2014-15 NBA Future Odds – Lebron James and the Cavs Ready to Win the Eastern Central Division

After a lot of movement and transactions during the summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls are now the favorites to win the Eastern Conference’s Central Division. Which were the most important transactions? How are the NBA future odds for these teams? Let’s have a look.

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James is back in Cleveland, and that means other good players wanted to play in Cleveland, too. As a result of having LeBron on the boat, the Cavs signed Kevin Love, Shawn Marion, Mike Miller and James Jones. The Cavs’ cornucopia of current and former all-stars is reflected in the odds; Cleveland are 16/5 to win the 2014-15 title this season.

With Lebron, not only are the Cavs favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but they will be one of the most exciting teams to watch. I’m not a fan of James, but I can’t wait to see him pairing Kyrie Irving every night.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago also made some great moves in the off-season. Though they weren’t able to sign Carmelo Anthony, they did get Pau Gasol to replace Carlos Boozer, who’s now with the Los Angeles Lakers. Besides, they signed the European Nikola Mirotic, who was the Euroleague MVP in 2013. Guard Aaron Brooks also seems to be a good addition, though that transaction was overlooked by many. The Bulls are second place in the odds to win the division and are 9/1 to be NBA champions. As ever, their success really hinges on the health of Derrick Rose.

Indiana Pacers

After an awesome 2013-14 regular season, in which they finished first in both the Central and the Eastern Conference (56W-26L), the Pacers had a devastating offseason in which they lost their two best players. First, they couldn’t re-sign guard Lance Stephenson. Then, they lost Paul George, possibly for the entire season, after he suffered a horrific injury playing for the US National Team.

In order to replace those players, they brought in guards Rodney Stuckey and C.J Miles and forward Damian Rudez. However, Stephenson and George were the motors of the team, and it will be difficult to replace their offensive production and defensive prowess. The Pacers are 80/1 to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have the fourth best odds among Central Division teams. In summer, Detroit signed forwards Greg Monroe and Caron Butler, and guards Jodie Meeks and D.J Augustin.  New coach, Stan Van Gundy, will have a difficult task leading the Pistons back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09 season. Detroit is 300/1 to win the NBA title, way behind the Cavs, Bulls, and the Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks

If the Pistons are in a bad situation, the Bucks are in a downright catastrophe. Their hopes lie with guard (and former Piston) Brandon Knight and rookie forward Jabari Parker. Milwaukee will likely treat this year as part of the rebuilding process. In the NBA futures, Milwaukee is 400/1 to win it all.