Though big trades and injuries have changed the NBA landscape in a dramatic way, that has affected the odds as next season’s NBA championship favorites. With the Thunder winning the Finals over the Indiana Pacers, they’ve established themselves as the definite favorites so far. After winning it all, as it stands today, they are +220 on ESPN BET, making them the favorites to win it all once again.
The Houston Rockets, fresh off shipment of superstar Kevin Durant to their division rivals from the Phoenix Suns. Accordingly, their title odds skyrocketed. They were originally listed at +1800, but odds shot down to +800 following the trade. This move makes the Rockets, after the Thunder, the second best team contending for the crown.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers each hold steady at +1400, while the Orlando Magic follow closely at +1500. The Denver Nuggets aren’t far behind, coming in at +1600.
And the big bad Indiana Pacers may have had their Finals dreams derailed after star point guard Tyrese Haliburton–yes, THE Tyrese Tyrese Haliburton! This tragedy took a devastating toll on the team’s prospects. This mishap has upended early championship odds quite significantly. The Cleveland Cavaliers have moved up in the Eastern Conference standings due to Haliburton’s absence, and analysts suggest that it has weakened the Pacers’ position for next season.
Last year’s Golden State Warriors had some of the shortest preseason championship odds in league history. Their chances were about what the Thunder and other favorites are being assigned right now.
“His absence is definitely the key factor in the Celtics pricing given how integral he has been to their team success the last several years.”
As teams prepare for an offseason filled with adjustments, the Thunder head into this period as definitive favorites for next year. That’s because trades and injuries will continue to reshape the NBA’s competitive landscape. Once again, teams are chomping at the bit to compete for that elusive championship belt.
“With a fully healthy Tatum, the Celtics might be as high as our second-shortest odds right now, maybe around +400, +450 behind OKC.”
The 2018-19 Golden State Warriors had previously held some of the shortest preseason championship odds, comparable to those currently assigned to the Thunder and other leading teams.
As teams prepare for an offseason filled with adjustments, the Thunder head into this period as definitive favorites for next year. The fallout from trades and injuries will continue to shape the competitive landscape of the NBA as teams vie for the coveted championship title.
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