Best early value bets for the 2015-16 NBA title

With the 2014-15 NBA season in the books, it's time to turn our attention toward next year's odds to identify the teams offering betting value. Typically, the best teams in the league -- or at least those perceived as the best -- hold the least amount of value.

Last year at this time, the San Antonio Spurs were a minuscule 6-1 following their title run. And prior to LeBron James' decision to return to Cleveland, the Miami Heat were about 2-1. This year's champion participants offered far better odds, with the Cavs at 60-1 (pre-LeBron) and Golden State Warriors at 20-1. Spotting an under-the-radar team like Golden State is easier said than done, but it's that exact profile that will yield the best return on investment.

The Cavaliers opened as favorites to win the 2016 NBA title at odds of 9-4, or roughly 2-1. The watered-down Eastern Conference ensures their favoritism, as the Western Conference will be stacked again. The Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder rank next at 5-1, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers (10-1), San Antonio Spurs (12-1) and Chicago Bulls (12-1).

Here are the best early value bets for the 2015-16 NBA title.