Odds to Win 2012 NBA Championship Finals: Well, now that it looks like an NBA season is going to happen, let us commence with the playoff discussion. Yeah, that's right Jim Mora, we're talking playoffs because, as any NBA fan knows, that's all that really matters. And if we are to believe the odds makers, it would appear that LeBron James will finally don a championship ring as the Miami Heat, at +220 moneyline odds are the favorite to win the 2012 NBA Finals.
Miami Heat (+220): The core group returns, but the Heat do need to resign Mario Chalmers or at least find another point
guard in a sparse point guard market. But, ultimately, its the Big Three driving the bus, and last year they took it to the brink of a championship. There is no reason to believe they cannot do it again. Miami could have substantial competition in the East, though, in the form of Boston, Chicago, and New York.
Chicago Bulls (+500): They have some work to do after falling to the Heat 4-1 in the Conference Finals, but the Bulls certainly have the roster to challenge Miami. Another year of maturation for Rose and a more consistent inside threat might be enough for Chicago to usurp the Eastern Crown from James and Wade.
Dallas Mavericks (+750): The Mavericks ought to feel slighted after their epic run to the championship last season. Dallas proved it could deal with all comers and adapt to any style of play as it ousted the Blazers, Lakers, Thunder, and Heat in route to its first NBA title. The principle performers are back (most likely) and older players like Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Shawn Marion may have benefited from the extended break.
Los Angeles Lakers (+500): The Lakers looked old at times last season as Kobe Bryant showed signs that Father Time might be catching up to him. However, if Los Angeles can sign a big name free agent (i.e. Dwight Howard), it will be right back in the title mix.
Odds to Win 2012 NBA Championship Finals: Provided by BetOnline.com
Atlanta Hawks +4000
Boston Celtics +950
Charlotte Bobcats +8000
Chicago Bulls +500
Cleveland Cavaliers +10000
Dallas Mavericks +750
Denver Nuggets +3000
Detroit Pistons +10000
Golden State Warriors +7800
Houston Rockets +3300
Indiana Pacers +6600
Los Angeles Clippers +5000
Los Angeles Lakers +500
Memphis Grizzlies +3300
Miami Heat +220
Milwaukee Bucks +7500
Minnesota Timberwolves +9000
New Jersey Nets +6000
New Orleans Hornets +5000
New York Knicks +1600
Oklahoma City Thunder +700
Orlando Magic +2000
Philadelphia 76ers +6000
Phoenix Suns +6000
Portland Trail Blazers +2500
Sacramento Kings +10000
San Antonio Spurs +2000
Toronto Raptors +12500
Utah Jazz +7000
Washington Wizards +10000
