8th most likely to win it all next year

[GrandpaBlaze]

At this point in time, the Blazers are given 18-1 odds of winning it all next year. Based on some of the moves other teams have made and what we haven't done thus far (although free-agent signings aren't yet an option), I'd have to agree with Blazers' spot in the rankings.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ba...n-2010-championship-following-?urn=nba,174375

Top teams:

Odds to win 2010 NBA Championship:

Cleveland Cavaliers (9/4)
Los Angeles Lakers (9/4)
Boston Celtics (5/1)
Orlando Magic (6/1)
San Antonio Spurs (11/1)
Denver Nuggets (13/1)
Houston Rockets (15/1)
Portland Trail Blazers (18/1)
Utah Jazz (20/1)
Dallas Mavericks (40/1)
New Orleans Hornets (40/1)
Detroit Pistons (45/1)
Atlanta Hawks (50/1)
Chicago Bulls (50/1)
Miami Heat (50/1)
Phoenix Suns (50/1)

Gramps...

 

[Minstrel]

At this point in time, the Blazers are given 18-1 odds of winning it all next year. Based on some of the moves other teams have made and what we haven't done thus far (although free-agent signings aren't yet an option), I'd have to agree with Blazers' spot in the rankings.

With Yao seemingly lost for the season, there's no way Houston belongs at #7. I think Portland, Denver and San Antonio are all very close, the same tier. I'd put all three ahead of Orlando. LA, Cleveland and Boston should be the top three.

 

[e_blazer]

With Yao seemingly lost for the season, there's no way Houston belongs at #7. I think Portland, Denver and San Antonio are all very close, the same tier. I'd put all three ahead of Orlando. LA, Cleveland and Boston should be the top three.

That's the way I'd size it up, too, depending upon Garnett's knee. Without KG, the Celtics drop out of contention, IMO.

 

[rocketeer]

portland at the very least should be 6th(ahead of houston and denver).

 

[44Thrilla]

That's the way I'd size it up, too, depending upon Garnett's knee. Without KG, the Celtics drop out of contention, IMO.

KG has almost completely recovered from his injury/surgery already.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I think the Pistons will fall off the map next year.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I like the 18-1 odds.

Can anyone in Vegas lay some money on the Blazers for me?

 

[LittleAlex]

With Yao seemingly lost for the season, there's no way Houston belongs at #7. I think Portland, Denver and San Antonio are all very close, the same tier. I'd put all three ahead of Orlando. LA, Cleveland and Boston should be the top three.

That's the way I'd size it up, too, depending upon Garnett's knee. Without KG, the Celtics drop out of contention, IMO.

portland at the very least should be 6th(ahead of houston and denver).

I think Portland needs to prove it can beat good western conference teams on the road before they can move any farther up the list then 7th.

And they are not close to the Spurs right now. Maybe with a couple of injuries to Spurs players, but if they are all healthy Portland would not beat them in a 7 game series.

This list must have been made before the news about Yao's foot. They should be about 100/1 odds, since neither T-Mac or Yao are really going to play next year.

 

[Minstrel]

I think injuries are going to be an issue with Duncan and Ginobili from now on, so I wouldn't base evaluations on both remaining healthy all season.

I agree that Portland needs to start beating good teams on the road, but even without doing so much last year, they were even with San Antonio and Denver. With any improvement at all from the group of Oden, Aldridge, Batum, Rudy and Bayless, I think Portland will turn more close losses on the road into close wins. While it may not be reasonable to assume improvement from ALL of those players, I definitely think that the default is that they'll get more from that group of players as a whole.

 

[Spud147]

I like the 18-1 odds.

Can anyone in Vegas lay some money on the Blazers for me?

I would be happy to do that for you if you send me to Vegas (all expenses paid at the Wynn). Deal?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I would be happy to do that for you if you send me to Vegas (all expenses paid at the Wynn). Deal?

Deal! Now would you like to hear my conditions?

I would put it in writing but it could be considered solicitation . . .

 

[Spud147]

Deal! Now would you like to hear my conditions?

I would put it in writing but it could be considered solicitation . . .

Oh... you're going too? That's a "condition" I hadn't contemplated.

Can I get back to you on that, I need to rethink this whole thing.

 

[donkiez]

Denver has one decent post season against two cream puff opponents and they are ranked above us? We should be 6th on this list.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Oh... you're going too? That's a "condition" I hadn't contemplated.

Can I get back to you on that, I need to rethink this whole thing.

Ahh women . . .

I know . . . you're a woman, it's your prerogative to change your mind. Let me know when you come to a decision . . . I will be waiting for your answer (story of my life)

 

[Spud147]

Ahh women . . .

I know . . . you're a woman, it's your prerogative to change your mind. Let me know when you come to a decision . . . I will be waiting for your answer (story of my life)

Can I have your credit card while I'm deciding? I promise I'll take good care of it.

 

[LittleAlex]

I think injuries are going to be an issue with Duncan and Ginobili from now on, so I wouldn't base evaluations on both remaining healthy all season.

I agree that Portland needs to start beating good teams on the road, but even without doing so much last year, they were even with San Antonio and Denver. With any improvement at all from the group of Oden, Aldridge, Batum, Rudy and Bayless, I think Portland will turn more close losses on the road into close wins. While it may not be reasonable to assume improvement from ALL of those players, I definitely think that the default is that they'll get more from that group of players as a whole.

I just don't know if the above is true. If Duncan and Manu can play fewer minutes next year due to RJ picking up some of the offensive slack, then injuries might not be a big a deal. If the Spurs have a healthy Manu, Parker and RJ, then they are better then Portland even with half a Duncan.

I hope to see improvement from all of Portland's players this off season. I expect to see a huge improvement in Oden.

None of this means I wouldn't lay a 100 bucks on Portland winning it all. Once the playoffs start, anything can happen.