Breaking down latest NBA title odds during break

Man, it’s almost been two weeks since the NBA was shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak and yet, it feels like just yesterday. During that time of pandemonium, we were left without any NBA futures odds posted on DraftKings Sportsbook. Well, DKSB has given us back one futures line: NBA title odds. There isn’t much different, but there’s a new way we can approach betting on these lines. Let’s take a look at a quick overview of the favorites:

Updated NBA Championship odds

Los Angeles Lakers +250
Milwaukee Bucks +250
Los Angeles Clippers +333
Houston Rockets +1300
Toronto Raptors +1800
Boston Celtics +2000
Miami Heat +2000
Philadelphia 76ers +2200
Denver Nuggets +3000
Utah Jazz +3000
Dallas Mavericks +4000
Brooklyn Nets +6600

These are the top 12 teams in the NBA in terms of title odds on DKSB. There are a few interesting takeaways from the current lines. Let’s take a look:

— The Lakers and Bucks are even, but the Clippers are slightly below both first-place teams. Kawhi Leonard + Paul George + Rest = title? I think the break benefits the Clippers the most for a potential playoff run. Remember who was favored at the start of the season.

— There’s value in some East teams with long odds. Both the Celtics and Raptors have strong cases for contending in the conference with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Health wouldn’t be a factor in a few months if the playoffs start.

— The third East team to have on your radar is the Sixers. Ben Simmons’ back should be good to go by the time the League comes back. Joel Embiid getting extra rest is huge and veterans like Al Horford and Tobias Harris will benefit too. The Sixers have been a team all season being bet on to win it all despite struggling on the road. This is mostly because of what a healthy Sixers team did to Giannis and the Bucks on Christmas. A healthy Philly squad that starts hitting 3s is very dangerous.

— I went this deep on the odds mostly to fit in the Nets. I know it’s a long shot, but there’s a scenario in which the Nets could bring back Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving if the break bleeds into June. Chances are the NBA will return around or before then and Brooklyn will keep both superstars out of the postseason. These odds aren’t as appealing since the Nets are almost certain to be in the playoffs. If they were a bit longer, maybe throw a little on the minuscule chance KD and/or Kyrie comes back.

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