NBA Championship Futures Odds Update
A little over a month in the NBA season, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers remain the favorites to capture another crown in NBA championship futures odds.
At Bovada Sportsbook, the Lakers top the NBA championship futures at +240. That puts them just ahead of the Brooklyn Nets, who check in at +300.
Lakers favored over Nets in NBA championship futures
The Lakers have picked up where they left off last season with a 14-5 record, which includes going 8-2 in their last 10 games. If you’re wondering about the Lakers’ five losses this year, they came against the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers. Whether any of those teams could post four wins in a seven-game series vs the Lakers is the big question.
The Nets are considered to be the team to beat in the East after adding James Harden to their power duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The big three have put up big offensive numbers, and they’ve had to because Brooklyn ranks among the league’s worst teams defensively. Since acquiring Harden, the Nets are 5-2. You should circle February 18 on your calendar if you’re an NBA bettor, since that’s the first matchup this season between the Nets and Lakers.
Rounding out the top five in NBA championship futures at Bovada are the Los Angeles Clippers at +550, the Milwaukee Bucks at +650 and the Boston Celtics at +1500.
Stars’ absence could benefit Clippers in the long run
The Clippers season hit a speed bump this week after Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both entered the league’s health and safety protocol a day after they lost Patrick Beverley to a knee injury. It’s unknown when any of them will be back on the court for the Clippers. As long as the Clips stay in the playoff race, though, the absence of Leonard and George could actually be beneficial as it will give them some rest during a shortened and compacted season.
The Bucks might be +650 to win an NBA title, but they may not be worth a bet considering their record against other contenders. Milwaukee has lost to the Lakers, Nets and Boston Celtics this season. If the Bucks can’t beat the league’s best, can they truly be considered championship contenders?
Celtics face litmus test on weekend vs Lakers
The Celtics are struggling a bit right now with a 2-3 record in their last five games. Boston faces the Lakers this weekend, and in their lone matchup against the Nets this season, the Celtics were crushed 123-95.
Value bets in NBA championship futures right now include the Philadelphia 76ers at +1600, the Utah Jazz at +2000 and the Miami Heat at +2500, if they can turn things around.