2013/14 NBA outright odds preview

2013/14 NBA outright odds preview

By Michael Gales Oct 16, 2013

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The Heat might be huge favourites at Pinnacle Sports to win a third consecutive NBA title, but what are the chances of the other big contenders causing an upset? Can Garnett inspire the Nets, will the Spurs last the distance and is it too early for the Rockets? Read an in-depth guide to the top 12 NBA contenders.

Heat huge favourites to win third consecutive title

With minimal player turnover in the offseason – losing just Mike Miller – it’s unsurprising that the Miami Heat are the huge 2.830* preseason favourites to secure a third consecutive NBA title. Since the arrival of the Big 3 – LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh – the Heat have reached three straight NBA finals, losing one and winning two.

After dominating the NBA in the last two years, one may question their motivation to win another title. However, you need to look no further than the Heat’s executive Pat Riley who is aiming to match Phil Jackson’s run of three-peats in the modern era, at the LA Lakers (2000-2002) and twice before with the Bulls (1991-1993 & 1996-1998).

James would also like to match the games’ greats such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, by being the team’s focal point for three straight NBA title successes.

If the Heat are going to claim a third successive title they will rely on the genius of James, who last season secured his fourth MVP award in five seasons. Wade also had a strong season last time out but struggled once more with injuries – his variable health on the court is a constant cause for concern.

The Heat won 66 Regular season games last season, buoyed by a remarkable 27 win streak. They are offered at 1.746* to go over 61 wins in 2013/14, which is similar to the expectations before last season.

Sweet smell of Rose restores Bulls dreams

The return of leader Derrick Rose – out injured for a year – sees the Chicago bulls offered at 10.070* to lift the NBA title this year.

His return will make a big difference for the team offensively, possibly surging them towards 60-plus wins, which they achieved in his last two full seasons.

Coach Tom Thibodeau always gets the most out of the Bulls, and despite hints of creakiness with a couple of players, they could easily be the Heat’s main concern come playoff time.

They progressed to the Conference semi-final last year without their talisman, so the question remains – will his return make a significant difference as they go in search of a first NBA title since 1998?

Defense key to Pacers challenge

Last season the Pacers came within one game of the NBA Finals, falling in seven games to the eventual champions, The Miami Heat. They have retained the same core, but have improved in depth – particularly in offense. Could this propel them to the NBA Promised Land 12.380*?

The Pacers’ strength is in defence – with their throwback style from the sports physical past they almost beat the Heat last year by counteracting Miami’s small, athletic line-ups with their bruising play.

One negative for the Pacers is the loss of prize-assistant Brian Shaw – who has taken the top job at the Denver Nuggets. However, the first year after losing a key assistant rarely provides an impact.

Can Garnett inspire the Nets?

Brooklyn have improved their roster considerably in the offseason with the trio of Kevin Garnett (37), Paul Pierce (35) and Andrei Kirilenko adding leadership and a more defensive mind-set.

The additions make for a strong top seven, which is reflected in their Eastern Conference winner odds 6.250* and their outright NBA title odds 12.790*.

With Garnett and Pierce approaching the latter stages of their careers, minutes will need to be managed and that task will fall on the shoulders of first-time coach Jason Kidd. He will get plenty of help from defensive coach Lawrence Frank, while Garnett will give constant vocal support on the court.

The will of Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov is definitely there and declaring himself all-in for the next two years with an enormous payroll.

What of the Knicks?

Last season the Knicks put together their best regular season since 1996-97 – winning 54 games – and won their division for the first time since 1994.

This offseason saw the addition of Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani. One is on his last legs, while the man dubbed the next ‘Dirk Nowitzki’ is looking to salvage downward spiralling perceptions after a tough two years at the Toronto Raptors.

The main challenge will be how well coach Mike Woodson can maximize his line-up rotation. On talent alone, they are solid, but as a team likely to go far in the playoffs, most are sceptical – reflected in the odds of 30.530*.

Can the ageing Spurs last the distance?

The timeless Spurs reached the NBA finals last year, and have surprised many by continuing to perform at such a high level – they were minutes away from beating the Heat last year. However they are another year older. In every sport athletes reach an age when serious decline sets in, could this be the year the Spurs fall off the cliff?

In 2012/13 Tim Duncan reversed the clock with a new training regime and seemed as good as he was several years prior. But for one injury phase Tony Parker was in the MVP discussion around midseason period, while Manu Ginobili has the least ‘tread’ left on his tyres and is the most injury prone.

One thing to keep in mind is that Leonard and Green are a two-way duo already seasoned enough to help win many games the veterans may miss through injury, and be sure not to underestimate the NBA’s best coach Gregg Popovich.

While a return to the NBA Finals will be a tough road, this squad continues to find a way to win and odds of 12.600* for the title suggest this.

Oklahoma City second favourites for second-ever title

With the expected return of Russell Westbrook roughly five weeks into the campaign, he will rejoin Kevin Durant in their blend as one of the most intimidating and athletic duos in NBA. Kevin Martin has gone, so the Thunder may lack shooting prowess off the bench.

Westbrook’s downtime may impact the Thunder enough to place them as a mid-seed entering the playoffs. The Thunder are at 7.820* to win the championship, but might have to take a couple of road playoff series’ and survive with a thin bench for the dream to become a reality.

Can Doc Rivers inspire the Clippers?

The Clippers registered their first 50-win season and division championship in their 44-year history last year, and by the general consensus have made a major coaching upgrade by bringing in Doc Rivers to replace Vinny Del Negro. In addition to the staff changes, on the court they re-signed Chris Paul, and brought in J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley and a couple of other bench additions.

Nonetheless, it could take time for Rivers to implement his new regime and improve a team, which are coming off the back of their best season. He will look to improve DeAndre Jordan and keep Chris Paul healthy.

The Clippers have a good shot at leading the West in regular season wins (2.180* to go over 57.5), but are they playoff tough enough (13.500* to win title)?

Is it too early for the Rockets?

Houston beat the competition to sign Dwight Howard – three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.  Beyond raising Houston’s defensive status, Howard joins All-Star James ‘The Beard’ Harden creating a tandem that should give opposing defenses something to think about? Despite recent injuries and reported attitude problems, the first signs look positive, as Howard has embraced coach Kevin McHale, Harden and his new surroundings.

With a number of other additions to the roster the jury will be out to see if they can gel quickly enough to become a deep threat this season.

However it may take time for them to become a formidable force they are offered at 13.650* to win their first NBA title since 1995.

Can the Golden State Warriors shine?

The Warriors will aim to push the Clippers all the way in the Pacific division. They became everyone’s second team last year during their ousting of the Nuggets in Round 1 before falling in six to the eventual Western Conference champions The Spurs.

They have signed the 2012 All-Star Andre Iguodala, while keeping all their main assets. The key will be the health of both Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut – with Curry’s good health a driving force behind their success last season.

He set an NBA record with 272 3-pointers and combined with Klay Thompson for 483 makes from behind the arc – the most by any tandem in NBA history. Odds of 21.000* suggest they are outside challengers for the NBA title.

Can Joerger keep the Grizzlies roaring?

Memphis 28.000* were just one series short of the NBA finals last year, and they will attempt to go one better. The Grizzlies have a solid starting five, but the depth of the squad will determine how far Memphis can go. New coach David Joerger – previously their defensive coach –takes over from Lionel Hollins – can he get his ideas across early?

The Nuggets have a new look

The Denver team has a completely different look from five months ago, having lost Andre Iguodala, Kosta Koufos and Corey Brewer and replaced them with JJ Hickson, Nate Robinson and Randy Foye. However, one of the biggest changes is on the bench, as Brian Shaw has replaced George Karl.

So what does that mean for a Nuggets team coming off a 57-win season? The loss of Iguodala will be huge defensively, and Danilo Gallinari’s health concerns carry over from late last year.

Shaw was NBA’s highest paid assistant and greatly coveted by a number of teams for a head coach spot. However, the absence of Karl means a loss of in game experience an offensive creativity.

The Nuggets may soon bounce off the strength of the their solid core but odds of 59.960* suggest that deep playoff prospects appear to be a couple of years away, at least this year’s championship has come a tad early.

Click here for the latest NBA odds.

*Odds subject to change

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