London, UK, April 21, 2005 – Sportsbook.com has posted odds on who will win the 2005 NBA Championship, as well as early lines on all the first round match-ups. San Antonio is the early favorite with 12-5 odds, followed closely by Shaquille O’Neal and the Miami Heat at 13-5 and the resurgent Phoenix Suns at 4-1. Defending champion Detroit is a 9-2 favorite to repeat.
Among the most intriguing first round battles this year will be the return of the Chicago Bulls, playing their first playoff game since the departure of Michael Jordan in 1998. The Bulls, led by young stars Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are a -130 favorite over the Washington Wizards. Boston and Indiana will square off for the third straight season as Reggie Miller plays his final post season after a tremendous career. The Celtics are also a -130 favorite. In the West, Dallas is a -200 favorite in their interstate showdown against Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets.
‘The playoffs are the most exciting time of the NBA season,’ says Peter Childs, Odds Maker, Sportsbook.com. ‘With so many new teams in the mix this year, like Phoenix and Miami, picking the winner won’t be easy. This should be one of the most stirring playoffs in years.’
First Round Odds
EAST
Miami (-1000) – over – New Jersey (+700)
Detroit (-1100) – over – Philadelphia (+800)
Boston (-130) – over – Indiana (+110)
Chicago (-130) – over – Washington (+110)
WEST
Phoenix (-1000) – over – Memphis (+700)
San Antonio (-500) – over – Denver (+400)
Sacramento (-120) – over – Seattle (Even)
Dallas (-200) – over – Houston (+170)
NBA Champions
San Antonio Spurs – 12-5
Miami Heat – 13-5
Phoenix Suns – 4-1
Detroit Pistons – 9-2
Dallas Mavericks – 13-1
Chicago Bulls – 60-1
Memphis Grizzlies – 150-1
Possible NBA Finals Match-ups
San Antonio vs. Miami – 3-1
Phoenix vs. Miami – 4-1
San Antonio vs. Detroit – 9-2
Memphis vs. Philadelphia – 3,500 -1
Complete odds and propositions on the NBA playoffs can be found at www.sportsbook.com.
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