Comparing Nba Power Ratings Vegas Odds Unveils Potential Value

First, to provide a little background, the Don Best/Linemakers’ power ratings are numerical values assigned to teams that intend to provide the basis for what the spread should be between two teams at a neutral site.

With that established, the Grizzlies (102.5 power rating, 14-to-1 odds to win title) and Mavericks (101.5, 14-to-1) stand out as potential value bets. The Western Conference is loaded, yes, but the Mavs and Grizz can make legit title runs.

Digging deeper, the Hawks (98, 50-to-1) and Nuggets (98, 100-to-1) are tied for 10th in the power ratings while owning long title odds. Denver warrants its dark horse status, but has a talented, high-scoring roster and is 8-2 over its last 10 games. The Hawks are a solid team competing in the weak Eastern Conference, making a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals a reasonable possibility.

DON BEST/LINEMAKERS POWER RATINGS AND CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS

ODDS TO WIN EASTERN CONFERENCE (last week’s numbers in parentheses if changed) CAVALIERS 4-5 (even-money) BULLS 9-4 (12-5) WIZARDS 6-1 (5-1) RAPTORS 6-1 (5-1) HEAT 17-1 (18-1) HAWKS 23-1 NETS 25-1 (23-1) KNICKS 80-1 (40-1) HORNETS 80-1 (40-1) PACERS 120-1 (200-1) BUCKS 120-1 CELTICS 200-1 (120-1) PISTONS 400-1 MAGIC 400-1 76ERS 4000-1

ODDS TO WIN WESTERN CONFERENCE SPURS 8-5 WARRIORS 9-2 THUNDER 6-1 (11-1) CLIPPERS 6-1 (11-2) GRIZZLIES 8-1 (11-1) MAVERICKS 8-1 (13-2) ROCKETS 11-1 BLAZERS 11-1 PELICANS 25-1 (20-1) SUNS 35-1 (25-1) NUGGETS 55-1 (50-1) KINGS 60-1 (25-1) JAZZ 300-1 (150-1) WOLVES 600-1 (500-1) LAKERS 600-1 (500-1)