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Phoenix Suns Odds to Win the 2008 NBA Finals

The Phoenix Suns just haven't been able to make it over the hump in the Western Conference playoffs. They are hoping the addition of Shaquille O'Neal will be the missing link to their championship hopes. Jimmy Boyd takes a look at the 2008 Phoenix Suns odds to win the NBA Finals in this article.



Bet the Phoenix Suns at 5-1 odds at BodogLife to win the NBA Finals

Why they'll win it all:

The Suns have adjusted to life with Shaquille O'Neal, and I think they are starting to like it. The big fella has improved the Suns where they needed the most help – on the defensive end. Shaq has instantly become the Suns leading rebounder and he takes a lot of pressure off of Amare Stoudemire who can now slide over to play power forward. This has helped Amare's scoring and it also keeps him from getting into foul trouble as Shaq will guard their opponents best post players. Shaq has also taken some pressure off of Steve Nash, who the Suns used to depend on to facilitate everything. Shaq is still a player which teams must at least think about double teaming. When they do, Shaq is very good at finding open shooters. Steve Nash was brilliant in the postseason a year ago and he gives the Suns that necessary extension of the coach on the floor. The Suns aren't as poor defensively as one might think by looking at the 105.1 ppg that they allow. Phoenix plays up tempo basketball and because it gets more possessions to score, its opponents will also. Also, Raja Bell is known as one of the best lockdown defenders in the game. He provides the Suns with a player who can shadow their opponents best perimeter scorer. The Suns played the San Antonio Spurs neck and neck in last year's playoffs, and if it weren't for a couple bad breaks (Nash's nose gash and Stoudemire's suspension), they might have won the title last season. The Suns also have very good depth with specialists Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa coming off the bench to give them a lift in flat spots.

Why they won't:

The competition in the NBA is as good this season as it has been in quite some time, especially in the West where already good teams have traded effectively to get even better. While the Suns are improved defensively, they are not as good defensively as the Spurs in the West or the Celtics the East for example. That could hold them back if they are not able to force the tempo against these teams. I have a feeling that teams are going to try to make Shaquille O'Neal beat them as opposed to letting Amare Stoudemire do it. Shaq has looked fairly fresh since coming over to the Suns, but the playoffs are a different beast, and if he can not be the dominant force in the post that he has been in the past, the Suns will likely struggle. So I guess, the Suns' success in 2008 has much to do with the Diesel.

Other odds to Win the 2008 NBA Finals: