NBA Playoffs 2012: Updated Odds for Every Team to Win a Title

The chips have finally begun to fall into place, as the 2012 NBA playoffs have seen four teams advance and another four go home. The strong have been separated from the weak thus far, and with a handful of Game 6 showdowns with seasons on the line, it's time to discover who qualifies as elite.

Bulls-76ers, Lakers-Nuggets, Clippers-Grizzlies and Celtics-Hawks are all that remain. Coincidentally, all are going to Game 6.

Could we see four Game 7s? Will the favorites survive their upstart competition? All of this and more will be answered as we re-adjust each active team's title odds.

Note: Odds decided by VegasInsider.com

Denver Nuggets

Current Series: Trail 2-3 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Would you believe me if I told you that Kobe Bryant had 43 points, but every move he made was countered by Andre Miller? How about if I told you that JaVale McGee not only outplayed, but dominated Andrew Bynum?

It's a shame if you don't, as I'm telling you the honest truth about Game 5 between these two teams. 

Every time the Nuggets began to pull away, Kobe Bryant would bring the Lakers back into things. Every time the Lakers would get back into things, Andre Miller would make a pinpoint pass or put the hoop in the basket himself. 

JaVale McGee, meanwhile, both outscored and outrebounded Bynum, putting up 21 points and 14 rebounds to the Lakers big man's 16 and 11. It simply appeared as if Bynum was a step behind McGee on every possession.

If the Nuggets home crowd has anything to say about it, we may see a similar outcome in Game 6. If we do, and they end up tied at 3-3, anything is possible.

Note to Denver: Just remember that you're playing a certain someone who wears No. 24.

Updated Title Odds: 500/1

(Last Week: 100/1) 

Atlanta Hawks

Current Series: Trail 2-3 vs. Boston Celtics

The Atlanta Hawks have shown a never-say-die attitude throughout this series. Never has it been more evident, however, than when Al Horford made his triumphant return to the starting lineup after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in early January.

While his first game back didn't go as planned, Game 5 saw Horford put up 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals. He also shot 8-of-15 from the field, giving Atlanta its first consistent low-post scoring outing of the series.

While Atlanta certainly has an uphill battle ahead, as they travel to Boston in an attempt to extend the series, Horford's output could be enough to secure a victory.

Should they do so, Game 7 will be played on their home floor, where they are 2-1 against the Celtics in this series.

Updated Title Odds: 300/1

(Last Week: 60/1)

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have topped 80 points in just one of their past three games. Derrick Rose is out for the remainder of the postseason. Joakim Noah is likely out for a deciding Game 6. 

But just when you thought they were down and out, Luol Deng put the team on his back and proved worthy of his 2012 All-Star selection.

While no one is jumping back on the Bulls' bandwagon just yet, it's hard to write them off. The resiliency this team has displayed is unlike anything we have seen this postseason and their defense remains as smothering as ever.

As long as someone can continue to step up and score the basketball with the game on the line, this team may not be an afterthought, after all.

Updated Title Odds: 60/1

(Last Week: 9-1)

Memphis Grizzlies

Current Series: Trail 2-3 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Once considered to be a legitimate title contender, the Memphis Grizzlies are now within one loss of a first-round elimination. And to think, closing out a game in which you had a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter is all it would have taken to put the Grizzlies up on the Clippers. 

The upside here is the fact that "never say never" has been a phrase more applicable to this series than any other in recent memory. With that in mind, the Grizzlies pulling off a comeback is not out of the question.

They just have to do something about one Chris Paul. Easier said than done. 

Updated Title Odds: 50/1

(Last Week: 20/1)

Philadelphia 76ers

Current Series: Lead 3-2 vs. Chicago Bulls

With the Chicago Bulls on the brink of elimination, Philadelphia's two best individual players, Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday, shot a combined 9-of-36 for 27 points. Lou Williams and Spencer Hawes didn't help much, combining to go 8-of-19 for 24 points.

And no one else on the team scored in double figures.

With Game 6 shifting back to Philadelphia, it's hard to expect the 76ers not closing this one out. Both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah have been knocked out by injuries and the Bulls' suffocating defense is only as good as their inconsistent offense.

Should the Sixers make it over this hump in the road to glory, a victory over the Atlanta Hawks or Boston Celtics does not seem too far fetched.

Updated Title Odds: 30/1 

(Last Week: 100/1)

Los Angeles Clippers

Current Series: Lead 3-2 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Clippers began the postseason with a historic comeback from 27 points down in the fourth quarter. This Friday, they will have the opportunity to end the first round with a series-clinching victory on their home floor.

At the heart of their postseason surge is the brilliant play of Chris Paul, who is averaging 22.6 points, 7.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 steals and shooting 47 percent from the floor. This is what we have come to expect out of CP3, who posted similar numbers in a 2011 near upset of the L.A. Lakers while with the New Orleans Hornets.

Should the Clippers close out and advance, their title odds become that much stronger. Their depth and athleticism matches up well against the San Antonio Spurs, and a potential Chris Paul versus Tony Parker showdown is certain to spark interest. As would the old against new battle between Blake Griffin and Tim Duncan.

Interest doesn't mean victory, however, as the Clippers would be in for a dogfight against the most balanced team in the league. But don't count them out. 

Updated Title Odds: 25/1

(Last Week: 40/1)

Indiana Pacers

Current Series: Won 4-1 vs. Orlando Magic

Last week, the Indiana Pacers were at 50/1 odds to win the title. After closing out their highly competitive series with the Orlando Magic, those odds have improved to 20/1.

And rightfully so.

The Pacers are arguably the deepest team in the NBA. While they don't necessarily possess a star player that fans covet—although Indiana will argue in favor of Danny Granger, David West and Roy Hibbert—they do have quality players at every position. 

Hibbert is also one of the best interior defenders in the NBA, making him a serious X-factor against LeBron James' slashing tendencies when they match up with the Miami Heat. The Pacers could shock the world. 

Updated Title Odds: 20/1

(Last Week: 50/1)

Boston Celtics

Current Series: Lead 3-2 vs. Atlanta Hawks

As of two days ago, the Boston Celtics were up 3-1 and poised to win the series with a lead in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Beantown, the Atlanta Hawks extended the series by pulling off a heart-pounding 87-86 victory.

With the series shifting back to Boston, the Celtics are once again favored to close out the series. The updated odds are reflective of such, as they have gone from 25/1 odds to 8/1 odds in the matter of just one week.

Dominant point guard play and smothering defense will do that for you.

Updated Title Odds: 8/1

(Last Week: 20/1) 

Los Angeles Lakers

Current Series: Lead 3-2 vs. Denver Nuggets

When the Lakers lose a game that saw Kobe Bryant score 43 points, you have to wonder what went wrong. You also have to feel good about the future, as Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are very unlikely to be outscored and outrebounded by the Nuggets' big men again.

As the series shifts back to Denver, the Lakers will have much to improve upon but very little to worry about. The Nuggets will clearly throw everything they have at the Lake Show, but they haven't executed very well with opportunities to close games out.

This will be a big problem if all of Kobe's sidekicks get back into a rhythm. The Mamba can go off for 40 points on any given night, but in Game 6, it's his teammates who will come up big.

Updated Title Odds: 8/1

(Last Week: 8/1)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Series: Won 4-0 vs. Dallas Mavericks

It wasn't easy, nor was it pretty, but the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. And boy, did they do it in impressive fashion or what?

With Kevin Durant struggling from the floor in Games 1 and 2, Russell Westbrook rose to the occasion and averaged 28.5 points per game. Durant rewarded Westbrook with a Game 1 buzzer-beater and an average of 27.5 points per game on 61 percent shooting in Games 3 and 4.

While Dirk Nowitzki nearly willed his team to victory on three separate occasions, including one- and three-point losses in Oklahoma City, this Thunder team showed resiliency at every turn. They also displayed depth, as Serge Ibaka went off for 22 points in Game 1 and averaged 3.25 blocks per game overall.

Not the type of team you want to run into.

Updated Title Odds: 4/1

(Last Week: 7/2)

San Antonio Spurs

Current Series: Won 4-0 vs. Utah Jazz

Well, that went by quickly.

The San Antonio Spurs handily swept the trendy Utah Jazz, winning four games by an average margin of 16.0 points. The only "close" game was not really all that close, as the Spurs dominated Game 2 from start to finish but only saw the scoreboard reflect a four-point win.

If a few extra days of rest will benefit anyone, it's the San Antonio Spurs. And keep in mind, folks, Tony Parker is going for ring number four while Tim Duncan is aiming to tie Kobe Bryant at five.

Updated Title Odds: 5/2

(Last Week: 4/1)

Miami Heat

Current Series: Won 4-1 vs. New York Knicks

It took one more game than we expected, but at the end of the day, the outcome was never in doubt: The Miami Heat emerged victorious over the embattled New York Knicks.

The Heat were quite impressive. Furthermore, when the only game you drop comes when an individual player scores more than 40 points, you really have nothing to be ashamed about. Chances are, no one will score that many points against you for the rest of this postseason.

LeBron James was his usual self, posting 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game while Dwyane Wade tallied 21.0 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Chris Bosh, meanwhile, contributed just 15.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, but shot 51 percent from the floor.

And the Heat still dominated the New York Knicks.

Dangerous doesn't even begin to sum this team up.

Updated Title Odds: 6/5

(Last Week: 3/2)