NBA betting players remember the old Portland “Jailblazers”, the ones who were being arrested and convicted of various criminal activities all the time. Well, this year’s Portland team is the top squad who could elbow their way into the upper echelon of the NBA. Here’s how the NBA sleeper picks stack up this year.

Portland (+1500)

The pickup of Andre Miller could very prove to be the acquisition of the summer, as the veteran point guard will handle the ball, freeing up Brandon Roy for more heroics. Heading into his third year, he could be ready to join the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and company at the top. The Trailblazers re-upped with LaMarcus Aldridge, and if Greg Oden can stay healthy and out of foul trouble, Portland could have a deadly frontcourt. With only three players above 30, inexperience could hurt the Trailblazers.

New Orleans (+4000)

Only two years ago, we were talking about the Hornets’ chances to challenge the Lakers. Last year, injuries killed their chances early, and it all went downhill from there. The Hornets are built around All-World point guard Chris Paul, and they brought in Omeka Okafor from Charlotte to play alongside another All-Star, David West. The Hornets are lacking depth though, especially up front, and that may cost later in the season. Still, you can good decent value for them right now.

Miami (+4000)

Any team with Dwyane Wade in the team has a chance to do something big. Wade led the Heat in points, assists and steals, while coming in second in blocks and he is a great rebounder for his size. Mario Chalmers and Daequan Cook can knock down the open shots caused by Wade’s penetration, but the Heat need the troubled Michael Beasley to get his head right and be a No.2 scoring option to Wade. The x-factor is the knee of Jermaine O’Neal. If he can stay on the court, O’Neal can be a very productive player at both ends of the court. But if Wade has to do it all by himself again, the Heat will flicker to a small flame in your offshore sportsbook.

Chicago (+6000)

The young Bulls served notice of their abilities in a classic first-round playoff series with Boston, but they’ll have to make up for the loss of sharpshooter Ben Gordon, who left for Detroit. Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose is being counted on to take the next step in his development, and John Salmons may take up some of the scoring slack caused by Gordon’s departure. The Bulls’ big men will be their key: can Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas and Brad Miller keep up with the rest of the East?

Toronto (+7500)

Well, for one, their NBA odds are better than the Blue Jays’ World Series odds will be any time soon. Second, on paper, the Raptors could be decent. They lured Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando, giving them a player that can make his own shot. The Raptors will try to make the duo of Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani work, and there’s no doubt that they’re talented, but they may be the same type of player. Jarrett Jack came from Indiana to back up Jose Calderon, and the Raptors are set at the point, while rookie DeMar DeRozan has shown glimpses of promise in the preseason. However, the Raptors have struggled defensively, and until they shore up that end of the court, they’ll be a massive online betting darkhorse.