The NBA playoffs are just a month away and for bettors, this can be the part of the season that offers the best odds on their team to win it all. Top players are being rested, most top seeds are sewn up, and the day-to-day fluctuations of the regular season can sully what will be a dominant postseason team.
[sc:NBA240banner ]With that in mind, today we begin a regular look at the NBA odds and futures in which we will focus on identifying the teams with the best chance of winning it all and padding your bankroll along the way.
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Odds to Win the NBA Finals
The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers each took beatings early this month, but they remain the class of the eastern conference. In the more competitive western conference, the San Antonio Spurs have the edge over teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Could they stay on top until the end of the regular season?
Still the Favorites: Miami Heat
After a lengthy eight-game winning streak, Miami appeared to have lost steam and went just 1-5 SU in the following six games, including losses to fellow contenders Houston and San Antonio. At the tail end of this bad stretch, the Heat even lost back-to-back at home against Brooklyn and Denver.
Nonetheless, backed as they are by the big three of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat remain the favorites to take home the Larry O’Brien trophy at +225.
Falling Stock: Portland Trail Blazers
Several losses in February and March have the Blazers on the ropes. Portland was among the heavy favorites to win the NBA Finals up to the All-Star break with odds of +1,600, but a 1-5 SU record in the Blazers’ first four games this March has pushed them to a much more valuable +4,000. It was a disappointing turnaround for the Blazers, but their season is also far from over with a 44-24 win-loss rate.
In the preseason, the Blazers were wallowing in the bottom of the odds to win the NBA Finals with sky-high prices that ranged from +8,000 to +15,000. But a scorching 13-2 SU record to start the season followed by more great basketball for the next two months prompted oddsmakers to lower the team’s odds.
Best Value: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have their playoff-faces on. No team seems to possess the formula for how to stop Gregg Popovich’s wards. The Spurs have been blowing the competition out of the water since late February. They are on a 10-game winning streak (and counting) and have only lost back-to-back games once so far this season.
At this point of the season, it’s smarter to lay money on the Spurs’ +450 than on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the same odds but lack the consistency of San Antonio.
Do you think the Miami Heat will repeat as champions? Bet now on NBA games and pick your team to win the Finals with Top Bet, America’s best online sportsbook.
