NBA - Four Remain In The Title Race

Well the pretenders have fallen away and we are left with four contenders for the NBA title. Teams like the Cav's and the Hornets looked great at times this year but we have been left with the two best and the two most experienced teams.

In the West we see the Lakers take on the Spurs. The Lakers have cruised through everything this year and should take apart a weary San Antonio. The reigning champions have done it all in recent years but they lack the depth they have enjoyed in the past. Lakers super star Kobi Bryant has the ability to ignite his team and should present the leadership that the Lakers need to progress through to the big dance.

The East looks a lot harder to pick. The Celtics are packed with big names but are not necessarily an experienced group. They also have the disadvantage of one hell of a hard series against Cav's, or should I say Lebron James. What was impressive was how they got through the scary moments and found the way to win. The question that should be asked is how many times can they go to the well?

Their opponents Detroit are in the same category as San Antonio to a degree. They have been at the top for some years now and the whole process of the playoffs isn't new to this team. They are the kind of team that goes along quietly getting the job done. The question will be whether they can weather the storm if the Celtics explode and play to their maximum potential. The answer is probably not, but a few off-nights and the Pistons will go through easily.

Sportsbet.com.au has a future market up for the title. I think the Pistons certainly represent the value at $5. The worst of the three options for me would be the Spurs at $5.20. Lakers are clear first pick at $2.30 which I think is good value also but I think the Celtics at $3.60 is a little short. One thing is for certain, basketball doesn't get any better than this.

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