At the beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season, a trio of teams have emerged as top favorites for the championship. LeBron James and the Lakers were a disaster last year but are pegged for a major comeback. By contrast, the Clippers are usually anonymous but now boast Kawhi Leonard as their marquee man. Milwaukee boasts the NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo which puts them at the top of the charts too. Specifically, the NBA betting challenge is assessing real value up against public hype. Los Angeles will have two of the most public teams with the Lakers and Clippers.
2019-20 NBA Championship Odds
Los Angeles Clippers 7/2, Los Angeles Lakers 4/1, Milwaukee Bucks 6/1, Philadelphia 76ers 8/1, Houston Rockets 8/1, Golden State Warriors 12/1, Utah Jazz 14/1, Denver Nuggets 16/1, Boston Celtics 25/1.
Los Angeles Clippers
At the onset of the season is the biggest excitement for the Clippers in history. The arrival of Kawhi Leonard has flipped the offshore betting dynamics of this franchise and the league. Last year the Clippers pushed Golden State to six games in their playoff series. Leonard was the trigger man for the Toronto Raptors world title last spring. Paul George arrives to join Leonard to make for one of the most dynamic tandems in the game. As a matter of fact, George may be the real big deal. He will offer much-needed support to Leonard.
Los Angeles Lakers
In view of the arrival of LeBron James to the Lakers did they become a massive NBA betting favorite. James’ first year was a total flop as he was injured with a thin roster. Furthermore, James alienated teammates by trying to orchestrate trades of the very guys he played with. Anthony Davis arrives to bolster the roster and support James. Yet with all of the hype comes legitimate questions about James’ ability to survive an 82-game season. The fact remains James’ best days are behind him. With that comes legitimate questions about his ability to carry a franchise.
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged as the most dominant force in the game. He also carries himself in a manner that makes for the perfect face of the league. Head coach Mike Budenholzer lead the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals last year. However, a flameout against the Toronto Raptors was a major disappointment for a team picked to win the series. Specifically, Leonard’s departure takes out the Raptors as a threat in the East. This makes the Bucks the odds-on favorite to make the NBA Finals. Giannis will need full support from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
Houston Rockets
Chris Paul has departed due to his inability to get along with James Harden. Accordingly, this is seen as a do or die year for Harden and the Rockets. Of great concern is that Houston was not able to take advantage of Golden State’s problems last year. Russell Westbrook arrives in the Paul trade. From this point, it’s Harden and Westbrook that will be pointed to deliver.
Philadelphia 76ers
In like manner are the 76ers a potentially good betting value. Joel Embiid is a dominant marquee man that has transformed this franchise. Namely, Ben Simmons will offer quality support to Embiid. These are two building-block players that can challenge Milwaukee in the East.