Over the last few years, the Miami Heat have been an overwhelming favorite in the Eastern Conference (and in the entire league).
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However, now that LeBron James has left the Heat in favor of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cavs are expected to be the new beasts of the east.
Our friends at Bovada have been kind enough to send over their latest odds.
Odds to win 2015 Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers 4/5
Chicago Bulls 9/4
Washington Wizards 14/1
Miami Heat 16/1
Indiana Pacers 20/1
Charlotte Hornets 25/1
New York Knicks 25/1
Toronto Raptors 25/1
Brooklyn Nets 28/1
Atlanta Hawks 40/1
Boston Celtics 50/1
Detroit Pistons 100/1
Orlando Magic 100/1
Milwaukee Bucks 150/1
Philadelphia 76ers 150/1
It’s no surprise that the Cavs, who completed a trade for Kevin Love over the weekend, are the overwhelming favorite. They have the game’s best player in James, a double-double machine who is an elite scorer and rebounder that can hit from the outside and another all-star in Kyrie Irving.
The Chicago Bulls being right behind the Cavs isn’t much of a surprise either – they expect point guard Derrick Rose to be healthy and added Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol and Real Madrid forward Nikola Mirotić.
The Washington Wizards, who advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year and the Heat round out the top four. The real surprise is the Toronto Raptors. They had the east’s third-best record last season and only have 25/1 odds, tied with Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.