It’s never too early to begin talking about the 2012 NBA season. Sure, just over a week ago the Dallas Mavericks downed the Miami Heat in six games to win their first ever NBA title. Now, the bookmakers have released the odds to win the 2012 NBA title. It’s very difficult to win back-to-back titles, but recently, the Lakers won three straight so it can be done. Dallas will have alot of guys back on next years team, so do not count them out. Let’s take a look at a few of the top teams for next year in the NBA:

Three of the top six teams for next season are out of the Eastern Conference, with the other three coming from the Western Conference. The team with the best odds to win the NBA title next year is the Miami Heat. Sure, LeBron has never won a title, which has delighted many across the world. But, next year is expected to be a different story according to bookmakers. The Miami Heat are listed +250.

The Chicago Bulls come in next with +500 odds. The Bulls had the best record in all of the NBA this season, but fell in the Eastern Conference Finals to Miami. Derrick Rose has been a man child the past two season for the Bulls, and was voted the MVP this past season. Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer come together for quite the dynamic duo in the pain for the Bulls. Chicago was the second best defensive team last season.

The Boston Celtics are the third team to come out of the Eastern Conference, but are the sixth highest in all of the NBA. Boston has +900 odds to win the 2012 NBA Finals. The Celtics are getting older, so their chances to win another title are diminishing. The Celtics have the big four of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. One thing Boston can do is play defense. Defense wins titles.

Out of the Western Conference, many would expect the defending champion Dallas Mavericks to have the best odds. That’s wrong. The team with the best odds in the Western Conference belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With another season of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook playing together, many feel the Thunder are ready to take the NBA by storm. Oklahoma City comes in as +600 to win the NBA title for next year.

Next is the Mavericks. Dallas finished with the third best record in the Western Conference last year, and came away with the title. Dirk Nowitzki and company will be back, but do they have enough to win it all after 100+ more games. Dallas is not too far behind Oklahoma City, as they are +700 to win it all.

The next team out of the Western Conference is the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant is now 33 years old, so not as quick and able to get back at it as easy as before. The Lakers will have a new coach, which will be an adjustment early in the season. Los Angeles comes into the end of June as +800.

Check back for more between now and October for NBA 2012!

Game: Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date/Time: Monday June 13th, 2011 / 10:00am AEST

LeBron James and his Miami Heat dreamed about this series at the beginning of July when he decided to take his talents to South Beach. Most likely for James the situation was different, and they were not trailing in the series 3-2, on the blink of elimination. That’s where the Heat stand when they get together with the Mavericks on Monday in game six of the NBA Finals. The only good news for Miami, is the final two games will be played in South Beach.
Miami Heat Overview:

Miami won 30 games during the regular season at home, and have only lost one in all of the postseason at home. The Heat won 58 games during the regular season, which was the second most in the Eastern Conference. The Heat defeated Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago to get to the NBA Finals.

The Heat are searching for answers, and their top one is LeBron James in the fourth quarter. The Heat star, who scored over 26 points per game during the regular season has scored just two points in the final two games fourth quarters. That is a problem for a Heat team that relies on their big three so much. Miami is in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006 when Dwyane Wade and SHAQ teamed up to win the NBA Finals; ironically over Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

The Dallas Mavericks saw Jason Terry come up huge in the game five win, and are now just one win away from a NBA title. Terry hit a big shot late in the game, as well as dished out numerous key assists. Terry’s presence took the load off leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki, who still ended with 29 points.

The Mavericks won 57 games during the regular season, which tied them with the Lakers for second most in all of the NBA. THe Mavericks finished in second place in the Southwest Division; falling behind only San Antonio. Dallas has won 50 or more games in six straight seasons.
Heat/Mavericks Pick and Prediction:

For two straight games, we have taken the minor underdog, in Miami, and they have pushed the first night and lost last night. We are going with the underdog again in game six, and taking Dallas +6. We think Miami will win this game close, but Dallas will cover the spread. There will be a game seven in South Beach next week.

Our pick: Dallas Mavericks +6 over Miami Heat. Bet the Mavericks at Centrebet.

Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

Date/Time: Friday June 10th, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

In the biggest game of the season for both teams, the Dallas Mavericks will play their final home game against the Miami Heat. The series is tied at two after Dallas came away with a thrilling win in game four. The Mavericks and Heat have alternated wins, which would put this game on schedule for a Miami win.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

For the second time in the series, the Dallas Mavericks took control of the fourth quarter to come away with a win. Dallas used Dirk Nowitzki to take the lead, and seal the deal. Tyson Chandler also played a huge role in the game four win, grabbing 16 rebounds. Chandler led the Mavericks during the regular season with just under 10 rebounds per game.

The Mavericks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2006 season, when they lost to Miami. Dallas won 57 games during the regular season, which was tied with Los Angeles for second most. The Mavericks have won 50+ games in six straight seasons.
Miami Heat Overview:

The Miami Heat are looking to grab those final two games and win their first NBA title since 2006. The Heat have been the most talked about team in the league since last summer that saw LeBron James and Chris Bosh join forces with Dwyane Wade. James was the leading scorer, and Bosh the leading rebounder, but no doubt the leader on the court has been Dwyane Wade.

Wade nearly turned the ball over in the final seconds of the loss in game four, but was able to get Mike Miller a desperation shot at the buzzer, that was missed. The Heat ranked in the top ten in scoring offense, and scoring defense. Miami scored 102.1 points per game, and allowed 94.6 per game.
Mavericks/Heat Picks and Prediction:

Wow, this has been a great series of basketball. We picked Miami in game four to cover +3, and they pushed it. The line got a little closer for game two, essentially a pick’em, with Miami getting just a slight advantage. We really like the stars of Miami to come through and win this game. In game four, LeBron was held in check and Miami still almost came away with a win. We are going to pick the Miami Heat +1.5 over the Dallas Mavericks in this game. We are pretty confident in our pick of Miami +1.5.

Our pick: Miami Heat +1.5 over Dallas Mavericks. Bet the Heat at Sportingbet.

Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

Date/Time: Wednesday June 8th, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

The Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat will get together for game four of the National Basketball Association Finals. Coming into game four, the Heat lead the series 2-1, with wins in games one and three. The Heat are the second seed out of the Eastern Conference, while Dallas was seeded third in the Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

Dallas came into the Finals with wins over Portland, Los Angeles and Oklahoma City. During the regular season, the Mavericks won 57 games and finished in second place in the Southwest Division. The Mavericks were led in the regular season, and also through the postseason by Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki has scored 40+ in two of the postseason games this year. During the regular season, the 7’0 forward scored 23 points per game.

Dallas as a team scored 100.2 points per game, while their defense allowed 96 per game. The Mavericks were the second best assists per game team, as they dished out nearly 24 per game. Jason Kidd, the grizzled veteran dished out nearly 9 per game. Tyson Chandler came onto his own this season, in the paint for Dallas, as he grabbed 9.4 of the 41.4 the Mavericks recorded.
Miami Heat Overview:

The Miami Heat are two wins away from winning their first NBA title since the 2006 season. The Heat picked up both Chris Bosh and LeBron James during the off-season to join forces with Dwyane Wade. The Heat finished only behind the Bulls in the Eastern Conference. Within the Southeast Division, Miami beat both Orlando and Atlanta.

James scored 26.7 points per game to lead the Heat. Chris Bosh was the leading rebounder, with 8.3, while Wade is undoubtedly the team leader. Bosh hit the game winning shot in game two, and then Udonis Haslem did a great job keeping Dirk Nowitzki from tying the game in the final seconds. Miami finished the regular season as the sixth best defensive team; allowing 94.6 points per game.
Mavericks/Heat Pick and Prediction:

Just like all the first three games of the series, this is going to be a classic. Look for the Mavericks to play with alot of intensity. When it all comes down to it, Miami is a more talented team, with three stud scorers. We like the Miami Heat quite a bit to not only win this game, but cover the +3 spread.

Our pick: Miami Heat +3 over Dallas Mavericks. Bet the Heat at Sportsbet.

Game: Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date/Time: Friday June 3rd, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

In game two of the National Basketball Association Finals, the Miami Heat will host the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat are three games away from winning their second title in six seasons, while the Mavericks are seeking a series win. Miami pulled away late in the fourth period to down the Mavericks.
Miami Heat Overview:

The Miami Heat were talked about all season long, and it took most of the year to get accustomed to each other and get going on the winning track. In the postseason the Heat have won 13 games in 17 tries. In the win in game one, LeBron James led the way with 24 points, while Dwyane Wade added 10 rebounds and 6 assists.

During the regular season, the former Cleveland Cavaliers star, LeBron James led the team in scoring, with nearly 27 points per game. Chris Bosh, who spent the first parts of his career in Toronto came to Miami and has been the third leading scorer and top rebounder for the Heat. Dwyane Wade is the lone representative left from the 2006 team that also beat Dallas in the NBA Finals. The Heat scored 102.1 points per game, while they allowed 94.6.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

The Dallas Mavericks have been anchored by Dirk Nowitzki almost all of the postseason. Nowitzki hurt his finger in the first game, but is not expected to be slowed down at all. Nowitzki has scored 40+ pointss twice during the regular season. The Mavericks finished as the second best team in the Western Conference; tied with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nowitzki was the leading scorer during the regular season; pouring in 23 points per game. Nowitzki also saw veteran point guard Jason Kidd dish out nearly 10 assists per game, while big man Tyson Chandler grabbed 9.4 rebounds per game. The Mavericks as a team finished second in the league in assists per game, with 23.8 points per game.
Heat/Mavericks Pick and Prediction:

This should be another excellent game. Dallas is going to be going at it hard to try to sneak away a win from South Beach. The Heat want to keep the pressure on, and LeBron knows he needs to win this title. Look for this game to slow down late, but Miami will come away with a win. We really like the Heat to cover -4.5 and win this game.

Our pick: Miami Heat -4.5 over Dallas Mavericks. Bet the Heat at Sportsbet.

Game: Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date/Time: Wednesday June 1st, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

Game 1 of the National Basketball Association Finals is set to get underway. After long playoff battles, both the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks have made it to the month of June. The Heat are the second seed out of the Eastern Conference, and have series wins over Philadephia, Boston and Chicago. Dallas was the third seed in the Western Conference and beat Portland, Los Angeles and Oklahoma City; losing only 4 times in 16 games.
Miami Heat Overview:

The Miami Heat come into the game as one of the top home teams in the NBA. During the regular season, Miami went 30-11 at home, and now in the postseason they have won all 8 of the games played at AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat finished as the winner of the Southeast Division, topping both Orlando and Atlanta. The Heat are looking to match the 2006 NBA Finals, when Dwyane Wade and his teammates downed the Mavericks.

The Heat have been led by LeBron James’ 26.7 points per game. If LeBron is not enough, Dwyane Wade is scoring just over 20, and Chris Bosh is also pouring in over 15 points per game. The Heat as a team are scoring 102.1 points per game. Their defense is allowing 94.6 points per game, which is 6th in the NBA. The Heat won 58 games during the regular season, which was a +11 improvement from a season ago.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

Thankfully for the Dallas Mavericks, they won the most road games in all of the NBA. The Mavericks went 28-13 when playing away from the Big D. The Mavericks have won nine out of their last ten, beating Portland, sweeping the Lakers and then downing the Thunder in five games. The Mavericks finished tied with the Lakers with the second best record in the Western Conference, but tiebreaker rules pitted Dallas third.

Dirk Nowitzki is looking for his first NBA title, which would put him among some of the league’s greatest. Nowitzki has had some sensational postseason games, including scoring 40+ in game one over the Thunder. Nowitzki during the regular season scored 23 points per game, for a Mavericks team that scored 100.2. Dallas was the second best assist team in the league, dishing out 23.8 per game, led by Jason Kidd’s 8.2 per game.
Heat/Mavericks Pick and Prediction:

This should be a fantastic basketball game. The first game is always a big one, because both teams started testing each other out a little bit. Look for the athletes of Miami to come through late in the game to break open a close game. Miami is favored -4.5, and we are going to bet them to win the game, and cover the spread. We really like the Miami Heat -4.5 over the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the NBA Finals.

Our pick: Miami Heat -4.5 over Dallas Mavericks. Bet the Heat at Sportsbet.

Game: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls

Date/Time: Wednesday May 25th, 2011 / 10:30am AEST

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are set to play game four oof their best-of-seven series. The Heat lead the series 2-1, after winning the last two games of the series. The Heat are the second seed out of the Eastern Conference and have series wins over Philadelphia and Boston. The Bulls are the top overall seed in the NBA and beat Indiana and Atlanta in their first two rounds. The winner of this series will take on the winner of the series between Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Miami Heat Overview:

The Miami Heat won their final four games of the regular season, and since the postseason started, they have won 10 of 14 games. The Heat won the Southeast Division by six games over the Orlando Magic. The 58 wins this season was a +11 improvement from last season. Miami scored 102.1 points per game during the regular season, while the defense allowed 94.6.

LeBron James was the leading scorer for the Heat this season. The former Cleveland Cavaliers star scored 26.7 points per game in his first season in Miami. Dwyane Wade was second on the team, scoring just shy of 20 points per game. Chris Bosh was the leading man in the paint, as he scored 15+ points per game, and nearly grabbed 10 rebounds per game.
Chicago Bulls Overview:

The Chicago Bulls want to get back some of their magic that won their final nine games of the regular season. In the postseason, the Bulls have won 9 of 14 games, but for the first time are trailing in a series. The Bulls have the most valuable player of the league on their team in Derrick Rose. The hometown point guard scored 25 points per game and dished out 7.7 assists per game.

The Bulls chased down San Antonio to take over the top record in the NBA the final game of the season. Chicago with their 62 wins was +21 improvement from last season, which was the highest in the league. Chicago ranked second in the league in both rebounds per game, and also points allowed.
Heat/Bulls Pick and Prediction:

This should be another fun game. The Heat have found their way to getting to the Bulls a little bit. Chris Bosh played really well in game three, and helped them pick up a win. This game is going to be very similiar to game three. The Miami Heat are -5 in this game. We are going to bet the Miami Heat -5 over the Chicago Bulls and take a 3-1 lead in the series.

Our pick: Miami Heat -5 over Chicago Bulls. Bet the Heat at Iasbet.

Game: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls

Date/Time: Monday May 24th, 2011 / 10:30am AEST

After splitting the first two games in the Windy City, the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls will head to Miami to play games three and four. Chicago won the first one, behind a huge second half surge, while Miami pulled away late in the game two win. These are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Chicago as the #1 seed has wins over Indiana and Atlanta, while the Heat have knocked off Philadelphia and Boston. The winner of this series will move to the NBA Finals and take on the winner of the Oklahoma City/Dallas Mavericks series. They are also tied at 1.
Miami Heat Overview:

It’s NBA title or bust this year for the Heat. After picking up James and Bosh to go with Wade, that was their only choice. Miami is now three wins away from getting to the finals, and seven from winning it all. The Heat have won all of their home games played this postseason; three over Philadelphia and two over Boston. The Heat won 58 games during the regular season, which was a +11 improvement from last year.

James led the team in scoring, as expected. The former Cleveland Cavaliers MVP scored 26.7 points per game and also dished out 7 assists per game. Wade was the second leading scorer; garnering just under 20 per game. Miami as a team scored 102.1 points per game, while allowing just 94.6.
Chicago Bulls Overview:

The Bulls despite 21 points and 8 assists from the MVP of the league; Derrick Rose were not able to pick up a win in game two. Now Chicago will need to win one in South Beach to regain control of the series. The Bulls won the most games in the NBA this season, with 62. That barely topped San Antonio for the overall #1 seed in the league. Chicago, the previous two seasons won 41 games, so their +21 improvement was tops in the NBA.

Rose was voted MVP because he did everything for the best team in the league. The former Memphis point guard scored 25 points per game and also dished out 8 assists per game. Big guys Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer were banged up at different times in the season, but still helped Chicago become the second best rebounding team in the league. Chicago was also the second best defensive team in the league, yielding 91.3 points per game.
Heat/Bulls Pick and Prediction:

The Miami Heat are going to win this series. They are just an overall more talented team. While Chicago plays much better as a team, and have guys that give 100% all game long, the Heat with James, Bosh and Wade are too strong. Miami is -5, and we are pretty confident in game three they will cover that spread. Bet the Heat.

Our pick: Bet the Miami Heat -5 at Sportsbet.

Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

Date/Time: Sunday May 22nd, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

Game three of the Western Conference Finals is set to take place featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder and Mavericks have split the first two games of the series. The winner of this series will move onto play the winner of the Chicago Bulls/Miami Heat series in the NBA Finals. Oklahoma City ins the fourth seed in the Western Conference, while Dallas comes in as the third seed.
Oklahoma City Thunder Overview:

Despite winning game two, the big news was the benching of point guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook  is expected to shake that off and come back in a starting role in game three. The Thunder used Westbrook as a main part of their offense, as he was the second highest scorer on the team with just shy of 20 points per game. The former Texas Longhorns star Kevin Durant once again was the leading scorer in the league. Durant and Westbrook are assisted by Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins and James Harden.

The Thunder won 55 games this season, which won the Northwest Division. Last season, Oklahoma City won 50, so this year was a franchise record. Oklahoma City scored 104.8 points per game, which was the fifth most in the NBA. The Thunder beat Denver and Memphis in their two postseason series’.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

Dallas has had the tale of two games in the Western Conference Finals. Dirk Nowitzki totally dominated in game one to lead them to a win. Then in game two, while Nowitzki scored 29 points, they were unable to win their second straight. The Mavericks finished the regular season with 57 wins, which was tied with the Lakers for second in the Western Conference. Dallas finished four games behind the Spurs in the division.

Nowitzki led the team in scoring during the regular season with 23 points per game, while Tyson Chandler ripped down just shy of 10 rebounds per game. Dallas was the 11th best scoring team in the league, scoring 100.2 points per game. The Mavericks, led by Jason Kidd was the second best assist team in the league; averaging just under 24 per game.
Thunder/Mavericks Pick and Prediction:

This series has been very difficult to predict to this point. We have been wrong with the picks in the first two games. We feel this game will revert back to game two, and the home crowd will help the Thunder. Oklahoma City comes in -2.5, and we are comfortable with our pick of them winning this game.

Our pick: Oklahoma City Thunder -2.5 over Dallas Mavericks. Bet the Thunder at Centrebet.

Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Date/Time: Friday May 20th, 2011 / 11:00am AEST

It’s time for game two in Dallas. After winning the first game of the best-of-seven series, the Mavericks will look to make it 2-0 when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavericks are the third seed in the Western Conference and have wins over Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder are the fourth seed in the Western Conference and have knocked off Denver and the Memphis Grizzlies in a hard fought series.
Dallas Mavericks Overview:

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to get to the NBA Finals to take on either the Chicago Bulls or the Miami Heat. In game one of the Western Conference Finals, Dirk Nowitzki poured in 48 points, including making 24 of 24 free throws. Nowitzki has been a stud not just during the postseason, but also throughout the regular season. Nowitzki scored 23 points per game to lead the way.

Dallas won 57 games and finished in second place in the Southwest Division. The Mavericks and Lakers tied for the second seed, but it went to the Lakers due to tiebreaker rules. Dallas has won 50+ games the past six seasons. Veteran point guard Jason Kidd will once again by the key to this game and series. Kidd will be expected to guard Russell Westbrook, as well as spread the wealth offensive. The Mavericks were the second best assists per game team with 23.8 per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Overview:

The Thunder had a tough time guarding Dirk Nowitzki would be an understatement. Oklahoma City spent their off day looking for ways to slow down the tough Nowitzki. Oklahoma City had no problems scoring points; as they poured in 112 points, but allowed 121. During the regular season, Oklahoma City scored 104.8 and allowed 101.0.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook lead the offense. Durant, for the second straight season was the leading scorer in the league. The former Texas Longhorns scored 27.7 points per game. Westbrook, as the teams point guard dished out nearly 9 assists per game, while averaging nearly 2 steals per game. The Thunder won a franchise high 55 games, which was +5 from last season.
Mavericks/Thunder Pick and Prediction:

The Dallas Mavericks showed in game one that they were way too much for the Thunder. The athleticism goes to Oklahoma City, but the better basketball team is the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas is favored -5.5, and we fully expect them to win. We are pretty confident in our pick of the Dallas Mavericks -5.5 over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Our pick: Bet the Dallas Mavericks -5.5. Bet the Mavericks at Sportsbet.