The 2012-2013 NBA Playoffs get underway on Saturday with a four game slate that features game one battles between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks as well as the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets. The top seed in the Eastern Conference, the defending champion Miami Heat, open their series with the eighth seeded Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. The latest Odds to Win the Eastern Conference has the Heat listed as a prohibitive -600 favorite to reach the 2013 NBA Finals. The second seeded Knicks are a second pick at +1000 odds while the Pacers, the three seed, are drawing +1200 as a third choice.
It would be stunning if the Heat failed in their quest to reach the NBA Finals for a third consecutive season and the latest odds release reflects as much. At -600 Miami backers would have to risk $600 just to win $100. For the most part, everyone considers that a sure bet, though. The real question is whether or not any other team can make the Eastern Conference playoffs interesting.
The Knicks would seemingly stand the best at knocking off the Heat, and they should not lack for confidence should they meet Miami in the conference finals. New York posted a 2-1 record against the Heat this season and they evened knocked off
LeBron James and company in South Florida, earning a 102-90 win over Miami on April 2
nd.
Indiana, one of the top defensive teams in the league, could pose risk to the Heat as well. The Pacers were also 2-1 against Miami this season and they scored two playoff wins opposite the Heat last year, including one at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
NBA Playoffs: Odds to Win the Eastern Conference
Miami Heat -600
New York Knicks +1000
Indiana Pacers +1200
Chicago Bulls +3000
Brooklyn Nets +3000
Boston Celtics +3500
Atlanta Hawks +10000
Milwaukee Bucks +20000
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