The 2013 NBA season has been exciting, and things are going to heat up even more.

With the playoffs around the corner, basketball fans are on the edge of their seats as teams prepare to square off. For those planning to watch the playoffs — and place their bets with the best sportsbook bonuses — there are a few NBA teams that are favorites to win the NBA Finals for 2013:

Miami Heat
The Heat had one of the most successful regular seasons of any team in recent memory, including a record 27-game winning streak. They also have what many would argue is the best player in the world in LeBron James, who is playing with more motivation than ever. Not to mention they have the momentum of last year’s victory. Let’s see if three-time MVP King James lives up to the hype and comes through on one of those championships he promised.

New York Knicks
The Knicks are a tough team and a reason the Heat shouldn’t start printing those championship shirts yet. Carmelo Anthony is capable of matching James shot for shot, and with a rejuvenated Amare Stoudemire on the court scoring an average of almost 14 points per game, they have a real chance. The Knicks had to battle through a host of injuries from the season’s beginning. This team knows how to overcome adversity, which can help them handle the pressure of the playoffs.

Boston Celtics
The Celtics may not be as loaded as they have been in the past, but they still have a host of battle-tested players who know what it takes to win in the playoffs. Sure, they lost Ray Allen and his clutch shooting, but they’ve got players like veteran Kevin Garnett and the team’s steady star, Paul Pierce. K.G. has managed to hold the team together. His 18th season could be his best.

Indiana Pacers
Not since Reggie Miller have the Indiana Pacers looked as good as they do this year. A lot of it is thanks to Danny Granger and Paul George. While Granger was out with a knee injury, George stepped up and made his mark on the team. They gave Miami tough competition last year and may have what it takes to beat LeBron this year. Maybe the addition of D.J. Augustin and Gerald Green can take them to the finals.

San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have their sights on the title again this year after making the playoffs for an incredible 16th season in a row. Their consistency is highlighted by the steady Tim Duncan, who at the tail end of his hall-of-fame career, is having one of his best seasons yet. If the older gentleman keeps up with the younger run-and-gun teams like the Thunder, then they have a shot at the title.

Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have risen quickly since the team’s creation a few years ago, and with superstar Kevin Durant, they’ll be a tough out for any team. With Russell Westbrook and his ridiculous speed and athleticism, no one would complain about a rematch of last year’s finals between them and the Heat. Durant is a contender for best player in the league, but he’ll have to beat LeBron and come through with a championship of his own if he wants that title.

Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers: a team that has held a position of power long before Kobe Bryant made his way onto the court. However, it doesn’t look like this is shaping up to be the year they imagined when they added Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. Gone are the days when Kobe could carry this team on his back. They’ll need players like Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes to step up to give them any chance.

Los Angeles Clippers
Considering the Clippers swept the season series with the Lakers and won their first division championship, you might think they would be satisfied with what they’ve accomplished. But Chris Paul is perhaps the toughest competitor in the league, and with him running the point the Clippers could be the most dangerous team in the West. Along with the human-highlight-reel Blake Griffin and steady play from Jamal Crawford, “the other L.A. team” could go the distance.

About the Author: An avid basketball fan, Don Locke looks forward to the playoffs as well as placing his bets on the Spurs again. If you’re interested in finding a sportsbook, he suggests you read more before you pick one.