The NBA restart is almost here and that means it’s time to look ahead to the NBA Finals. Below, we make our best bets to win the 2019-20 NBA Championship and the Larry O’Brien Trophy with all odds courtesy of BetMGM.
2019-20 NBA Eastern Championship picks: Favorite
Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Milwaukee Bucks (+280)
The safest bet to win the NBA Championship is the Bucks, who have the second-best odds behind only the Los Angeles Lakers (+250). Before the NBA season was suspended, the Bucks had the league’s best record at 53-12 and will have their whole roster available to them in Orlando.
Not only do the Bucks have the No. 1 offense in basketball, but they also have a top-five defense as they possess an unbelievable amount of length and athleticism. Led by superstar PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have arguably the best player in the NBA, surrounded by a supporting cast that fits his strength.
Another reason why the Bucks are such a safe bet is due to the Eastern Conference. As a whole, the conference is weaker than usual and even more so at the bottom of the playoff bracket. The Bucks will likely be able to sleepwalk through Round 1 and there just aren’t many teams that can challenge them in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks have already proven they can have success against quality teams like the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, making it even more likely they can compete in an eventual Finals matchup.
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2019-20 NBA Eastern Championship picks: Contender
Houston Rockets (+1200)
One of the best value bets on the board is the Houston Rockets, who are 12-1 underdogs to take home the Larry O’Brien trophy. While Houston was up-and-down during the regular season, they have the ability to get red-hot and rip off a bunch of wins due to their shooting.
It also doesn’t hurt that they are experienced and have one of the top-five players in the NBA in G James Harden. With Harden nearly guaranteed to score 30 points a night, all the Rockets need are a few other role players to step up in big games. With proven players like PG Russell Westbrook, SG Eric Gordon and SF P.J. Tucker on the roster, they certainly won’t be afraid of any team in the Western Conference.
This is a great mid-range bet for bettors looking to bet on someone outside of the Lakers, Bucks or Clippers.
2019-20 NBA Eastern Championship picks: Long shot
Philadelphia 76ers (+2500)
If you are searching a long-shot bet, consider wagering on the 76ers to win the NBA Championship. In the 2019 playoffs, they took the eventual NBA champion Toronto Raptors to seven games and came within a few bounces of taking them down. While they are currently just the sixth-seed in the Eastern Conference, they have enough talent on their roster to compete with anyone.
If the 76ers can get favorable matchups in the playoffs, they could certainly make a run in Orlando. Don’t be surprised if this 76ers team at least reaches the Eastern Conference Finals.
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