NBA Power Rankings – Cavs, Lakers are kings of the hill

Online betting players can get more tips before they make their picks from the BetOnline Power Rankings, which looks at the best teams in the league, as well as teams who are on a roll. In the first edition of this year’s Power Rankings, there’s no surprise as to who are the best teams in the NBA, powered by the two best players in the league.

1. Cleveland (30-11): The Cavs wrap up a five-game West swing against the Clippers, going 2-2 in the first four games. They still haven’t played their best basketball, but does it even matter when you have LeBron James?

2. Los Angeles (30-9): Kobe Bryant’s finger and back are killing him, but Pau Gasol should be returning to the lineup soon, and Andrew Bynum has played very well in Gasol’s absence.

3. San Antonio (24-13): Sportsbook players know better: the Spurs don’t care about anything until January, at least. When this team is healthy, they’re the Lakers’ main worry.

4. Boston (27-11): The East version of the Spurs. Health is their biggest concern.

5. Dallas (25-13): Dirk Nowitzki may be having a better year than his MVP season, and there is still no chance of him winning it.

6. Orlando (26-13): If Dwight Howard could hit free throws, making him a legitimate late-game threat, the Magic would probably be the best team in the East.

7. Atlanta (25-13): The Hawks don’t do one thing really well, but they’re above average in almost every facet of the game, which will make them dangerous in the playoffs.

8. Denver (25-14): Carmelo Anthony has been injured a bit over the first half of the season, but even without him, the Nuggets can score. It’s defense that will improve their NBA betting odds.

9. Oklahoma City (21-17): The young Thunder are the surprises of the season so far. Kevin Durant may be the best pure scorer in the league.

10. Utah (22-17): The Jazz are hanging in there despite a banged-up Deron Williams, but they need to improve on the road, where they are 7-11.

11. Phoenix (24-15): You could tell them to improve their defense, but it won’t matter. The Suns will try to outscore you every time.

12. Portland (24-16): It’s a shame to think of how good the Trailblazers could be without a glut of injuries, particularly to their big men.

13. Houston (22-17): Everyone counted out the Rockets’ NBA betting odds without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, but they may be better without them.

14. Toronto (19-20): Chris Bosh is playing like he really, really wants that max contract. The Raptors have assembled a great offensive team, but defensively, they’re still learning.

15. Chicago (17-20): The Bulls have won seven of their last 10 after a very rough start to the season. A healthy Derrick Rose is key to the Bulls’ NBA betting odds.

16. New Orleans (20-17)

17. Charlotte (17-20)

18. Los Angeles Clippers (17-20)

19. Memphis (19-18)

20. Miami (19-18)

21. New York (16-22)

22. Milwaukee (15-21)

23. Golden State (11-26)

24. Indiana (13-25)

25. Philadelphia (12-26)

26. Sacramento (15-22)

27. Minnesota (8-32)

28. Detroit (12-25)

29. Washington (12-25)

30. New Jersey (3-35)

The Hornets, Clippers and Grizzlies are the most likely to move into the top half of the Power Rankings, while the Wizards have to be 29th because quite frankly, there is no team that has had the troubles they have....except for New Jersey, who may be the worst team the NBA has ever seen.
For more sports betting picks throughout the NBA season, follow Craig in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.