The NBA playoffs are set to begin on May 22, which will be here in the blink of an eye. There’s no better time to talk about NBA Finals odds. Less than two months left in the regular season is a good time to place futures on the NBA Finals.
We’re going to take a look at the odds for the NBA Finals. Beyond the odds, we’ll break down some things to consider when placing future bets like this.
NBA Finals Odds
As of March 23, the odds for each NBA team to win the Finals:
- Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets (+290)
- LA Clippers (+550)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+750)
- Utah Jazz (+850)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+1300)
- Denver Nuggets (+2100)
- Phoenix Suns (+3000)
- Miami Heat (+3300)
- Boston Celtics (+3800)
- Dallas Mavericks (+5000)
- Toronto Raptors (+5500)
- Portland Trail Blazers (+6000)
- Indiana Pacers (+7500)
- Golden State Warriors (+8000)
- Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs (+15000)
- Rest of NBA (+20000 or higher)
Things to Consider When Placing a Futures Bet
From the above, the Lakers and Nets are co-favorites to win the Finals at +290. These teams are favorites for a reason.
For the Lakers, they’re the defending champs. The Nets have a loaded big three in James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
The appeal of a futures bet is usually the higher odds because of the potential payout. For example, if you bet $100 on the Utah Jazz to win the Finals, you would net $850.
I typically stay away from the heavy favorites here. However, if you like them, their odds aren’t likely to get better than right now.
NBA Finals Odds Line Movements
As the playoff field is finalized, these teams’ odds will likely move to the +200 range.
Keep in mind the competition each team will face to get to the championship series, let alone win. The Eastern Conference is significantly weaker compared to the West. There are good teams in the East, yes, but it’s a very top-heavy conference this season.
The West is loaded with talent. There will be quality teams that miss out on the playoffs simply because of the strength around them.
Remember this if you’re considering a bet on a team like the Clippers or Lakers. For the two favorites in the West, the road will be challenging. Recent NBA betting trends show some interesting things when looking at NBA Finals odds.
If you’re drawn to the West, consider a team with higher odds. Utah and Phoenix have the two best records in the West this year. The Suns, in particular, at +3000 odds, are extremely enticing.
There are three clear top teams in the East in the Nets, Bucks and Sixers. Philadelphia’s odds at +1300 are the most favorable. Joel Embiid is playing at an MVP level – consider taking Philadelphia at these odds.
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Diversify Your Bets
With future bets like this, it can be a sound strategy to diversify your picks. If you typically bet $50 on a single outcome wager, break that unit up and spread it between a few teams.
Making $10 bets on a few long odds, along with a favorite, could still net you a profit come playoff time.
My favorite picks here are Philadelphia at +1300 and Phoenix at +3000. Two of the top teams in their respective conferences feel mispriced at these odds.
