The NBA season will be abbreviated this season due to the late start caused by the global pandemic. Instead of the standard 82 games, the 2020-2021 season will consist of 72 regular-season contests, and here we are, already a third of the way through the season. We now have enough information to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
So, with that, we will review the teams most likely to deliver a title to their respective cities. We have plenty of the NBA lines for upcoming games, and NBA odds to win the championship this season can be found at all of the major online sportsbooks. Below we will list the heavy hitters in each conference with their accompanying NBA title odds.
Philadelphia 76ers (+1100) – As Joel Embiid goes, so do the 76ers. He has been a force of nature this season, but whether he can continue at his MVP pace is another issue. The Sixers finally look like they have the maturity and chops to make a championship run this season.
Brooklyn Nets (+375) – With the acquisition of James Harden, the Nets now have a bona fide three-headed monster with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But there is only one ball and three massive egos, which might ultimately be their undoing.
Boston Celtics (+1600) – The Shamrocks boast two of the best young talents, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, Brown has made heads turn this season by playing on a par with his more widely acclaimed teammate. If this group can get Kemba Walker back in the groove, stay healthy, and be COVID-free, then Boston could be the dark horse to knock off the superpowers in the East.
Los Angeles Clippers (+650) – Try as they might; they will always be overshadowed by their Staples Center roommates as long as LeBron is an LA Laker. Yet, they are doing precisely what they did last year: posting excellent regular-season numbers but then melting like butter in a blast furnace once the playoffs arrived. Are they older and wiser this year? Time will tell.
Phoenix Suns (+4000) – The Suns are still longshots despite a much-improved team, but head coach Monty Williams isn’t afraid to tinker with his lineup. The youth movement is paying off, with Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton all flexing and maturing simultaneously. Chris Paul is the perfect veteran to complement the young guns and provides leadership when the chips are down. Finally, a fun team to watch in the desert.
Utah Jazz (+1600) – Utah has had a relatively easy schedule thus far, but a win is a win, and the Jazz have done more of it than any team in the league. Donovan Mitchell has been as excellent as the other side of the pillow, while Mike Conley has been the ideal counterbalance to make this offense work. The big men down low have been cleaning the glass better than anyone, and when coupled with a lockdown defense, this is a tough team to beat. Will they be able to do it over the long haul and against the iron of the league?
So, with that, we will review the teams most likely to deliver a title to their respective cities. We have plenty of the NBA lines for upcoming games, and NBA odds to win the championship this season can be found at all of the major online sportsbooks. Below we will list the heavy hitters in each conference with their accompanying NBA title odds.
Beasts of the East
Milwaukee Bucks (+700) – The Bucks have held the best record in the East over the past two seasons and are threatening to do it again. Although the ride has been somewhat rocky in the early going, Milwaukee appears to have hit its collective stride and will again be one of the chief threats in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a one-man wrecking crew, and as long as he stays in a Bucks’ uniform, they will continue to be a threat.Philadelphia 76ers (+1100) – As Joel Embiid goes, so do the 76ers. He has been a force of nature this season, but whether he can continue at his MVP pace is another issue. The Sixers finally look like they have the maturity and chops to make a championship run this season.
Brooklyn Nets (+375) – With the acquisition of James Harden, the Nets now have a bona fide three-headed monster with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But there is only one ball and three massive egos, which might ultimately be their undoing.
Boston Celtics (+1600) – The Shamrocks boast two of the best young talents, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, Brown has made heads turn this season by playing on a par with his more widely acclaimed teammate. If this group can get Kemba Walker back in the groove, stay healthy, and be COVID-free, then Boston could be the dark horse to knock off the superpowers in the East.
Best in the West
Los Angeles Lakers (+220) – LeBron James is gunning for another world title and is enjoying an MVP-caliber campaign. LA is the best road team in the league, winning 12 of 14 dates on the highway, but their home record has been the only fly in the ointment this season. It’s only a matter of time before this talented group turns that around and as Lakers’ head coach, Frank Vogel, stated regarding LeBron, "I think it also sets a tone for our whole group. For him to have the mindset to be out there every night, it really helps our culture."Los Angeles Clippers (+650) – Try as they might; they will always be overshadowed by their Staples Center roommates as long as LeBron is an LA Laker. Yet, they are doing precisely what they did last year: posting excellent regular-season numbers but then melting like butter in a blast furnace once the playoffs arrived. Are they older and wiser this year? Time will tell.
Phoenix Suns (+4000) – The Suns are still longshots despite a much-improved team, but head coach Monty Williams isn’t afraid to tinker with his lineup. The youth movement is paying off, with Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton all flexing and maturing simultaneously. Chris Paul is the perfect veteran to complement the young guns and provides leadership when the chips are down. Finally, a fun team to watch in the desert.
Utah Jazz (+1600) – Utah has had a relatively easy schedule thus far, but a win is a win, and the Jazz have done more of it than any team in the league. Donovan Mitchell has been as excellent as the other side of the pillow, while Mike Conley has been the ideal counterbalance to make this offense work. The big men down low have been cleaning the glass better than anyone, and when coupled with a lockdown defense, this is a tough team to beat. Will they be able to do it over the long haul and against the iron of the league?
