As the NBA training camp season inches closer, fans are beginning to strenuously pour over their team's rosters as well as their biggest adversaries. Unlike most major sports, aside from a monster franchise player deal, the NBA is not as random as the NFL. The NFL is much more of an open playing field while the NBA is more predictable as seen by the Spurs and Miami Heat facing off in the Finals twice in three years.

Fans can expect that the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder will be the top three contenders coming out of the West. The Portland Trailblazers and Golden St. Warriors are young and upcoming teams, but they have yet to prove that they are consistently dangerous and possess the ability to move up and out of the second round.

From the East the top three appear to be the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and some mash up of either the Indiana Pacers or the Miami Heat. There is no true third contender in the East due to Indiana's Paul George being out for the season and Miami losing the best player in the league.

As far as Las Vegas betting stats go the top three overall are the Cleveland Cavaliers at 5:2, the San Antonio Spurs 4:1 and the Chicago Bulls at 11:2. Chicago is a surprising pick, but with the return of former MVP Derek Rose, it will be interesting to see how they come back. The Bulls have consistently lacked the offensive firepower needed to advance deep into the playoffs. Rose is that firepower, if he can return to his former glory. Fans must remember that he hasn't played a full season in almost three years, which can definitely throw off a players shot and overall feel for the speed of the game.

The easy prediction to make is naturally that the Cleveland Cavaliers will take home the NBA's greatest prize. Remember, this is what everyone thought would happen when LeBron James initially made his trip to Miami. Although the Heat did make a Finals Appearance, the Dallas Mavericks beat them handily. There is little doubt that the Cavs will be in the Finals due to the weakness and instability of the Eastern Conference.

Every year the San Antonio Spurs quietly put up great numbers until it gets to playoff time. The Spurs have an extra gear that is kicked in when it gets to be May. Look for the Spurs and Cavaliers to face off in the NBA Finals, where LeBron James and Kevin Love get to taste the sweetness of revenge.