistent guard play in the playoffs.
The Eastern Conference the last few years has not had near the depth of talent or great teams. But this year all three of these teams are a threat to win it all in the Eastern Conference. Make sure you check back as Handicapper Craig Trapp will breakdown the Western Conference Championship future odds.