2011-2012 NBA Central Division Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the NBA Central Division: To say that at Central Division was top heavy last season would be an understatement. The Chicago Bulls won more games than any other team in the NBA last season and easily won the division. However, only two teams from the division made the playoffs, which was the fewest in the conference. Not to mention that the Indiana Pacers were the other playoff representative from the division despite a 37-45 record. Depth is not the strong suit of this division.
2011-2012 NBA Central Division Odds and Preview
- Chicago Bulls (62-20 last season)
Led by defending MVP Derrick Rose, the Bulls powered their way to the best record in the NBA. While Rose’s sudden ascent to stardom was a big reason for the team’s success, the dedication to defense helped as well. Joakim Noah is at the center of a long and athletic group of big men that make scoring in the paint next to impossible for opponents. Perhaps most importantly, Chicago absolutely dominated within the division, compiling a 15-1 record, and a repeat performance should be in order. The Bulls should remain unchallenged in the Central Division this season.
- Milwaukee Bucks (35-47 last season)
The Bucks have the look of a team that can step up and grab one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference this season. Point guard Brandon Jennings needs to improve his shot selection, but he is still a young, explosive scorer. Milwaukee will also benefit from a full season from center Andrew Bogut, who led the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game last season. The addition of forward Stephen Jackson provides the team with extra perimeter firepower, and the Bucks have a useful mixture of skilled and physical big men. Add it all up, and Milwaukee should make the postseason.
- Indiana Pacers (37-45 last season)
Making the playoffs is the ultimate goal of any team, but at eight games below .500, the Pacers aren’t exactly a lock to return to the postseason. The Pacers struggled to find an identity for most of the year. At times, the offense was run through center Roy Hibbert. At other times, point guard Darren Collison and forward Danny Granger controlled the offense from the perimeter. Until Indiana decides what type of team it wants to be on the offensive end and who the main parts of the rotation will be, inconsistent play will remain an issue.
- Detroit Pistons (30-52 last season)
Despite resigning Tayshaun Prince, the Pistons are still in full rebuilding mode. Big man Greg Monroe is the centerpiece of the young Pistons, and Austin Daye is an athletic scorer with a lot of potential. Ultimately, the development of rookie point guard Brandon Knight could determine how quickly Detroit makes the leap from potential to contender. At the end of the day, this is an inexperienced team, and it is going to take time before the Pistons become a playoff-caliber team once again.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (19-63 last season)
Year one without LeBron James ended with the Cavaliers having the worst record in the NBA. The light at the end of the tunnel was point guard Kyrie Irving. While Irving is projected to be a future star, it is going to take some time for Cleveland to rebound. Veterans Antawn Jamison and Baron Davis are the two most talented players on the roster, but neither is going to be a part of the long-term solution. The Cavaliers will make sure that Irving and fellow rookie Tristan Thompson will get plenty of court time, but the rewards won’t be seen for a few years.
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