Ironically enough many fans bet this year based on last year. That is certainly the case with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. Golden State is the chalk to win the NBA title. This is despite the fact that top player Stephen Curry is out until the end of April. Curry has an injured knee. His absence destroyed the Warriors betting value down the stretch. Yet apparently half the betting public doesn’t know or care. Houston is the second choice of gamblers to win the West. Yet they figure to have the most realistic shot.
2018 Western Conference Playoffs
Date and Time: Playoffs begin Saturday, April 14, 2018
Location: Check Schedules
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click Here!
Western Conference Playoffs TV Coverage: Check Listings
Odds by Team
Golden State and Houston both opened at -110 to win the Western Conference. Next were Oklahoma City +2800, Portland +3000, Utah +4000 and San Antonio +5500. From there it’s a steep drop in prices and expectations. Prohibitive longshots were New Orleans +20000 and Minnesota +40000. Should Golden State survive until Curry’s return perhaps they will pay. If not, they may not last past the first round.
Houston Rockets (65-17) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (47-35)
Houston emerged as a top choice for NBA Finals Betting Odds. James Harden led the Rockets and NBA in scoring with 30 points per game. In fact, his presence helped make Houston the NBA’s second highest scoring team. What was arguably most impressive was a defense that ranked sixth in the NBA. Minnesota is in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Defensively they ranked 17th. Against the Rockets that is a deadly stat.
Oklahoma City Thunder (48-34) vs. Utah Jazz (48-34)
Oklahoma City was a poor betting value this season. Just 34 payouts in 82 games burned gamblers consistently. What OKC does boast is 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Westbrook had a team high 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds per game. Utah quietly boasts the second-best defense in the NBA. Countering that is an offense that ranked 19th.
Portland Trailblazers (49-33) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (48-34)
Portland was quite profitable with sportsbook online action. Only 32 times in 82 games did the Trailblazers fail to bring home the cash. Damian Lillard averaged 27 points and seven assists per game. Defensively the Trailblazers ranked fifth best in the NBA. Anthony Davis sharp-shooted New Orleans into the post season with 28 points and 11 rebounds per game. But the NBA’s 29th ranked defense is a clear liability for the Pelicans.
Golden State Warriors (58-24) vs. San Antonio Spurs (47-35)
Even with Stephen Curry the Warriors were a terrible betting value this season. Simply too much public money flows their way. Only three payouts in their final ten games further illustrates Golden State’s issues. Red ink flowed with the defending champs covering just 34 of 82 games. San Antonio is half a team. Boasting the top defense in basketball they ranked 27th for scoring.
Matchup to Watch
Houston is flashing a complete look with the NBA Finals Betting Odds. They are the most complete team in the Western Conference. Perhaps only Portland is a team with the second fewest flaws. If Kevin Durant can carry Golden State in the first round perhaps they have hope. Without Curry the Spurs could be a live dog.
2018 Western Conference Playoffs Betting Odds Picks
Houston is clearly the best pick in the Western Conference. San Antonio makes for a great potential value dog. Portland impresses with defense and a top shelf star.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Portland to win their opening series.