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.

The Toronto Raptors were a great NBA betting pick to start the season, as it looked like Chris Bosh was ready to move into the upper echelon due to his Olympic experience. But Bosh has fallen off over the last couple of months, coinciding with the firing of Sam Mitchell. Also not coincidentally, Andrea Bargnani has flourished, leaving some to wonder if Bosh is on his way out of the door next season.

Both Bosh and Bryan Colangelo have moved to quash the rumors of Bosh’s exit, started by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith (side note: Smith is a loudmouth who is rarely right), but Bosh’s body language has been disturbing. In a 23-point loss at home to Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Sunday, Bosh looked completely overwhelmed by his counterpart, and spent most of his time sulking around. For Toronto to have a sniff of the postseason, they need their “All-Star” to start acting like one.