Portland Trailblazers Odds – “Jail Blazers” no more, Portland will challenge in the West

No team’s NBA odds have taken a bigger leap recently than the Portland Trailblazers, formerely a team with salary-cap and legal issues before Nate McMillan; then Brandon Roy, came to town. Now, with the addition of Andre Miller, the Trailblazers are a legit contender in the West, and a solid darkhorse for the NBA title.

Portland Trailblazers Odds: +1500 to win NBA Championship

• Miller takes workload off of Roy’s plate
• Oden needs to stay on the floor
• Promising team could challenge the Lakers

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
The Trailblazers signed Andre Miller to run the point, which makes life much easier for Brandon Roy, who led the team in points, assists and steals. Now Roy can focus on the two-spot, which should make him even better. Greg Oden came on near the end of his first full season in the NBA, but he led the league in fouls per game and averaged just 21.5 minutes. If he can stay on the court, Oden would form a tremendous inside duo with LaMarcus Aldridge, who could be a 20/10 guy this season. The big question comes at small forward, where 20-year-old Nicolas Batum looks to be penciled in as the starter, and he’ll share this spot with a number of other players.

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: BENCH
The three-spot is the position to watch for the Trailblazers, as Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster will come off the pine for now, unless Batum regresses. Rudy Fernandez is another player who will get some minutes as a swingman, and Steve Blake is a very adequate backup to Miller at the point. For big men, Joel Przybilla had 8.7 rebounds in 23.8 minutes of play, as he’s sure of minutes due to Oden’s foul problems. Juwan Howard was signed for veteran leadership, but he won’t make much of an impact on Portland’s sportsbook odds.

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Trailblazers were 14th in the league in points scored, but they should see a rise as Roy can focus more on scoring now that Miller can take over the ball-handling duties. But Miller can put up some points as well as he averaged 16.3 points last year. Aldridge should make the jump to a 20-point-per-game player, while their slew of small forwards can bring offensive from the pine.

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Coach Nate McMillan was a defensive stopper during his career, and he’s transferred it over to his team. The Trailblazers were fourth in the league in points allowed, and they have good shotblocking in the middle with Oden and Przybilla. Roy is a better perimeter defender than people give him credit for, and Aldridge is improving as well.

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: COACHING
In his first season four years ago, McMillan had a 21-61 team. Last year, the Trailblazers had 54 wins, and now, they’re arguably the second-best team in the West. McMillan did an great job with such a young team, although it helps a lot to have a leader like Roy on your side. Now, with a veteran point like Miller, McMillan will have another “coach” on the floor.

Portland Trailblazers odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
The Trailblazers could challenge the Los Angeles Lakers in the West this season, and the pickup of Miller may prove to be the best acquisition of the season. Portland is very deep as well, which will allow them to keep Roy fresh for the playoffs. The big men just need to stay out of foul trouble and crash the glass, and McMillan is one of the most underrated coaches in the league. The Trailblazers won’t win the title, but with their online betting odds and value, they’re worth a risk.

For more of the best sports betting articles on the internet and previews of all 30 NBA teams, check back with the betonline.com Betting Edge daily.