NBA season betting odds & preview: LeBron, Heat win again

I know, I know. Nobody likes when you pick the favorite, but that’s where I’m going with the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship.

Let’s get one thing straight though – the Miami Heat, priced at +150 at Sports Interaction to win the 2014 NBA Championship, is no value pick. There’s absolutely no reason to lay down +150 on a team to win the title, even a team as strong from top to bottom as the Heat. If anything, wait for a while until Miami goes into a bit of a funk before you pull the trigger. Maybe Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh gets hurt and you see a shift in these odds – that’s when you jump on this bet if it’s one you like.

Outside of Miami, Chicago (+1000) is the big wild card in the East and if Derrick Rose stays healthy, the Bulls have a shot at knocking Miami off its perch and you know the Brooklyn Nets can make a run if they’re healthy in the playoffs. In the West, look to the Clippers or Grizzlies to take a step past the Spurs this season.

So, if you’re asking me who is lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy this year, I still like LeBron James and Miami. But I’m not betting the Heat at this price. Wait it out or take a look at a few of the sleepers above.

Other bets of note

Rookie of the year

If you’re looking for value, how about Anthony Bennett at +1200? He’s going to get a pile of minutes with a Cavs team that’s improving quickly and has the build to make an impact in the show immediately. Say what you will about preseason, but Bennett’s starting to look more comfortable in Cleveland’s offence.

Team win/loss totals:

Oklahoma City Thunder over/under 51 wins: Over. Oklahoma City and Kevin Durant are ready to take the league by storm again. Mark it down: If LeBron James gets injured, Kevin Durant at +350 is absolutely the best MVP bet on the board.

Brooklyn Nets over/under 52.5 wins: Under. Just too much going on here. The move to Brooklyn, a completely overhauled starting lineup filled with injury-prone veterans, and more Jay Z hype than you can shake a Yankee cap at. All of that is playing into this number. It’s at least four wins too high.

Toronto Raptors over/under 35.5 wins: Over. Trust me, I’m not a crazy Raptors believer, but this team has a different feel about this year. They won’t be pushed around and Masai Ujiri has done some great things already with this roster. The Raps will be a scrappy team and should make the playoffs.