As expected, the first week threw up some newsworthy results. The city of New York is undefeated but the same can’t be said for LA or Oklahoma. Surprisingly though, despite slow starts the Lakers and the Thunder haven’t drifted noticeably in Championship betting. LA has drifted by Floyd Mayweather’s ex friend from $4 to $4.50 and OKC has gone $5 to $5.25. Miami are now $2.80 despite the thrashing from Melo’s men.

Speaking of Carmelo, his MVP odds have been slashed from $51 to $17. Amar’e Stoudemire’s real estate agent is said to be as happy as any other New Yorker.

And what about James Harden? His MVP odds have gone from $101 to $21! The new Rocket has lifted off like Tom Hanks. Kevin Martin is averaging an impressive 20 ppg in Harden’s former role and yet OKC general Manager, Sam Presti, still looks like a muppet.

King James has only grown in reputation over the summer, with his media reputation as much as his on court play moving his odds into $2.15. It’s funny how winning overrides everything else (Ben Roethlisberger 2009, Kobe Bryant 2010 and Tiger Woods in 2013). LBJ used to be a non winner who passed the rock in the clutch rather than took over. Now ESPN rate him 9.99 and suddenly he has Jordan in his sites. If only the Olympics were every six months; James “Mythile” Magnussen would be able to attain for London and earn his Subway endorsements.

Two players that have lived up to the hype are Rookie of the Year favourites Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard. We won’t take any credit for Davis but we were all over Lillard. The boys in the office have been spruiking him since the pre-season and his Betstar odds are now $2.50 after previously betting $7. Davis, $4 into $2.30, is in front due to his profile but Lillard is in the slip stream and could overtake any time. We’re buoyed by Davis’ age and his exhausting 2012, whereas Lillard is 22 and playing with a chip on his shoulder.

The odds suggest it’s a two horse race, despite the season being fresher than Will Smith in Bel Air. The $13 chances are the knockout hopes but they need to get a move on. Bradley Beal needs John Wall, MKG needs to be more assertive and Jonas Valanciunas needs consistency.

So despite the surprises we are sticking with our guns. LBJ for MVP, Lillard for ROY, Miami to beat LA and Charlotte to beat no one. Check out our NBA Championship market here.

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