It didn’t take long for the Syracuse Orange to fall in the college basketball national rankings. Even after opening their season with 20 straight wins, the Orange fell from the top spot down to No. 3 after dropping a 67-58 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at South Bend on Saturday. The fact that the Orange had taken down ranked opponents in Florida and Marquette on the way to setting a new program record with 20 wins to open the season apparently wasn’t significant enough to warrant Syracuse remaining at the top after losing to an unranked conference opponent, but while their perfect season is over the Orange aren’t worried yet. Then again, considering they will five of their final seven sports betting contests against teams that are currently in the top-25, including two away from home, maybe there is reason to believe that Syracuse being dropped all the way to No. 3 is foreshadowing of what is to come.

Taking their spot at No. 1 is the Kentucky Wildcats, which managed to withstand a tough test from an Alabama Crimson Tide team that pushed them to the wire on Saturday night in an eventual 77-71 win. The Wildcats have now won 11 straight games, and more importantly they have already beaten both the No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks and No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels this season. Kentucky was the top-ranked team in the country before losing a game at Indiana in mid-December, but with that standing as their only loss to this point it makes sense that the Wildcats are back at No. 1 after capitalizing as the pay head bookies’ favorite through 11-straight. The college basketball betting odds are against Kentucky remaining on top the rest of the way, but with the Orange facing such a tough stretch to close out their Big East schedule, perhaps it is another team that will bump the Wildcats out for top spot.

By keeping pace with Baylor in the Big 12 so far this year, the Missouri Tigers were rewarded with the No. 3 ranking in the latest updates. The Tigers took down the Baylor Bears last week to establish themselves as having the best chance in the conference at knocking off Kansas, with the first of two games between those teams scheduled for next week. Kansas comes in at No. 5 after taking down Baylor themselves, but with three losses already it makes sense that they haven’t moved any higher, even though they are a better team than the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes knocked off No. 8 Indiana on their own floor before blowing away Nebraska, and while they still have a lot to prove with Jared Sullinger leading the way, they may not have the depth for a deep run. There isn’t much in the way of these teams being listed as Betonline underdogs over the next couple of weeks so it is hard to envision a ton of change in the immediate future, but don’t expect this order to hold up long term.

When the former No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels fell to the unranked UNLV Rebels on Saturday night, it was labeled a shocking loss for the favorites for obvious reasons. After all, it marked the first time since 2006 that the top-seeded team had lost a game in November, something that few would have projected given the endorsements that coach Roy Williams’ team had been getting leading in to this year. Then there is the fact that UNLV had not gotten nearly the same hype or acclaim heading in to the year as an unranked team, and that for whatever reason the sports betting experts never seem to concentrate on the meaning of games for certain teams in comparison with their opponents.

Considering that the Rebels were playing a game that to them was as much about proving they belonged as it was getting the final result in front of their home fans, while for North Carolina this was a stop in Las Vegas that could easily be full of distractions, it becomes a little easier to figure out what happened along the way. The Tar Heels were that team a year ago when they got the chance to beat the conference rival Duke Blue Devils for the chance to move ahead of them late in the ACC season. But now as the favorites with an absolutely loaded team, they allowed themselves to become the hunted rather than remain hunters. UNLV approached this game as though it was the last they would play this year, while the Tar Heels took it as just another insignificant pay head trip.

While the 5 dimes reviews game was significant in terms of the overall rankings, which pushed UNC back to fifth overall while allowing the Kentucky Wildcats to rise up as the undisputed No. 1. However, the Tar Heels won’t have to wait long for their shot at redemption, as they prepare for a showdown at Kentucky this Saturday that will have major implications on their early season outlook. Unlike their loss to UNLV when UNC was caught as the less focused and less prepared team, the Tar Heels can now regroup and get into the mindset of the hunters rather than the hunted.

With Harrison Barnes and John Henson leading the way, North Carolina has the talent to put up points with the best of them, but they need to play focused basketball to have a chance against the top teams in the nation. The Tar Heels rank third in assists per game and fifth in average points, and if they can work hard down low in their own end they should be able to handle the Kentucky offense. This Saturday’s matchup will be one of the early marquee contests, so it will be important for Williams’ squad to get back to the way they were performing when they swept their first five games, if not better as all NCAA basketball betting eyes will be on the Rupp Arena this weekend.

Even Online Belmont betting players will have one eye on the NBA Finals, and it’s one of the more intriguing matchups in a few years as Dallas and Miami met in a highly controversial Finals in 2006, and many feel the Heat were gifted a title due to officiating. However, the Mavericks have looked like the best team in the playoffs, so it’s going to be a great matchup when it tips off on Tuesday in Miami

Mavericks Heat Betting – Tuesday, 9:00 PM ET

In their 2006 matchup, in which the Heat won the last four games of the series, Miami went 4-2 SU and 2-4 ATS in six games, with four of those games going under the posted total. However, since then it’s been all Dallas as the Mavericks 10-0 SU and 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings against the Heat, with six games going over the posted total.

Dallas is 12-3 SU in the playoffs so far, along with a 12-2-1 ATS mark, and nine of those games have gone over the posted total. Miami is also 12-3 SU in the postseason with a 10-5 ATS mark, and again, nine of their games have gone over the posted total, so this is going to be a tough matchup for NBA betting players. The early lines have Miami as a -180 favorite, while Dallas is rated at +160 to keep the title in the West after the Lakers won it two
years in a row. This is going to be a difficult matchup to pick in your sports betting book.

As Cleveland basketball fans enter the eleventh month of their nightmarish post-LeBron, post-Decision existence, they finally have something to get excited about. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert sent his 14-year-old son Nick to the NBA Draft Lottery and the little guy walked out with two of the top four picks in the 2011 Draft, including the first overall pick. It only seems fair after they spent most of the season at the bottom of the NBA standings.

(Of course, if you ask Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn – continuing his impressive WWE-style heel turn – the lottery results were predetermined, because Nick has a serious nerve disorder. Or something.)

With their superstar gone, the team was predictably terrible in 2010-11, and needed the picks to rebuild their franchise. The turd in the punchbowl, though, is that there isn’t a player in this draft who is going to step in and immediately revitalize the moribund squad. What there is a group of potentially effective complimentary players who could be the base of a good team down the road.

All signs point to the Cavs drafting Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with their first pick. While the team already has options at the point with veteran Baron Davis – acquired from the Clippers mid-season – and Ramon Sessions already on the roster, Irving has much more upside than either, and should quickly develop into the steady distributor a winning team needs. He plays the position with great intelligence, vision and patience, but also scores with a combination of a smooth, deep jumper and good quickness.

If something changes and the Cavaliers’ management decides to go in a different direction, they could take a long look at Arizona forward Derrick Williams. With someone named Alonzo Gee playing significant minutes at small forward, the team desperately needs an upgrade at the position. Williams is a bit of a 3-4 tweener, but could potentially pair with J.J. Hickson to give the Cavs’ a talented pair of young forwards. Williams is an explosive finisher inside but can also step out to the three-point line, making him a frightening matchup for opposing defences.

Ultimately, though, Irving looks like he’ll be the guy at number one. What GM Chris Grant plans to do with the fourth pick is still very much in question.

He’ll likely look for more of a developmental project, someone who could emerge as a major contributor in a year or two. If Turkish big man Enes Kanter lasts beyond the top three, he would make sense. Anderson Varejao is the Cavs only viable centre, and is better served bringing his toughness, energy, and Sideshow Bob hair off the bench. Kanter is a physical center without many flaws in his game. Scouts don’t have a lot of game film on him as the NCAA ruled him ineligible to play college ball, but from what most have seen, he might be one of the few players in this draft pool with All-Star potential.

If the rebuilding Cavs can grab both Irving and Kanter, grieving basketball fans in Cleveland can start feeling good about their team once again.

For three or four years, discussion of the world’s best basketball player centred around Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Dwyane Wade might sneak into the conversation on occasion, but the NBA community basically fell into two camps – LeBron or Kobe.

In the last year or so, Kobe has started to decline while LeBron has only improved, clearly establishing himself as the league’s premier superstar.

Unfortunately for King James, a new challenger for the title emerged this season. Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, in only his third season, became the youngest ever player to win the NBA’s MVP award, leading Chicago to the top of the NBA standings and setting up a showdown with LeBron and Wade’s Miami Heat.

Rose’s rapid ascent has suddenly injected him into the best-player-alive discussion, one which the Eastern Conference Finals should provide plenty of fodder for.

Let’s take a look at how the two stack up.

Offense

Rose: Rose entered the league as one of the most athletically gifted point guards in years. He will casually probe the perimeter of the defence before taking off into the lane in the blink of an eye. He might have the quickest first step in the league, going from a stand-still to full speed before his defender can even react. That initial burst is compounded by a vicious crossover dribble that looks simple but drops defender after defender on their ass. He’s also a strong finisher with great touch on his floaters, and rivals Dwyane Wade in his ability to convert circus shots while being fouled.

Thanks to his athleticism, Rose scores at will. But he’s also an adept passer, ranking in the top 10 in assists despite a limited supporting cast.

His only weakness on offense is the limited range on his jump shot. He’s money from 18 feet, but his three-point stroke, while significantly improved

in 2011, still needs work.

LeBron: Despite their different positions, LeBron’s offensive strengths parallel Rose’s. Incredibly big for his position, and quick for his size, LBJ can effortlessly blow by anyone in the league, and is impossible to stop once he gets into the lane. He possesses incredible court vision and can make passes from anywhere, to anywhere. His mid-range game isn’t quite as steady as Rose’s, and shoots about as well from three.

Defence/Rebounding

Rose: Despite his size and athleticism, Rose isn’t the on-ball defender one might expect him to be. Under D-crazy head coach Tom Thibodeau, he’s improving, but he has the skill to be a lockdown guy on the perimeter and just isn’t there yet. He is a very good rebounder for a point guard, though, and can contest and block shots in transition with his incredible leaping ability.

LeBron: It took a few years, but James has emerged as the versatile, shutdown defender his size, strength, and awareness allows him to be. Able to share the offensive load with Wade, he’s been able to concentrate more on D without burning out. He can block shots, rebound, and play on- or off-ball defence exceptionally well.

Intangibles

Rose: In his first two seasons, the Bulls young guard didn’t display a fiery star mentality. He competed hard, but seemed like more of the strong, silent type. In 2010-11, however, he took over a team on the verge of contention, developed one of the best “f-you” sneers in the Association, and played harder than just about anybody. Overnight he has turned into one of the best leaders in basketball, far more concerned with winning than maximizing his endorsement deals.

LeBron: The “Global Icon” shunned his home state and sullied his legacy so he could hang out on the beach and play basketball with his buddies.

Overall – LeBron James

The two nearly cancel each other out on offense, both capable of carrying a team by themselves. Rose plays with an infectious intensity and enthusiasm, while LeBron coasts occasionally, but The King’s dominance at both ends of the floor allows him to keep the title of best basketball player alive. Rose was the most valuable, it may sound like a betonline com scam, but LeBron is still the best.

Round 3 of the 2011 NBA Playoffs pits two of the Association’s upstart young teams (Bulls, Thunder) against one group of haphazardly assembled superstars (Heat) and a squad of well-assembled former All-Stars in the twilight of their careers (Mavericks).

While the Conference Finals may lack brand recognition after the feeble Round 2 exits of the Celtics and Lakers, you could make the case that the four or five best basketball players in the world are all still playing, and both series could go deep.

Western Conference Finals – Dallas Mavericks (57-25, 3^rd seed) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27, 5^th)

The Thunder and Mavericks are two franchises at very different stages of development. The Thunder are led by Kevin Durant, a 22-year-old forward who scores as effortlessly and in as many different ways as anyone in basketball – and he’s probably still three or four years away from his entering his prime. He’s surrounded by an impressive cast of young, budding stars including super-athletic point Russell Westbrook and smooth two-guard James Harden.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, feature one of the most consistent veteran scorers the sport has ever seen. At 32, Dirk Nowitzki has established himself as the greatest European basketball player in history, and has been the lone constant on a Mavs team that has won at least 50 games for 11 straight seasons. His jump shot is still nearly unblockable, and in Game 1 he dispelled any notion that the length and athleticism of Serge Ibaka would bother him.

Dirk’s supporting cast certainly isn’t as exciting as the Thunder’s, but with guys like Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd playing significant minutes, they have plenty of playoff experience. The Jet can still take over a game off the bench, and J.J. Barea has emerged as a feisty scorer to take some of the load off of Dirk.

Prediction:If Game 1 is any indication, the Thunder simply have no answer for Dirk Nowitzki, who is quietly playing the best basketball of his career. Harden, Ibaka, and (especially) Westbrook have been exposed as a bit too volatile and inconsistent at this early juncture in their careers, while guys like Kidd and Tyson Chandler know their roles and let Dirk do most of the heavy lifting on offense. The Thunder should be able to run the older, slower Mavs off the court once or twice, and Durant might be able to match Dirk point-for-point, but OKC is just a bit too inconsistent to overcome Dallas’ steady, mature veteran squad. Mavs in 7.

Eastern Conference Finals – Chicago Bulls (62-20, 1^st seed) vs. Miami Heat (58-24, 2^nd seed)

If the Heat win this series, basketball purists are going to be devastated. The Bulls battled their way to the top of the NBA standings with excellent defence, rebounding, and teamwork. The Heat snuck around the NBA’s anti-tampering rules, built a three-man team, threw an opening night party to celebrate, and gave significant minutes to two awful Canadian centres.

But the fact remains that Miami sports two of the three best players on earth in LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and both have been lights out in the postseason.

Of course, the other guy who belongs in the best-player-alive discussion is on the other side of the floor. A betonline.com scam? Not likely. Derrick Rose is the youngest MVP in league history and has been unstoppable in the playoffs despite limited offensive contributions from his supporting cast.

The Bulls are built to expose the Heat’s greatest flaws, namely their softness on the interior and lack of rebounding. Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer complement each other nicely in the front court, and the Heat’s scrap-heap of supporting big men (Joel Anthony, Jamaal Magloire, Zydraunas Ilgauskas,Juwan Howard, etc.) stand little chance of keeping them off the glass.

Prediction: LeBron, Wade, and Chris Bosh will all have to play like superstars to keep up with Rose and score against the NBA’s best defence. The Bulls will own the paint in this series, and as long as Luol Deng, Boozer and Noah can pour in a few points, they should be in the Finals. Bulls in 6. Basketball saved.

Even the biggest NBA fanboy has to admit it. The first round of the NHL playoffs has KILLED the Association’s.

The Nuggets-Thunder series, pegged by many as a potential high-scoring, seven-game classic, ended up a bit of a laugher. (Aside from a thrilling Game 1). The Melo-Amaré Knicks didn’t put up much of a fight against the Celtics, and the Heat easily handled the young, athletic 76ers.

Still, there have been some interesting storylines, like Chris Paul singlehandedly keeping the Hornets competitive against the Lakers, Derrick Rose’s continued dominance in Chicago, and Boston’s remarkable ability to turn their game on when the playoffs come around.

With half of the round one series already in the books, here are a few questions and predictions before we get to what is sure to be a thrilling second round.

Is this the end of the Dwight Howard Era in Orlando?

It’s weird to think that Dwight Howard is about to finish his seventh season in the NBA. Even more surprising is the fact that he’s still getting better. He finally developed a few offensive moves after working with Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason, resulting in a career-high 22.9 ppg.

So why are the Magic on the verge of getting eliminated by a Hawks team that seemed to have quit on their coach only a couple of weeks ago?

Short answer, they suck.

But the long answer is that Magic GM Otis Smith has taken a weird approach in building a team around Howard for years, surrounding him with three-point shooters but no real help inside, or wings that can consistently find their own shot. And with D12 set to become a free agent after next season, you get the sense that he’s tired of waiting for Smith to give him a real team.

If Smith is proactive (unlikely), he’ll start looking for trade suitors for Howard before he leaves Orlando with nothing in return.

Is Brandon Roy still Brandon Roy?

Roy’s incredible fourth-quarter performance in Game 4 felt like the climax of a Disney sports movie, or a WWE pay-per-view. The former phenom, his career ruined by a series of knee injuries, turned back the clock to 2009 and led the Blazers on an amazing comeback to tie their series with the Mavs at two games apiece.

Was it the first sign that former All-Star could regain his form in 2011-12? Or was it just the final glimmer of a former star? Most analysts had written him off as a tragic figure, an incredibly likable, talented star whose career was cut short by knees that had been operated on so frequently that there’s nothing left to cut into. But in Game 4, he looked quick, explosive, and athletic again.

If he really does have something left, the Blazers could have a deeper playoff run in them, and NBA fans should consider themselves blessed.

The NBA is often mistakenly pegged as a league where teams succeed on the strength of their stars, but making a deep playoff run usually requires surprising contributions from the guys you wouldn’t expect. The Western Conference is loaded once again this year, and even the Lakers will need a supporting player or two to step up.

Here are some of the guys most likely to step up for their respective teams in the tough Western Conference playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs: Matt Bonner, PF

The Red Rocket is a fan favorite anywhere he goes, and his ability to stretch the floor at the 4-spot – he shot almost 46% from three-point range this year – makes life much easier for guys like Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair inside.

Los Angeles Lakers: Matt Barnes, SF

Barnes brings a lot of edge every time he hits the court, crashing the boards, going after loose balls and getting in opponents’ faces, like an NBA version of NHL pests like Sean Avery.

His hustle and defense is all the more valuable in the playoffs, and while he isn’t the greatest shooter, he is capable of hitting the odd clutch three here and there.

Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea, PG

One of the more annoying players in the NBA, Barea brings the Mavs plenty of energy off the bench when Jason Kidd needs a rest – which at this stage in his career, is becoming more and more frequent. Barea is the kind of player opposing fans hate – whether he’s flopping to draw an ill-timed charge or hitting a clutch three. He can piss off an arena better than a WWE villain.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka, PF

Ibaka has been on a tear since Kendrick Perkins joined him in the OKC frontcourt at the trade deadline. An incredibly athletic forward who runs the floor like a gazelle, he blocks a ton of shots and allows the young Thunder to play an exciting, up-tempo style that few teams can match.

Denver Nuggets: J.R. Smith, SG

I was going to give shut-down defender Arron Afflalo this spot, but a hamstring injury has kept him out of Denver’s first two playoff games, and after seeing the Thunder run them off the floor last night, they might only get two more.

So Smith gets the nod here. An incredibly athletic two-guard with unlimited range on his jump shot, he’s as dangerous a bench scorer as there is in basketball. Unfortunately, he likes to remind fans about that unlimited range by taking a remarkable amount of terrible shots.

But when he’s good, he’s very good. If he takes – and makes – good shots, he could win a playoff game or two by himself.

Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Roy, SG

It pains me to think Brandon Roy has declined to the point where his contributions are essentially bonuses for the Blazers. He’s a 26-year-old three-time All-Star with an exceptionally well-rounded game and great leadership skills.

Unfortunately, he also has some of the worst knees in sports. He’s now a bit player for the franchise that made him a star, and could be out of the league in a couple years.

But for now, he could still offer some bench scoring and work as a distributor for the team’s second unit. If the Blazers are going to get by the Mavs, they’ll need an efficient second unit, and Roy could be its linchpin.

New Orleans Hornets: Jarrett Jack, PG

The Hornets have one of the three best point guards in the NBA in Chris Paul, but his back-up could also prove vital if the Hornets are to have a shot at upsetting the deep Lakers.

Jack isn’t the quickest point guard, but plays with a lot of physicality and isn’t afraid to take big shots. His size and strength make him a viable option at two-guard, playing alongside Paul.

Memphis Grizzlies: Shane Battier, SF

One of the smartest players in basketball, Battier is also one of the most quietly valuable players in the league. He’s an excellent man-to-man and team defender, a reliable passer, and he can consistently knock down corner threes.

And when it comes to playoff X-factors, defense and shooting are the first two things that come to mind. Battier excels in both categories.

Ever since LeBron James made his Decision to take his talents to South Beach, fans have been dreaming of Finals between the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and the suddenly-relevant Miami Heat.

It’s understandable, given the league’s fascination with superstars. A Heat-Lakers series would feature arguably the league’s three biggest stars (James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant – though not necessarily in that order), two of the most offensively-skilled big men in the world (Pau Gasol and Chris Bosh), one of the best young centres in basketball (Andrew Bynum), and two of the most entertainingly insane people in sports (Ron Artest and Matt Barnes).

Oh, and for what it’s worth, it would also sport two tall Canadian people who probably shouldn’t be in the NBA (Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony).

With 14 other teams looking to spoil the hopes of millions of basketball fans – and David Stern – by making the Finals instead, let’s pretend it’s late May, everything has gone according to plan, and preview the NBA-Finals-to-end-all-NBA-Finals and see how the two teams’ starting line-ups stack up.

Point Guard: Mike Bibby (Heat) vs. Derek Fisher (Lakers)

No, it isn’t 2002. Those would actually be the starting point guards in the NBA Finals. They’re both washed up, they’re both annoying to watch, but either could end up hitting a massive fourth-quarter three at some point during the series. They’ve both done it before.

Fisher gets a slight edge at this point in their careers, if only for his (fading) ability to play aggressive defense and the respect he commands from his Laker teammates.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade (Heat) vs. Kobe Bryant (Lakers)

Here’s where it gets interesting. Kobe Bryant, at the peak of his powers, was the greatest two-guard since Jordan. Dwyane Wade led the Heat, almost single-handedly, to an NBA Championship in 2006. Both have seen better days – age has taken its toll on Kobe and Wade has been hobbled by a number of knee injuries. Still, when they’re on their game, they’re two of the most electrifying players in the game.

If this was 2008 or 2009, Kobe would probably be considered the better player, but it’s not. After three straight Finals appearances, the 32-year-old phenom is clearly wearing down. His “I’m-not-old-yet” performance at the All-Star Game aside, he just can’t match Wade’s explosiveness.

Advantage: Miami

Small Forward: LeBron James (Heat) vs. Ron Artest (Lakers)

LeBron James is the Most Talented Basketball Player in the World.

Ron Artest is old and says Titanic is his favorite movie.

Let’s move on.

Advantage: Miami

Power Forward: Chris Bosh (Heat) vs. Pau Gasol (Lakers)

Or as it’s better known, “The Charmin Ultra Softness Showdown.” Both Gasol and Bosh are capable of shredding slow defenders for big points, but can be easily taken advantage of on the other end of the floor.

While Bosh’s playoff numbers with Toronto don’t look terrible on paper, he struggled to adjust to the more physical style of post-season play, while Gasol has been a vital piece of two championship-winning squads.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Centre: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Heat) vs. Andrew Bynum (Lakers)

Ilgauskas is a lumbering, flat-footed big man with a nice shooting touch about six years past his prime. If his old Cavs teammate LeBron wasn’t running the Heat, he might not even be there.

Bynum, on the other hand, is an enormously-talented young centre who is still just entering his prime. He’s been held back by knee injury after knee injury, but at times this season has looked like the Lakers’ second-best player.

Advantage: Los Angeles

Overall: Los Angeles

And that isn’t even taking into account the Lakers’ miles-better bench. As good as LeBron, Wade, and Bosh might be, three players does not an NBA Championship team make. This (imaginary) Finals would prove that.

Even MLB betting players will have one eye on the NBA scores during the playoffs, and they may even be encouraged to lay a little action on the hoops game. The two-time defending champions are favored to complete the three-peat, but they’ll have to go through a young up-and-coming team looking to restore the city to past glories.

Chicago (+270) finished with the best record in the league, and they’ll likely have the MVP in Derrick Rose, the hometown kid who has powered the Bulls to their best time since the days of Michael Jordan. Miami (+300) comes in next in the East with their superstar trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but they don’t have much else. Don’t forget about the old vets from Boston (+550), who have been inconsistent all season, but it’s playoff time now.

In the West, the reigning champions from Los Angeles (+270) lead the way, and even though they’ve been up and down like Boston, they’re built for the playoffs, although another injury to

Andrew Bynum’s knee is worrying. San Antonio (+475) was the best team in the conference all season, but Manu Ginobili begins the playoffs on the disabled list. Oklahoma City (+1200) is definitely an intriguing bet because they picked up Kenrick Perkins from Boston, and he gives the Thunder the size they need to compete with the Lakers. A win for Oklahoma City wouldn’t be that big of a surprise, and they could be worth a darkhorse sports bet in your book.