2021-22 NBA Championship Futures Odds
The Milwaukee Bucks have just begun celebrating their first NBA championship in 50 years, but bettors are already looking toward next season and the updated 2021-22 NBA championship futures.
The Bucks may be the reigning champs but at Bovada Sportsbook, the Brooklyn Nets are next year’s NBA title favorites at +300. That should come as no surprise as the Nets were the favorites on the NBA title futures board for most of this season.
Health of three superstars key to favored Nets’ season
Brooklyn’s big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden were plagued by injuries this year and it ultimately led to an earlier than expected playoff exit. If any of the trio have injury problems again next season, Brooklyn’s depth will come into play again, which could be an issue with Jeff Green, Blake Griffin and Spencer Dinwiddie all heading to free agency.
Following the Nets on the NBA championship futures are the Los Angeles Lakers at +550 and the Bucks at +900.
Like the Nets, the Lakers also dealt with injury problems this year that hobbled LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers went from champs in 2020 to being ousted in the first round in 2021. That could be a blessing in disguise as it will give James and Davis more time off the court to get healthy and prepare to rebound next season.
Bucks third on oddsboard to defend NBA crown
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the NBA title with help from Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, with all three back in Milwaukee next season. The only major piece of their championship puzzle that could depart is veteran P.J. Tucker. The Bucks’ chances of repeating may hinge more on what the rest of the league’s contenders do in the offseason.
Rounding out the top five on the NBA futures are the Golden State Warriors at +1200 and the Phoenix Suns at +1500.
The Warriors were one of the play-in teams this season but failed to earn a spot in the playoffs. Stephen Curry carried the team at times, but he’ll get some added support with the return of Klay Thompson alongside Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.
Suns’ chances could hinge on Paul’s status
The Suns came up short, losing to the Bucks in the NBA Finals after winning the first two games. Their chances of getting back there and winning next season may depend upon Chris Paul. He has a player option to return to the Suns next season, but he could opt out to try to secure a longer-term deal. If Paul is back in the desert, he’ll reteam with the rest of the Suns’ big guns, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges.
Taking a look at the odds of some of the other NBA contenders, the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz all come in at +1800, but all three have major offseason questions around Ben Simmons, Kawhi Leonard and free agent Mike Conley respectively.
A few other notables that bettors may want to keep an eye on include the Denver Nuggets at +1800, the Dallas Mavericks at +2800 and the Atlanta Hawks at +3500.