The NBA will return later this summer with a 22-team format in Orlando, Fla. Below, we look at the BetMGM betting odds to win the Eastern Conference once play resumes and make our NBA futures picks and best bets.
NBA Eastern Conference picks: Favorite
Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m. ET.
If you are looking for a favorite, look no further than the Milwaukee Bucks, who are by far the betting favorite at -159. They were a freakishly good team before the season’s stoppage and no longer have Kawhi Leonard in the conference to stop them from getting to the NBA Finals.
The Toronto Raptors were on a four-game winning streak and playing good basketball in pursuit of their second straight NBA title, but it would be almost foolish to put your money on anyone other than Milwaukee.
They are the favorite for a reason. Take the BUCKS at –159.
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NBA Western Conference picks: Contender
After the Bucks, you have the Boston Celtics and Raptors at +750 and the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers at +1000.
Miami plays great team basketball. Philly is unstoppable at home but can’t win on the road for some reason. Boston and Toronto are almost identical statistically.
Given their championship run from a year ago, the best bet among the contenders are the RAPTORS at +750.
NBA Eastern Conference picks: Long shot
Only two teams have odds of at least +10000 to win the Eastern Conference — the Orlando Magic (+10000) and the Washington Wizards (+20000). If John Wall were going to return for the Wizards, then they might be a fun team to bet on. However, even though Bradley Beal is exciting if you must pick a longshot, go with the MAGIC at +10000. After all, Washington is 16 games under .500.
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