Last Updated on April 16, 2009 10:47 pm by Anthony Rome
West Conference Odds
It’s that time of year again – time for the NBA playoffs to kick off. Oddsmakers favor Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers to emerge out of the Western Conference.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBG Global have made the Lakers massive 1/4 favorites to win the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant’s team ran away with the West this season, compiling a 65-17 record, including an outstanding 44-8 conference record and an equally impressive 14-2 division record.
Obviously oddsmakers still think highly of the San Antonio Spurs, who are 8/1 long shots to win the Western Conference. The Spurs took a huge hit when they lost guard Manu Ginobili for the entire postseason, but they’re a veteran squad led by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. They’ll still be a tough out, even without Manu.
After the Lakers and Spurs, the No. 2 seed Denver Nuggets have the next best odds at 10/1. Ever since they added a true point guard in Chauncey Billups to run their offense, the Nuggets began playing outstanding basketball. They finished 33-8 at home, but struggled a bit on the road in going 21-20.
The Houston Rockets and Portland Trailblazers are both 14/1 long shots to emerge out of the West, but they could be decent values if they can get hot. Same goes for the New Orleans Hornets, who took the Spurs to the brink last year before finally falling in seven games.
For complete 2009 Western Conference odds for all the postseason teams, see below.
2009 NBA Western Conference Odds to Win – Western Conference Playoff Odds
Dallas Mavericks 30/1
Denver Nuggets 10/1
Houston Rockets 14/1
Los Angeles Lakers 1/4
New Orleans Hornets 20/1
Portland Trailblazers 14/1
San Antonio Spurs 8/1
Utah Jazz 30/1
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Posted: 4/16/09 10:47PM ET