Fashion the different feel to the 2021 NBA Playoffs and Finals. For once, the NBA had the unpredictable nature of the NHL Playoffs. All of the favorites went down like bowling pins. Thus, NBA betting participants were caught off guard. And when the Bucks rallied from 0-2 down to beat the Suns 4-2 for the championship, it was the final of countless shockers. The great lesson of the 2021 NBA Playoffs was that injuries could decimate the best-laid plans of mice and men. However, gamblers don’t seem to have learned. Consider they’re loading up on old favorites again.
2021-22 NBA Championship Odds
| Dates: | The season Opens Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Playoffs Begin on April 16, 2022. Finals Begin on June 2, 2022 |
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NBA Championship Odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | +240 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +400 |
| Golden State Warriors | +900 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +900 |
| Phoenix Suns | +1500 |
| Utah Jazz | +1600 |
| LA Clippers | +1600 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +1600 |
| Denver Nuggets | +2200 |
| Miami heat | +2500 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +3000 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +3500 |
| Boston Celtics | +4000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +5000 |
| All Other Teams | +6600 or higher |
2021-22 NBA Championship SBG Odds Overview
Last year the Nets and Lakers were the online betting favorites to meet in the NBA Finals. But injuries decimated both teams and ruined any potential championships. While it is not insane for the Nets and Lakers to be favored, gamblers don’t seem to have learned anything. Brooklyn and Los Angeles are priced far higher above other capable teams. Including the defending champion Bucks.
Brooklyn Nets +240
At the beginning of the season are concerned about Kyrie Irving and eligibility. Irving hasn’t been vaccinated for COVID-19 and won’t be able to play or practice until he is declared eligible. Yet gamblers continue to bet the Nets up to favored status.
Brooklyn resembles a fantasy basketball team when healthy. Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant make for a terrifying threesome. However, the Nets never gave then-rookie head coach Steve Nash a full buy-in on defense. During the 2020-21 campaign, all big three players missed large chunks of playing time with injuries. It follows that reliable defense is the best way to combat such situations.
Nash did better than expected as Nets head coach. Now in his second season, he brings credibility that was lacking one season ago.
Los Angeles Lakers +400
In like manner to the Nets, the Lakers could not overcome injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Russell Westbrook arrives from Washington to help fortify the Los Angeles star power. But secondary scoring and depth remain a concern for the Lakers. Especially with James’ reliability to withstand an entire season under serious doubt.
Milwaukee Bucks +900
In a way, the Bucks balanced the books for previous playoff failures. Previously, Milwaukee’s 2019 and 2020 playoff teams were better. Yet they failed to deliver the goods under the hot lights. Last year was a playoff war of attrition. And Milwaukee was good enough to be the last team standing. Now can they sustain success? With Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup, that is a reasonable assumption.
2021-22 NBA Championship SBG Free Pick
Also factoring as an NBA betting favorite is Golden State. But the Warriors are not much more than Stephen Curry. Philadelphia’s playoff flop in 2021 has infuriated the betting public. Yet, they have what it takes for a serious run at a great price.
2021-22 NBA Championship SBG Best Bet: Philadelphia 76ers