With basketball betting season still a bit off, those who wish to bet on basketball can do so via the futures market. While during the regular season, a bettor can bet games during the week using either the money line or point spread, the only market open at the moment is the futures market. It is here where we can bet on things such as the conference champions, who will win their division, the league champion, or even on things such as who will be the league MVP. Often there is value in the futures market, as teams who have improved significantly in the off-season might be a good buy.

The LA Lakers, our defending NBA champions sit at 9 to 5 odds. The Lakers have improved their side a great deal by returning players such as Coby Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom. Additionally, Ron Artest comes to town, which is sure to improve their already deep and talented squad.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting odds of ten to three in the futures market to win the 2010 NBA championship. Shaq joins King James and hopes to deliver a championship to Cleveland this year, which is something the city of Cleveland has been without for many years.

The Orlando Magic sit at eight to one odds. The Magic looked unstoppable when up against the Cavs in the conference finals; however, they looked average at best when they met the Lakers for the championship in 09. With Vince Carter joining the Magic, the hopes are that they now have what it takes to put them over the hump and bring a championship to Orlando.

Perhaps the most underrated squad in the futures market is the Boston Celtics. The Celtics field a strong starting lineup and bring Rasheed Wallace off the bench. Led by Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen – the Celtics are built for speed and sure to run up the scoreboard. The Celtics go off at five to one odds on in the futures market.

Also worth considering are the San Antonio Spurs, who have futures odds of seventeen to two. The Spurs were the most consistent franchise in the NBA over the last several seasons. Their talented starting line-up, consisting of players such as Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are complimented by an ever-so-deep bench of Michael Finley, Theo Ratliff, and George Hill.

The Spurs are clear division winners, and may be able to contend for the championship. At 17 to 2 NBA odds, the Spurs may well be the value pick of the NBA futures market.