Bodog Beat

Shaquille O'Neal will make his regular season debut for the Suns on Wednesday night. (AP Images)

Well, this is certainly a good way to make an entrance.

In front of a Phoenix crowd against the team he led to three NBA Championships, Shaquille O'Neal will start at center for the Suns as they host the Lakers Wednesday night.

The news was broken late this afternoon after Suns practice. Head coach Mike D'Antoni seemed shocked that starting Shaq was even a question, saying "are you gonna sit that guy on the bench?" with wide eyes.

The move will add a lot of spice to a red-hot rivalry. The Suns-Lakers feud began in the 2006 playoffs when Phoenix rallied from a 3-1 deficit to take out the Lakers in the first round. That was also the series where Raja Bell clotheslined Kobe Bryant, earning himself a one-game suspension.

Add in the bad-blood stemming from Shaq's departure from the Lakers and you have all the ingredients for a tremendous final half of the season. So why not cash in on all the drama? If you think you know who'll emerge the victor in the Western Conference, the Bodog Sportsbook has something for you:

Odds to win the 2007-08 NBA Western Conference:

• Phoenix – 3/1
• Los Angeles Lakers – 1/1

NBA Basketball Betting!