2008-09 Eastern Conference Championship Odds

The 2008-09 NBA Odds is now.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 2008-09 Eastern Conference NBA Championship Odds, followed by a comment on each team and their individual chances of actually winning the conference title.

The Best Bets

Boston Celtics +135

The Celtics are clearly the class of the conference now and already look like they will reach the conference finals at the very least. Don’t expect any of Boston’s ‘Big Three’ to suddenly become complacent after finally winning the first NBA Championship of their respective careers.

Detroit Pistons +300

Say what you like about Detroit’s postseason failures the past few years, the Pistons will back in 2008-09 with one of the best and most experienced teams in the conference – and a legitimate shot at reaching the NBA Finals.

Best Long Shots

Cleveland Cavaliers +600

Yes, the team still needs better complimentary players to support superstar LeBron James, but the fact of the matter is that James, almost single-handedly, has carried the Cavaliers to the Eastern Finals in each of the last two seasons.

Orlando Magic +1100

The Magic should be better in 2008-09 because of experience if nothing else. This team has shooters, a solid point guard and one of the most unstoppable low post players in the game. Now, if only Dwight Howard could learn to make a jump shot.

Philadelphia 76ers +1000

They may not be ready to take the conference title just yet, but they are certainly making a serious push to move in that direction. Don’t get caught by surprise by the Sixers in 2008-09.

Toronto Raptors +800

Adding Jermaine O’Neal to go along with talented forward Chris Bosh gives the Raptors one of the best front lines in the Eastern Conference – and a legitimate shot at causing some legitimate damage in the East next season.

Washington Wizards +2000

I love the fact that the Wizards can score on any team in the league and I expect them to win at least one or two postseason rounds in 2008-09. It’s too bad no one besides Caron Butler, likes to play any defense.

Not Gonna’ Happen

Atlanta Hawks +2000

The Hawks dropped the ball big-time this offseason after their thrilling postseason run last season, losing sixth-man Josh Childress to a Greek club, while also watching high-flying forward Josh Smith try really, really hard to get out of Atlanta.

Charlotte Bobcats +3000

This team took a step in the right direction by hiring Hall of Fame head coach Larry Brown to lead this young club, but the Bobcats are at least two or three years away from scaring anyone.

Chicago Bulls +1100

The Bulls have plenty of talent but also have far too much youth, not to mention a first-time head coach in Vinny Del Negro, to overtake some of the more experienced teams in the Eastern Conference this season.

Indiana Pacers +3000

The Pacers made some really smart offseason moves to address some of their offseason concerns, but will need at least another year or two in order to really compete with the best teams in the East.