NBA Betting Power Rankings: Week 15

Newly acquired foward Pau Gasol already looks like a perfect fit in L.A. (AP Images)

Be prepared to change your strategy when betting on the NBA against the spread.

With only five games between first and eighth in the West, every GM in the league has been scrambling to grab that final piece of the puzzle for a championship run.

The biggest shift should be felt in L.A. Already a powerhouse in the West, the Lakers stole versatile All-Star forward Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. Gasol should fill the hole left by center Andrew Bynum (out eight weeks with a knee injury), and the Lakers were rolling with him in the lineup, going 24-11 ATS.

Sick of being pounded by the big men in the West, the Phoenix Suns traded forward Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Heat for star center Shaquille O'Neal. However, Shaq is still nursing injuries and could miss another couple of weeks. Their record could take a hit while waiting for him to return.

Plus, Dallas, Cleveland and Denver are all still looking to grab Nets point guard Jason Kidd via trade. If any of those teams are lucky enough to add the NBA legend, their production and record is sure to shoot up.

That's something to keep in mind as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

Read our NBA Betting Power Rankings for Week 15 in the Bodog Sportsbook!