Basketball Betting News: 2011-12 NBA Championship Odds

While the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are still battling for the 2010-11 NBA title, sports bettors can already take a look ahead to the 2011-12 campaign. Last offseason, there were a number of marquee free agents on the market. This time around, there aren't too many elite players that will be available through free agency. Here's an early look at the odds to win the 2011-12 NBA Championship: Early Favorites With its trio of star players signed on for several more seasons, the Heat are a +200 favorite to win an NBA title next season. Miami's supporting cast could look a lot different in 2011-12. Seven players could become unrestricted free agents during the summer. In addition, young guard Mario Chalmers will be a restricted free agent this offseason. After falling to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Chicago Bulls (+600) will attempt to take the next step in the 2011-12 season. With only three marginal reserves set to become free agents, the Bulls will have its nucleus in place for the upcoming season. A new era is set to begin for the Los Angeles Lakers (+700) in 2011-12. After capturing five NBA titles during his time on the sidelines with the Lakers, Phil Jackson has stepped aside. Former Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown will try to keep Los Angeles in the title hunt this season. Reserve guard Shannon Brown is the only player of note on LA's roster that could become a free agent this summer. If the Mavericks (+700) don't win a championship this season, the franchise could face a much more difficult title push in 2011-12. Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler, Jose Juan Barea, Peja Stojakovic and DeShawn Stevenson will all be unrestricted free agents in the offseason. With a much younger and set roster than Dallas heading into the summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder (+700) could be poised to be the team to beat in the Western Conference in 2011-12. All of its key players are signed through next season. While Miami's trio of stars still have plenty of prime years to play, the Boston Celtics (+800) are relying on three veterans that might not have much left in the tank. Ray Allen could become a free agent for the club this summer while younger players Glen Davis (unrestricted) and Jeff Green (restricted) could be signed away from Boston by the time next season rolls around.