Last Updated on April 16, 2009 10:09 pm by Anthony Rome
NBA Finals Odds
The NBA playoffs start soon and with that, oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 NBA Finals. Oddsmakers currently favor LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and Kobe Bryant’s Los Angels Lakers.
It’s no surprise that oddsmakers favor the top two seeds in the Eastern and Western Conferences to win the 2009 NBA Finals. Oddsmakers from online sports book SBG Global have made the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed Cavaliers 5/4 favorites to win an NBA title this year, while making the Lakers, the top seed in the Western Conference, a close 3/2.
Nobody has had a better season than Cleveland, who owns the NBA’s best record at 66-16. The Cavs compiled an amazing 39-2 home record this season, which is a scary thought for any of their playoff opponents since Cleveland will have home court advantage throughout the postseason.
The Lakers finished just one game shy of Cleveland’s 66 wins, compiling a 65-17 record and going 36-5 at home. They were also 14-2 in their division, which was the best division record of any team in the league.
Oddsmakers have made the defending champion Boston Celtics 11/2 long shots to win this year’s NBA Finals. Even though the Celtics will have two key components from their championship run of last year in Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, there’s a real possibility that star Kevin Garnett will miss the entire postseason.
The San Antonio Spurs also have major injury concerns, as they’ll be without slasher Manu Ginobili for the entire postseason. Oddsmakers clearly don’t like the Spurs’ chances without Ginobili, as they’ve made then 20/1 long shots.
Some teams that hold a ton of value are the youthful Portland Trailblazers (30/1), who gave the Lakers fits during the regular season. The Orlando Magic (13/1) had a poor April, but could surprise in the East, while the No. 2 seed in the West, the Denver Nuggets, are a whopping 20/1 long shot.
For complete 2009 NBA Finals odds for all the postseason teams, see below.
2009 NBA Finals Odds to Win – NBA Finals Playoff Odds
Atlanta Hawks 70/1
Boston Celtics 11/2
Chicago Bulls 125/1
Cleveland Cavaliers 5/4
Dallas Mavericks 50/1
Denver Nuggets 20/1
Detroit Pistons 200/1
Houston Rockets 25/1
Los Angeles Lakers 3/2
Miami Heat 80/1
New Orleans Hornets 40/1
Orlando Magic 13/1
Philadelphia 76ers 200/1
Portland Trailblazers 30/1
San Antonio Spurs 20/1
Utah Jazz 65/1
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Posted: 4/16/09 10:09PM ET