The Spurs are 46-10 at the All-Star break but bettors aren't buying into the idea that the NBA's last battles will be waged at the Alamo. After All-Star Weekend, the favorite for the NBA Championship is still the Miami Heat. San Antonio is a +500 underdog (roughly 5/1) on the latest NBA championship odds list at most shops tracked by SBNation.com's lines provider OddsShark.com.
After All-Star Weekend, LeBron James’ And The Heat Still Favored For The 2011 NBA Championship
“That underscores the opinion that the West title still goes through Los Angeles, despite how lousy they have been playing, and the East will be a dogfight between Miami and Boston,” said Mark Presley of OddsShark.com. “The odds more closely resemble the power rankings than the standings.”
The festivities of all-star weekend provide some lighthearted fun for the NBA’s players and fans, but they also serve as a reminder that the playoffs are right around the corner. From this point forward, the NBA’s best teams will jostle for top seeds and try to round into form in preparation for a deep playoff run. Here are the up-to-date NBA odds from OddsShark.com to win the championship.
Miami Heat 41-15 (+160) - After stumbling out to a 9-8 start, some started to question whether or not the Heat were a legitimate contender; but since then, it's been smooth sailing. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are both ranked in the top four in scoring in the NBA, and along with Chris Bosh, they will be tough to beat. They open the second half at home against the Kings Tuesday.
San Antonio Spurs 46-10 (+500) - Don't tell Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan that age was supposed to have slowed them down! The Spurs were the NBA's best team before the all-star break, and have the makeup and championship experience to go all the way. Durability is the only question mark for this team, but they've shown no signs of slowing down.
Boston Celtics 40-14 (+300) - While perhaps best known for their star power on offense with the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen along with star point guard Rajon Rondo, it's the Celtics' league-best defense that makes them so dangerous. Allowing just 91.1 points per game, the Celtics have the ability to stifle high-powered offenses.
Los Angeles Lakers 38-19 (+300) - The Lakers couldn't have entered the all-star break in a worse way, losing by 20 to Charlotte and then losing to the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers. There is plenty of reason for concern, but whether it's a big trade or a re-focus come playoff time, it's hard to rule the two-time defending champions out. They will get a tough test Tuesday at home to the Hawks.
Dallas Mavericks 40-16 (+1500) - Will this finally be the year that Dallas takes the next step? Outside of a 3-10 slump (in which Dirk Nowitzki missed nine games with a knee injury), the Mavericks have looked every bit as elite as the teams currently atop the league standings. Needless to say, Nowitzki will need to stay healthy.
Other contenders' odds include the Chicago Bulls (+1500), Orlando Magic (+1500), and Oklahoma City Thunder (+2500). Dark horses include the Atlanta Hawks (+10000), Portland Trail Blazers (+20000), New Orleans Hornets (+4000), and New York Knicks (+4000).
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