NBA Picks: Preseason Power Rankings and Odds

Let's take a look at the preseason Power Rankings and future odds for this upcoming 2012-2013 NBA season. There is a lot to consider: some big trades in some franchises and some returning cohesion in others.

NBA preseason power rankings and future odds 

10. Los Angeles Clippers +3000

The Clip Show thought they were about to become to team to beat in LA last season, until the Lakers shocked the basketball world this summer, which I will talk about later in the article. The Clippers have a solid roster, but they struggled to score in spurts last season, which lost them key games. They also aren’t the greatest defenders in the world. These were also key reasons why the Spurs swept them last year. All in all, they could make a splash this season, but I still think their young core still needs some time. 

9. Denver Nuggets +4000

The Dwight Howard trade brought in Andre Iguodala to the Mile High City, and with their other starters, who all have All Star potential, this team could go far. AI will only help their defense, and we all know they can score. They have four starters that are 24 and younger, but the Nuggets are going to surprise a lot of people this season. 

8. Brooklyn Nets +5000

Obviously they have a lot of chemistry left to take care of, but if they can get some production out of their bench, they will be a top five team in the East this season. However, they will likely be playing a 7 man rotation most of the season, so that could wear down their players, and end in injury. However, they are still a top 10 team in the NBA with their current roster. 

7. Philadelphia 76ers +3000

Andrew Bynum is now the #1 guy in the city of brotherly love, and with their current core of young and talented players, they could easily make a push for the Eastern Conference Finals. They should be one of the NBA's best defensive teams this season, and don't be surprised if they knock out some heavyweights along the way. 

6. Chicago Bulls +1800

With Derrick Rose not coming back until sometime in 2013 at best, the Bulls will have to be a more team oriented offense. However, the East is going to be slightly down this season in the bottom four of the playoffs, so the Bulls could get Rose back, potentially with around 25 games to go. They could easily get momentum and chemistry back in that amount of time as well. Tom Thibodeau is the Bill Belichick of NBA defenses, so he alone will win them games. 

5. San Antonio Spurs +1200

The Spurs were denied their trip to the Finals last season to face the Heat, as the Thunder got hot at the right time. However, San Antonio is not going to finish outside the top five this season. They are a team that always finds a way to win, and in my opinion, even though I have the Thunder ranked higher, the Spurs have way more experience playing and beating Kobe and the Lakers. 

4. Boston Celtics +1200

You can still find some books at around +2500 in Boston’s future odds, which is excellent value. Boston added a ton of talent to their roster in the offseason, from two rookies, to veterans and everywhere in between. One key factor for them besides their health will be the play of Jeff Green. Green was sidelined all last season with a heart issue, but he is newly signed and ready to contribute this season. The Celtics got him for one reason, to guard Lebron James. 

3. Oklahoma City Thunder +350

Even though they have some decisions to make with their roster this preseason and season, they will still be one of the West’s best. Kevin Durant is going to lead the league in scoring once again, and their roster is still good and deep. They could make another trip to the West Finals this season. 

2. Miami Heat +225

The Heat have retained their entire championship roster, and brought in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Even though I have them in second, it is virtually a tie at the top of the rankings. However, my hatred for the Heat cannot allow me to rank them number one. 

1. Los Angeles Lakers +200

LA of course brought in Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, but they already had a deep lineup, and didn't have to compromise that to get these two guys. If a finals matchup were to feature the Heat and Lakers, I think the Lakers' size would out match the Heat in a seven game series. They will be much better defensively this season with Howard patrolling the middle, and I think they have to be favorites to begin the season. However, that chemistry thing needs to be accounted for.