2011-2012 NBA Eastern Conference Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the East

2011-2012 NBA Eastern Conference Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers to Win the Eastern Conference: Last season, the Miami Heat overcame an up and down regular season to win the Eastern Conference. Even though they came up short in the finals, LeBron James and company are the defending conference champs. Of course, getting back to the finals won’t be a walk in the park. The Eastern Conference has a blend of youth and experience, and both can be equally dangerous. For what it’s worth, the last three seasons have seen three different teams advance to the finals.  

2011-2012 NBA Eastern Conference Favorites

After winning an NBA-high 62 games last season, the core of the Chicago Bulls returns intact to make another run in 2011-12. With defending MVP Derrick Rose running the show, it’s tough to see this team slowing down much. Forward Luol Deng is a versatile scorer, and center Joakim Noah leads an interior defense that is among the best in the league. Chicago has length, speed and athleticism, and most importantly, they are dedicated on the defensive end. Rose should only improve as he gains experience and expands his game, and the Bulls should only be better as a result of last season’s playoff disappointment.

The Miami Heat has been criticized relentlessly for last year’s collapse in the NBA Finals. That being said, the team was actually ahead of schedule by reaching nearly winning the championship in the first year of the LeBron James era. Granted, James has to avoid his fourth quarter disappearing act if the Heat are ever going to win a title, but this is still the same team that steamrolled its way through the Eastern Conference during the playoffs. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and James should only be better after a year to get adjusted to playing together, and the front office will make sure the supporting cast is improved. There is no reason Miami can’t win the conference for the second year in a row.

2011-2012 NBA Eastern Conference Contenders

Some will argue that the lack of practice time and condensed caused by the lockout will hurt a veteran team like the Boston Celtics, but a shorter season also means less stress on older legs. Boston is still the team to beat in the Atlantic Division, and the Celtics still play some of the best half court offense and defense in the NBA. At the end of the day, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are still a trio that can make some noise. The play of point guard Rajon Rando will ultimately determine how far this team goes, but the Celtics’ physical defense will make them a tough out.

As long as the Orlando Magic has center Dwight Howard, the team is going to be a part of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The trick for the Orlando front office is to surround Howard with the right parts. Specifically, the Magic needs a secondary scorer that can create their own shot. In the meantime, the team is essentially Howard surrounded by a bunch of 3-point gunners. When Orlando is hitting from the perimeter, it can compete with any team in the NBA. However, they are player away from being able to win a playoff series against one of the big dogs in the conference.

2011-2012 NBA Eastern Conference Sleepers

The blockbuster mid-season trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony didn’t help the New York Knicks win come playoff time. However, Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups should only get better with more court time together. While the trio of stars should lead to plenty of points and plenty of highlights, the Knicks still need to find a defensive identity. Neither Stoudemire nor Anthony is known for their defense, and until the Knicks stop relying solely on offense to win, they are going to struggle to win in the playoffs. That being said, a team with as much talent as the Knicks is always dangerous.

Although they finished an unexciting 41-41 last season, the Philadelphia 76ers could take the next step this season. The team has a nice blend of youth and experience, and forward Andre Iguodala has star potential. The 76ers need point guard Jrue Holiday and shooting guard Evan Turner to continue to develop, but if they can take the next step while forward Elton Brand still has some life left in him, Philadelphia could give the top teams fits.

2011-2012 NBA Odds to win The Eastern Conference
1701 Atlanta Hawks +2625
1702 Boston Celtics +725
1703 Charlotte Bobcats +6525
1704 Chicago Bulls +325
1705 Cleveland Cavaliers +10500
1706 Detroit Pistons +4855
1707 Indiana Pacers +6525
1708 Miami Heat -105
1709 Milwaukee Bucks +4525
1710 New Jersey Nets +2175
1711 New York Knicks +1255
1712 Orlando Magic +955
1713 Philadelphia 76ers +6525
1714 Toronto Raptors +8525
1715 Washington Wizards +9575

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