Warriors Betting Favorites on 2018 NBA Odds
The Warriors haven’t even held their NBA title parade, but bettors are already looking to next season. NBA championships odds for the 2017-18 season are already available at the Bovada Sportsbook and the Warriors are massive favorites to repeat. The early NBA championship futures have Golden State listed as a -150 favorite to win another title.
Kevin Durant has an option to become a free agent and Stephen Curry is headed for free agency, but both are expected to be back in Golden State next season. As long as both Durant and Curry return the Warriors will remain strong favorites. Delivering a nearly perfect postseason run will do that.
Not surprisingly, following the Warriors on the odds are the team they defeated in the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers at +300. LeBron James couldn’t lead the Cavaliers to another title last season and based on how the Finals went he may need some more help to bring another title to Cleveland.
After Golden State and Cleveland the odds rise quickly, with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs next in line at +1200. The Celtics are in an interesting position heading into the offseason holding the No. 1 pick in the draft. Boston is also reportedly in the running for free agent Gordon Hayward. Boston’s offseason moves could improve their odds, which could make them a smart pick for bettors right now looking for value.
The Spurs could also be in line for some offseason changes with Pau Gasol, Patrick Mills and Manu Ginobili all headed to free agency. San Antonio remains a contender thanks to Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge and of course head coach Gregg Popovich. San Antonio may take a run at free agent point guard Chris Paul, whose addition would definitely improve their odds.
Along with Hayward and Paul other free agents that could change teams and disrupt the odds include Blake Griffin, Kyle Lowry, and Paul Millsap.
If the Los Angeles Clippers lose both Paul and Griffin their status as contenders will likely be over. They’re listed at +3300 on the Bovada Sportsbook NBA futures right now, but they could plummet quickly.
The Toronto Raptors are listed at +5000 right now, but could lose Lowry and possibly Serge Ibaka as well. Unless they bring in some similar replacements they could also shoot down the odds list.