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East Conference NBA

NBA: Great Value in the East

With their fast start, the Boston Celtics are the most hyped team in the NBA, being displayed ad nauseam on television, radio, print and the internet.

But if you think Boston has already wrapped up the East, think again. This conference is deeper than you think and at least half a dozen teams have a real shot of making the NBA Finals.

We take a quick look at every team in the East and list the most up-to-date conference odds here at Sportsbook.com.

The Conference Elite

Boston (2:3), Detroit (3:1), Orlando (7:1), Cleveland (14:1), Atlanta (15:1).

Boston’s regular season dominance is unquestioned, but the ‘Big Three’ of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen still need to prove it in the postseason.

Detroit already beat the Celtics in Boston and many think their playoff experience would help them prevail in a seven-game series.

Orlando has played very well on the road this year, and any team with the powerful Dwight Howard will be dangerous come playoff time.

It’s hard to remember that Cleveland won the Eastern Conference last year. While it may not happen again, these odds are still attractive.

Atlanta has come on strong since the beginning of the season and they are turning a lot of people into believers. Are you one of them?

Don’t Forget About Us

Toronto (17:1), Chicago (20:1), New Jersey 20:1), Miami (15:1),
Washington (25:1).

Toronto has been ravaged by injuries, but they can make things interesting once they get everyone back healthy.

Chicago hopes the firing of coach Scott Skiles can help ignite a team that has enough talent to make it to the NBA Finals.

New Jersey has their own Big Three of Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter and they could be dangerous when Nenad Krstic returns.

Miami is playing nothing like a championship contender and there’s no indication they will start to either.

Washington has hung surprisingly tough without guard Gilbert Arenas. Can they make a conference run when he finally returns?

Wait Till Next Year?

Milwaukee (35:1), Indiana (35:1), Philadelphia (75:1) New York (200:1), Charlotte (200:1).

Milwaukee’s Yi Jianilan has answered a lot of his critics with some solid play, but this team is trending downwards.

Indiana’s Jim O’Brien is one of the NBA’s most underrated coaches, but there’s only so much he can do with this underwhelming roster.

Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala is turning into a great player, but the 76ers still need to add at least a couple more pieces around him.

The fact that New York’s Isiah Thomas still has a job is one of the eight wonders of the world. But this team isn’t going anywhere with him still in charge.

Charlotte has too much talent to be playing this poorly. While a championship run is a huge long shot, expect them to start playing better.



by Basketball