NBA Playoffs 2016: Final Team Standings, Title Odds and Bracket Predictions

If the 2016 NBA playoffs can match the excitement from the last day of the regular season, fans are in for a real treat.

Obviously, not all of Wednesday's drama had an effect on the postseason. After all, Kobe Bryant was ending his career in style while the Golden State Warriors were making history. However, the final night also featured the Houston Rockets clinching a playoff berth while a confusing Eastern Conference sorted out its seeding.

Now that the matchups are settled, the real season can begin, as we prepare to crown another champion.

Team	Odds
Golden State Warriors	10-17
San Antonio Spurs	7-2
Cleveland Cavaliers	7-2
Oklahoma City Thunder	12-1
Los Angeles Clippers	28-1
Toronto Raptors	35-1
Boston Celtics	40-1
Miami Heat	60-1
Atlanta Hawks	70-1
Indiana Pacers	70-1
Houston Rockets	120-1
Portland Trail Blazers	180-1
Memphis Grizzlies	180-1
Detroit Pistons	200-1
Dallas Mavericks	280-1
Charlotte Hornets	350-1

This does not look like a usual breakdown heading into the playoffs, with the Warriors such overwhelming favorites. Not only did they make history by setting the best regular-season record ever with their 73 wins, but they excelled against the best the league had to offer, as noted by ESPN's John Buccigross:

The San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers obviously have incredibly talented teams with a chance at a title, but either one beating Golden State four times in a series will not be easy. It will take some really cold shooting from the defending champs and some of the most efficient offense either squad has played all year.

As far as sleepers are concerned, a bet on the Los Angeles Clippers could represent a nice payoff if the team is able to finish a magical run to the championship. The Toronto Raptors are also talented and will have a much easier run to the Finals, and then who knows what could happen? Both of these teams are long shots, but these are the best odds you will likely get. 

Eastern Conference
Western Conference
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Detroit Pistons	Cavaliers win 4-0
No. 2 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 7 Indiana Pacers	Raptors win 4-2
No. 3 Miami Heat vs. No. 6 Charlotte Hornets	Heat win 4-2
No. 4 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 5 Boston Celtics	Celtics win 4-3
No. 1 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 8 Houston Rockets	Warriors win 4-0
No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies	Spurs win 4-1
No. 3 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks	Thunder win 4-1
No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers	Clippers win 4-3

The first round has a few intriguing matchups, but also some that could simply become blowouts.

While the Houston Rockets represent a dangerous team for the Warriors, they couldn't stick with Golden State a year ago in the Western Conference Finals, losing in five games. Stephen Curry and Company are even better this time around and won all three matchups during the regular season. This will be an easy stretch for the defending champs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could have just as easy a time with the Detroit Pistons, although you have to respect the willingness of the underdogs to fight, per Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald:

Reggie Jackson can root for Goliath, but the Cavs are now at full strength and will not go down easily.

The Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder could also have relatively easy starts to the playoffs. Both swept their respective opponents during the regular season and simply have too much talent to falter against weaker competition. They have been to this point before and won't lose unless there is a major injury on either side.

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

On the other hand, one of the more interesting matchups of the opening round features the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics. These teams—along with the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets—tied for the third-best record in the conference, although the Celtics might be the one getting the raw deal, as Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe argued:

Boston overcame a 26-point deficit to win Wednesday night but still ended up as the No. 5 seed with a tough draw throughout the playoffs. Still, the win could provide some much-needed momentum heading into the postseason. With a deep roster full of playmakers creating the No. 5 scoring offense in the NBA, the young team has what it takes to pull off the minor upset in Round 1.

The Portland Trail Blazers could also challenge for a first-round upset behind the dangerous backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. They have been extremely good at home this year and should take the Clippers to the brink. However, a 16-25 road record and a weak frontcourt will prevent any run in these playoffs.

While the Charlotte Hornets could also make things interesting in the first round, the Miami Heat have been playing well down the stretch and have the experience their opponents lack. This will be enough for an opening-round victory. 

	Eastern Conference
	Western Conference
Seed	Team	W	L	Pct.
1	Cleveland Cavaliers	57	25	0.695
2	Toronto Raptors	56	26	0.683
3	Miami Heat	48	34	0.585
4	Atlanta Hawks	48	34	0.585
5	Boston Celtics	48	34	0.585
6	Charlotte Hornets	48	34	0.585
7	Indiana Pacers	45	37	0.549
8	Detroit Pistons	44	38	0.537
-	Chicago Bulls	42	40	0.512
-	Washington Wizards	41	41	0.500
-	Orlando Magic	35	47	0.427
-	Milwaukee Bucks	33	49	0.402
-	New York Knicks	32	50	0.390
-	Brooklyn Nets	21	61	0.256
-	Philadelphia 76ers	10	72	0.122
Seed	Team	W	L	Pct.
1	Golden State Warriors	73	9	0.890
2	San Antonio Spurs	67	15	0.817
3	Oklahoma City Thunder	55	27	0.671
4	Los Angeles Clippers	53	29	0.646
5	Portland Trail Blazers	44	38	0.537
6	Dallas Maverics	42	40	0.512
7	Memphis Grizzlies	42	40	0.512
8	Houston Rockets	41	41	0.500
-	Utah Jazz	40	42	0.488
-	Sacramento Kings	33	49	0.402
-	Denver Nuggets	33	49	0.402
-	New Orleans Pelicans	30	52	0.366
-	Minnesota Timberwolves	29	53	0.354
-	Phoenix Suns	23	59	0.280
-	Los Angeles Lakers	17	65	0.207

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.