NBA Odds: Southeast Division is anyone’s game
By Wes Goldberg
The most competitive division is the NBA is the Southeast. Let’s run through what happened to make this so:
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LeBron James left the Miami Heat (but Chris Bosh re-signed), the Washington Wizards signed Paul Pierce (who gives them championship chutzpah), the Charlotte Hornets signed Lance Stephenson and the Atlanta Hawks will be getting Al Horford back.
And they all have the Orlando Magic to beat up on all season.
Our friends at Bovada sent FanSided its divisional odds, and it certainly is anyone’s best guess as to who wins this thing.
Odds to win 2015 Southeast Division
Washington Wizards 5/4
Miami Heat 2/1
Charlotte Hornets 4/1
Atlanta Hawks 5/1
Orlando Magic 50/1
A case can certainly be made for any of these teams, sans Orlando. The Heat have lost a lot and face many questions going into the season, but they still have the most playoff experience and one of the top coaches in the NBA. The Wizards looked like they could have beaten the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs last season, and will only get better as John Wall and Bradley Beal continue to develop. The Hornets were one of the league’s surprise teams, and if Stephenson can take a James Harden-like leap they could finish at the top of this division.
The Hawks are well-coached, balanced, and made the playoffs despite the absence of Horford where they almost beat the Pacers. With Horford back, this is a legit contender in the Eastern Conference.
Don’t worry, Orlando. You’ll get there soon.
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