LAS VEGAS – As the NBA postseason kicks off, the anticipation builds around a potential Western Conference showdown between the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, a team that has proven formidable against OKC this season. However, the Boston Celtics, just two years removed from their record 18th championship, should not be overlooked.
At BetMGM Sportsbook, the Thunder are currently favored at +120 odds to repeat as champions, joining the ranks of teams like the Golden State Warriors, who last accomplished this feat in 2018. Close behind are the Spurs at +450, with the Celtics trailing slightly at +550. All other teams are rated at 10-1 or longer odds, indicating a clear divide among the top contenders.
Bruce Marshall, a handicapper for WagerTalk/Gold Sheet, suggested that the Western Conference team is likely to be favored in the Finals. “We’re assuming it’s Oklahoma or San Antonio. Either of those two would be favored,” he noted. He also highlighted the Celtics as the strongest contender in the East, followed by the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons.
David Lieberman, the pro basketball lead at Caesars Sportsbook, advised caution regarding the favorites. “It should be pretty wide open this year, and I can see any of the top 3-5 seeds making a run in each conference. I expect several long, competitive series all the way through,” he stated.
Key Eastern Players Return
One significant factor bolstering the Celtics’ chances is the early return of Jayson Tatum from an Achilles tendon injury sustained in last year’s playoffs. His comeback has inspired confidence among bettors, leading to an increase in bets at BetMGM. Boston was listed at 10-1 prior to Tatum’s return, but now boasts 8.7% of the bets and 8.2% of the money wagered, ranking just behind the Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are seeing a surge in optimism with Cade Cunningham back in action after missing multiple weeks due to a collapsed lung. “The Detroit Pistons have been getting bet all year, and now with Cade Cunningham back and healthy, bets are coming in on them again,” Lieberman explained, indicating a growing belief in the potential of Eastern Conference teams.
Lakers Likely to Be One and Done
Despite earlier buzz about the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential sleeper team in the West, recent injuries to key players Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) have dampened expectations significantly. According to BetMGM, the Lakers are now listed at 125-1 to emerge from the West and 250-1 to win the championship. Facing off against the No. 5 Houston Rockets, the Lakers find themselves as underdogs, with Houston favored at 8-1 to win the series.
Marshall noted, “The moment Luka got hurt, the chances of the Lakers making a deep run ended. Houston has been playing better, so I think that Lakers have a short stay.” The Lakers, once seen as a potential threat, now face a challenging road ahead.
Home Teams Favored in Play-In Games
As the play-in tournament approaches, the odds suggest that the upcoming matchups will be closely contested. Charlotte and the Los Angeles Clippers are the largest favorites at BetMGM, each at 5.5 points. The Hornets will face Miami, with the victor going on to face either Orlando or Philadelphia, who are engaged in a tight contest, with the 76ers favored by just 1.5 points over the Magic.
In the Western Conference, the Clippers are set to meet the Warriors, vying for a chance to play against Portland or Phoenix, and eventually challenge the Thunder. The Suns are currently favored by 3.5 points over the Trail Blazers, with the winner advancing to meet the Spurs.
No Tanking at This Time of Year
Marshall echoed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s concerns regarding the issue of tanking in the league. While some teams may not be giving their all during the regular season, he believes this will not affect betting dynamics in the playoffs. “It’s really a disease in the NBA, and they’re trying to address it, but it gets worse every year with the tanking stuff,” he remarked.
As the playoffs unfold, the focus shifts to competitive matchups and the pursuit of the championship, leaving behind the challenges of the regular season.
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