Each week, we’re checking in with the NBA futures odds listing to gather what we can about the teams that are trending towards and away from the Larry O’Brien trophy in our NBA odds update.
The Spurs’ and Pacers’ championship odds continue moving in polar opposite directions, while the Heat’s and Thunder’s remain unchanged for the week. A major injury launched the Rockets’ odds sky-high, which leaves the Clippers looking a little more valuable.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Odds to Win the NBA Finals
Favorites Out West: Spurs Rise, Thunder Strike
[sc:NBA240banner ]The San Antonio Spurs’ winning streak may be done, but it’ll take more than one loss undo the 19-straight wins that sent the Spurs’ odds to +300 (UPDATE: now down to +270) from +350 last week. However, it’s still concerning that the team to end the streak is none other than the Oklahoma City Thunder, otherwise known as the Spurs’ kryptonite.
The Thunder are +375 to become champs, and have now swept the season series over San Antonio. Should the two once again meet in the conference finals – as they did in 2012, when the Thunder prevailed – the Spurs may not make it out of the West.
Favorites in the East: Heat Stand Pat, Pacers Plummeting
The Miami Heat are 7-3 in their last ten games. It should be noted though, that three of those four wins came against the Pistons and Bucks (twice). Therefore, it’s not surprising to see the Heat’s odds at +225 as the overall favorites.
The Heat’s Eastern Conference rivals the Indiana Pacers, however, have not maintained their (cough cough) pace. Another disastrous week that saw road losses to the Wizards and Cavaliers and a disastrous 26-point home loss to the Spurs sent the Pacers’ odds sinking to +750.
Best Value: Rockets Crash, Clippers Remain
Who would’ve guessed that the Houston Rockets’ championship hopes hinged on Patrick Beverley? With their plucky point guard out until the playoffs, the Rockets’ odds doubled to +1,800 within a week.
That leaves the Los Angeles Clippers at +1,000 as the sixth and final possible title contender. The Clippers have stayed in the hunt for the no. 2 seed in the West, in part fueled by a 28-15 record against teams .500 or better (the Pacers are just 20-16 in comparison). Given that taking a $50 flyer on the Clips at +1,000 would net you $500, which is quite an impressive payout.
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