Odds To Win 2011 NBA Championship

Future Betting Odds

A NBA title three-peat by the Los Angeles Lakers is the favorite on the latest NBA title futures at bodog.com.

It was just a month ago Kobe Bryant and company were starting to slip on the futures list after a tumultuous time on the court that saw them loss three straight. Since then the Lakers have rebounded quickly winning 13 of their last 14 to soar to the top of the Western conference and secure the top spot in the futures at +225.

The Lakers gain has been the Boston Celtics loss. Boston resides in the two hole on the odds list at +250. Boston has struggled at time in March, and have gone 7-4 SU so far. Bumps and bruises throughout the lineup to Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Glen Davis haven't helped matters either. Boston is also awaiting the return of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal and if both big men do return and produce it would strengthen Boston for a solid playoff run.

When the season began in the fall this was supposed to be the Miami Heat's year. The LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh triumvirate has had a hard time completely gelling and currently sit at +300 on the NBA futures. Miami has been much better lately with five wins in their last six, which includes wins over the Lakers and the Spurs. Of course, before that run the Heat had lost five in a row and if that version of the Heat shows up in the postseason there will be no victory parade in South beach this summer.

Rounding out the list of the NBA's legitimate contenders is Chicago and San Antonio, both at +350 on the odd chart. The Bulls have arguably been the best team in the NBA during the second half of the season. They're 10-1 in their last 11 games and Derrick Rose has become a front runner for the MVP. What's even more impressive is the Bulls rise has come while Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer have both missed at least some time with injuries. If the Bulls are fully healthy when the playoffs begin the rest of the league should watch out.

The Spurs NBA title hopes could have been crushed earlier this week. San Antonio remains at +350 on the odds list but that could change once a time table is set for Tim Duncan. The Spurs veteran suffered an ankle injury this week which could sideline an indeterminate amount of time. Without Duncan the Spurs playoff chances would take a major hit.

NBA Championship odds : as of March 24/2011 at bodog.com.

• LA Lakers +225
• Boston +250
• Miami +300
• Chicago +350
• San Antonio +350
• Dallas +900
• Oklahoma City +1000
• Orlando +2000
• New York +5000
• Denver +7500
• Portland +10000
• Atlanta +10000
• Phoenix +10000
• New Orleans +10000
• Memphis +20000
• Philadelphia +30000
• Houston +50000
• Milwaukee +100000
• Utah +100000
• Indiana +100000
• Charlotte +200000
• New Jersey +500000
• Detroit +500000