In literally 72 hours, Bodog will be changing their NBA lines from regular season to playoff odds. What started out as a 30 team race for the title, has diminished down to 16 teams. On paper, the NBA is one of the few leagues where there isn’t that much parity, as a top seed usually decimates an eighth seed. However, due to the lockout, teams ranked sixth or lower were able to catch up to the powerhouses, as the playoffs began. Today, we will look at what the remaining teams need to do to increase their odds at an NBA title.

One of the most essential ingredients for any team to experience success in the playoffs en route to being named champion of that specific season is to win on the road. For all intents and purposes, the majority of teams that make the playoffs can absolutely destroy opponents on home court, but become the destroyed team on the road. Nevertheless, the teams with the best road records show that they can play in a hostile environment and still pull off the NBA victory. This year, several teams that struggled on the road during the regular season, will have to hope the second season gives them a fresh outlook on things.

For example, the defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks were absolutely dreadful on the road this season. Sitting at an overall record of 36 – 29, and the seventh seed entering the Western Conference playoffs, this Mavericks team isn’t quite as good as some of the Mavs teams in the past that were unstoppable on the road. Dallas was 23 – 10 at home and a miserable 13 – 19 on the road this season. In order to repeat as champions, they will need to be more like the 23 – 10 team and less like the 13 – 19 team.