It’s only been a few weeks since the Golden State Warriors celebrated their third NBA championship in four years after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers, but there’s been no shortage of odds movement at sportsbooks when it comes to which team will go all the way in 2019.
Since the NBA Finals ended, the Lakers’ odds have improved from +1600 to +500.
At Bovada, the Warriors are +140 favorites, with the Houston Rockets (+500), Los Angeles Lakers (+500), Boston Celtics (+550), Philadelphia 76ers (+600), San Antonio Spurs (+1800), Cleveland Cavaliers (+2400), Miami Heat (+5500), Toronto Raptors (+6600) and Minnesota Timberwolves (+7500) shaping up the top 10.
While it’s no surprise to see the Dubs as the front-runners to win yet another championship, there are some surprising names at the top of the list. Since Game 4 of the NBA Finals concluded, the Lakers’ odds shifted all the way from +1600 to +500. The Celtics (+600 to +550) also saw an improvement in that regard, while the Rockets (+400 to +500), Sixers (+450 to +600) and Heat (+4000 to +5500) saw their chances worsen.
Lakers are being taken seriously
It’s been a long time since the Lakers have been mentioned as one of the faves to win the NBA title, but the main reason why has to do with L.A.’s setup heading into the offseason. The Lakers are loaded with cap space and are considered the likeliest landing spot for unrestricted free agent LeBron James, while L.A. is also reportedly the preferred destination for disgruntled Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard. Paul George, who is set to become a UFA in July as well, has been connected to the Lakers. For more betting information on which team James will suit up for next season, click here.
Plenty of value on Cavaliers if LeBron comes back
The Cavs’ current price of +2400 will be appealing to anyone who believes King James will stay put in Northeast Ohio, but oddsmakers are clearly expecting him to jump ship. When James took his talents to South Beach in 2010, the Cavs fell off a proverbial cliff without him, and it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see the squad struggle mightily once again if the future Hall of Famer does indeed decide to leave.
Here’s a look at the shop’s full list of odds. Who do you think will win the championship in 2018-19? Have your say in the comments.
Odds To Win The 2018-19 NBA Championship
Odds as of June 22 at Bovada
- Golden State Warriors +140
- Los Angeles Lakers +500
- Houston Rockets +500
- Boston Celtics +550
- Philadelphia 76ers +600
- San Antonio Spurs +1800
- Cleveland Cavaliers +2400
- Miami Heat +5500
- Toronto Raptors +6600
- Minnesota Timberwolves +7500
- New Orleans Pelicans +7500
- Oklahoma City Thunder +8000
- Milwaukee Bucks +10000
- Utah Jazz +10000
- Denver Nuggets +10000
- Indiana Pacers +10000
- Los Angeles Clippers +10000
- Portland Trail Blazers +10000
- Washington Wizards +10000
- New York Knicks +15000
- Phoenix Suns +25000
- Atlanta Hawks +50000
- Brooklyn Nets +50000
- Charlotte Hornets +50000
- Chicago Bulls +50000
- Dallas Mavericks +50000
- Detroit Pistons +50000
- Memphis Grizzlies +50000
- Orlando Magic +50000
- Sacramento Kings +50000
