Eastern Conference Series Odds

The 2011 NBA playoffs start on Saturday April 16th, so now is the time to get your bets down on who will win each series in the Eastern Conference. Leading sports betting shop Sportsbook.com has posted odds on all the first round playoff series.

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Indiana Pacers
Season series: Bulls 3-1
Series odds: Bulls -4000, Pacers +2000

The Bulls dominated the second half of the regular season and surged to first-place in the West. MVP-candidate Derrick Rose makes the whole operation tick but, while he can be counted on for a huge effort, the team needs Carlos Boozer to turn things around. Boozer suffered a major drop off after the All-Star break, averaging about 15 points per game (compared to 19.3 per game before the break).

Indiana has a group of rock-solid players, including Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert, Mike Dunleavy and Tyler Hansbrough. All five averaged double-figures in scoring this season, but none are capable of taking over an entire series—putting the Pacers in a tough spot with Rose and Co. on tap.

2. Miami Heat vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers
Season series: Heat 3-0
Series odds: Heat -2000, 76ers +1200

Miami and the Big Three had plenty of ups and downs this season, but they still flirted with 60 wins and claimed second place in the East. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have figured things out for the most part but, if they have an off game—which has happened occasionally this season—is anybody else on the team capable of stepping up? It didn’t happen during the regular season.

Philadelphia has a great defender in Andre Iguodala, but he can’t cover both James and Wade. The 76ers might simply lack the scoring punch to pull off an epic upset, as Elton Brand paced the team with just 15.1 points per game. Iguogala was second at 14.1, but he’ll have his hands full at the other end of the floor.

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. New York Knicks
Season series: Celtics 4-0
Series odds: Celtics -400, Knicks +300

The Celtics seem to have way too much turmoil heading into the playoffs for a No. 3 team. Coach Doc Rivers admits his players are frustrated with their play, particularly on defense. They won’t be carrying much momentum into the playoffs, as starters Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Ranjon Rondo are being rested at the end of the regular season. Boston needs a spark.

The Knicks are making their first playoff appearance since 2004. Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups have formed a respectable three-headed monster and, after several weeks of uneven play, they’re all on the same page now. Stoudemire’s wonky knees should be well-rested, too, as he sat out the final four games of the regular season.

4. Orlando Magic vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks
Season series: Hawks 3-1
Series odds: Magic -400, Hawks +300

Orlando drew the worst possible first-round matchup it could, getting the Hawks, who beat them three times to one this season. The Magic have just never really got going this season, with long winning streaks a true rarity. Consistency is crucial in the postseason, and Dwight Howard seems to be the only player on the team to have any. Howard could be the major X-factor, as he’s certainly good enough to win a series all by himself.

Atlanta was painful to watch at times this season—particularly toward the end of the year, when the Hawks showed absolutely no effort. Like Orlando, Atlanta suffers from terrible bouts of inconsistency, and “star” player Joe Johnson can be counted on for a stinker just as much as a big-time performance. It’s going to be tough to trust either team in this series, as both often find ways to lose.