The NBA’s return to play means there will be plenty of conversation on the odds in the newly designed playoffs. It might look slightly different than it would have in a normal setting since there will be a lack of home-court advantage.
After the stoppage of play, the Milwaukee Bucks had the best record in the league. They put together a 53-12 record and are the favorites to win it all.
Although the Bucks play in the weaker Eastern Conference, there is no denying the significance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” is an unstoppable force when he is at his best.
When he has the support he needs, the Bucks are a tough beat. He is the main reason they will be the +240 favorites going to Orlando.
Out West
The Los Angeles Lakers sit right behind the Bucks with odds of +270 to win it all. LeBron James has high hopes that he can win his 4th championship and build his legacy.
He will have the help of another top star in Anthony Davis. James was playing most games without any rest, so the break may have helped his stamina come playoff time.
The other team in Los Angeles will also be in contention. The Clippers are at +340 to win it all in Orlando.
They have a Finals veteran in Kawhi Leonard that is all too familiar with how to make a run for a championship. With the help of a full lineup, including Paul George, the Clippers will be a tough out.
Doc Rivers had his plan of resting players slightly backfire on him. He was preparing his team for a deep playoff run by controlling the number of minutes and starts his All-Stars had. But with the suspension due to the coronavirus, everyone has had a nice long break.
But the season moving to Orlando may have helped the Clippers in other ways. Many believe that a series with the Los Angeles Lakers will be happening at some point, but now it won’t be in Los Angeles.
With the large following for the Lakers, every game would be a home game for them in Staples Center. Even if the court changed, it wouldn’t matter for the fans in the stands.
Jeff Sherman, Vice President of Risk Management for Westgate Superbook, told The Action Network this week that the series price for a series at Staples, with fans, would be Lakers -120. In Orlando, the line moves to Clippers -120.
Full Odds
Here is a complete look at the updated odds for the return in Orlando.
- Milwaukee Bucks +240
- Los Angeles Lakers +270
- LA Clippers +340
- Houston Rockets +1200
- Boston Celtics +2000
- Toronto Raptors +2400
- Denver Nuggets +2500
- Miami Heat +2700
- Philadelphia 76ers +2700
- Utah Jazz +2900
- Dallas Mavericks +3600
- Brooklyn Nets +6000
- Indiana Pacers +10000
- Oklahoma City Thunder +10000
- New Orleans Pelicans +12000
- Memphis Grizzlies +21000
- Portland Trail Blazers +21000
- San Antonio Spurs +21000
- Orlando Magic +25000
- Phoenix Suns +25000
- Sacramento Kings +25000
- Washington Wizards +25000
