Basketball 
/ Nick Shiambouros / 15 February 2011 / Leave a Comment Ray Allen has been in sparkling form for Boston
"The Celtics are the most complete team in basketball and the [5.8] on offer is very generous."
With over half the season completed it's time to look ahead and assess the chances of the teams who could be in contention to win this year's championship. Nick Shiambouros provides the rundown.
Eastern Conference
Miami Heat [3.25]
At the start of the season I wasn't convinced that this team could win the championship. I underestimated them and they're now only half a game behind Boston in the Conference, playing some outstanding basketball. My only concern with the star studded rotation is their ability to score points off the bench. I think their current price is a little short.
Boston Celtics [5.8]
The Celtics are having a superb year and are playing at a very high level. The veteran team is determined to finish the season well and secure home court advantage throughout the playoffs. I think this is the most complete team in basketball and the odds on offer are very generous. They have one of the deepest benches in the league and are the team to beat.
Orlando Magic [19.0]
By their standards, the Magic have had a moderate year. In sixth place in the East, they have not played with any real conviction all season long. I do not think they have the chemistry to challenge for the title and their current price is ludicrously short.
Chicago Bulls [21.0]
The Bulls are having a super year, currently third in the East. Derrick Rose has developed in to one of the best point guards in basketball and is my choice to win the MVP. If this team can get healthy they could be a threat to all in the playoffs. Well worth an interest at the current price.
Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers [5.5]
The reigning champs have drifted in the market after an indifferent first half of the season. But they're starting to play with a lot more intensity and look certain to make an impact in the post-season. They remain the team to beat in the West and are fairly priced to win the title.
San Antonio Spurs [7.2]
This team has the best record in basketball at 46-9. Tim Duncan and company have played at an incredibly high level all season and show no signs of letting up. If they continue to play at this level they will secure home court advantage and make plenty of noise in the post-season. The price on offer is more than fair.
Dallas Mavericks [22.0]
The Mavs are having a great year and look certain to make a bold bid in the post- season. This veteran team has plenty of depth and is led by the great Dirk Nowitzki who is desperate to win his first NBA title. They will be tough to handle in the playoffs and are worth a small interest at the current price.
Oklahoma City Thunder [30.0]
This young team is having another solid year, currently fourth in the West with a record of 34-19. Kevin Durant is the heartbeat but I think they are a couple of years away from reaching the level required to win a title.
Recommended bets:
Back Boston to win the NBA championship at [5.8]
Back Chicago to win the NBA championship at [21.0]
Back Derrick Rose to be MVP at [3.65]
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