The lines aren't set just based on who they think is going to win. They're heavily influenced by the action on the bets and how they expect fans to bet.
Odds to win 2013 NBA Championship
Miami Heat 11/5
Los Angeles Lakers 5/2
Oklahoma City Thunder 9/2
Chicago Bulls 14/1
Boston Celtics 18/1
San Antonio Spurs 18/1
Los Angeles Clippers 25/1
Brooklyn Nets 30/1
Dallas Mavericks 33/1
Indiana Pacers 35/1
Memphis Grizzlies 35/1
New York Knicks 35/1
Philadelphia 76ers 50/1
Denver Nuggets 66/1
Houston Rockets 75/1
Atlanta Hawks 75/1
Minnesota Timberwolves 75/1
Portland Trailblazers 100/1
Utah Jazz 100/1
Golden State Warriors 125/1
Milwaukee Bucks 125/1
New Orleans Hornets 150/1
Orlando Magic 150/1
Phoenix Suns 150/1
Cleveland Cavaliers 200/1
Detroit Pistons 200/1
Sacramento Kings 200/1
Toronto Raptors 200/1
Washington Wizards 200/1
Charlotte Bobcats 500/1
LOL, the Mavs, Pacers, Bulls, & Nets do not have better chances to win the title than the Knicks.
Great list outside of Chicago. WTF are they doing so high without Rose till around playoff time??? Even when he's back he won't be 100 percent for a month or two. Top 6 should be Lakers, Heat, Thunder, Spurs, Celtics and Clippers.
I'm trying to do the math here. If I wanted to place a bet on one of the lower tiered teams, but hedge my bets by placing a bet on the Heat/Lakers what would I have to bet on the Heat/Lakers if I wanted to bet say $200 on the 76ers to break even if I lost the 76ers bet.