Now that the All-Star teams have been selected in the NBA, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming playoff races. The NBA season is already nearing the halfway point, and the top teams are starting to separate from the rest of the pack.
Here are the updated betting odds to win the 2021 NBA Finals:
Favorites
Los Angeles Lakers +240
Brooklyn Nets +333
Los Angeles Clippers +550
Milwaukee Bucks +800
Utah Jazz +800
There have been four NBA title favorites since the season began, but a new team has joined the list. That team would be the Utah Jazz, who currently own the best record in the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers remain the betting favorites to win the 2021 NBA Finals, which would be their second championship in a row. It’s hard to beat a team led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Brooklyn Nets have vaulted all the way up to +333, and the Big Three of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant will be hard to ignore. The Los Angeles Clippers (+550) and the Milwaukee Bucks (+800) are both strong teams, but they have to prove they can win in the playoffs.
These odds will likely shift several more times throughout the regular season, but these five teams are worthy and capable of winning the NBA Championship this season.
Contenders
Philadelphia 76ers +1600
Boston Celtics +2800
Denver Nuggets +3500
Phoenix Suns +3500
Miami Heat +4500
Portland Trail Blazers +5000
If the five teams listed in the favorites category don’t win the NBA Championship this season, look no further than this group of contenders. Some of these teams played a large role in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, and they could do the same again this season.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat are all strong contenders to win the Eastern Conference this season, but that will be an interesting race. The Denver Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference Finals a season ago, and they should be a strong playoff team again this season.
Longshots
Dallas Mavericks +5500
Toronto Raptors +6000
Indiana Pacers +6600
Golden State Warriors +8000
All four teams on this list have some recent postseason success, and there are reasons to believe in each team. If any one of these teams were to win the NBA Championship this season, it would become one of the biggest stories in all of the sports.
The Dallas Mavericks at +5500 could be a team to watch in the postseason if they can stay healthy. The Golden State Warriors are not the same team they once were, but Stephen Curry is still a threat.
Better Luck Next Year
Everyone Else +15000 or Higher
There is a clear cut-off after the Golden State Warriors at +8000, and none of these teams have a realistic shot of winning the NBA Championship in 2021. Some teams from this group will reach the playoff field, but that’s as far as their postseason run will go.
