Odds To Win 2011 NBA Eastern Conference

Future Betting Odds

The Boston Celtics may not be playing their best basketball of the season right now but they're still the favorites to claim the Eastern Conference at bodog.com.

The Celtics are currently even money favorite on the East futures. Boston has had a few rough games in March and have posted a 7-4 record in the month. Nagging injuries to a few starter like Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis haven't helped matter, but that should be cleared up by the postseason. The return of injured big men Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal for the playoffs would also be good news for Boston.

Following Boston on the East futures list is the Miami Heat at +140. The Heat began the regular season as the East favorite, but a poor start to the second half and inability to beat the other top powers in the East has caused them to drop down. The Heat have come together recently with five wins in their last six, but they need to prove they can beat the other contenders in the East. So far this season Miami is a combined 0-6 against Boston and Chicago.

And what about Chicago? The Bulls have won 10 of their last 11 games to rocket to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Derrick Rose has been playing MVP-caliber basketball and could bring the award back to the Windy City if he can keep the Bulls on top of the East. Earning home court advantage thoughout the playoffs could be huge for the Bulls because they are 31-4 at the United Center this season.

The dark horse in the East is the Orlando Magic, who've fallen to +800 on the East futures. Orlando was supposed to challenge Boston and Miami for the East crown but they've been so inconsistent and haven't looked like a championship contender. Orlando still has top talent, led by Dwight Howard and if they can finally put it together and get hot entering the postseason they could surprise and be worth the risk at such lucrative odds.

Eastern Conference Championship Odds : as of March 24/2011 at bodog.com.

• Boston even
• Miami +140
• Chicago +175
• Orlando +800
• New York +3000
• Atlanta +4000
• Philadelphia +10000
• Indiana +50000
• Milwaukee +50000
• New Jersey +100000
• Charlotte +100000
• Detroit +250000