Tag: NBA futures odds

Who will win NBA Regular Season MVP? Bank on these best bets

Analyzing NBA odds around the 2019-20 regular season MVP, with best bets to make around the award.

The NBA restart is almost here and that means it’s time to look ahead to some awards. Below, we make our best NBA bets for who will win the 2019-2020 NBA regular season MVP award.

2019-20 NBA Regular Season MVP Award Bets

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 24, at 9 a.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (-2500)

The prohibitive favorite, Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, appears to be a lock to win his second straight MVP Award. He managed to improve on his scoring (29.6 points per game) and his rebounding (13.7 rebounds per game) despite averaging two fewer minutes per game this season.

Not only is the “Greek Freak” filling up the stat sheet, but he has also led the Bucks to the best record in the NBA. He was the league’s most dominant player throughout the entire season and it’s tough to see voters picking anyone else but Antetokoupo this season.

While Antetokounmpo is the massive favorite, there just isn’t enough value here to make this bet. He is very likely to win the award given the success of the Bucks and his stats, but the risk is too great and the payoff is too low. PASS on Antetokounmpo to win the 2019-2020 NBA MVP Award.

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Los Angeles Lakers SF LeBron James (+900)

Like Antetokounmpo, James has also led his team to the No. 1 seed in the conference and he has done it by filling up the stat sheet.

At the age of 35, James is currently averaging a career-high of 10.6 assists per game. He’s finding ways to get his teammates involved and picking his spots when he needs to score. James is still averaging nearly 26 PPG, while shooting 49.8% from the field.

James’ only real shot at winning the award is if voters have “fatigue” from picking Antetokunmpo. While James’ stats and his team record are all excellent, they do fall short of Antetokumpo; however, LeBron is still a better bet (+900) than Giannis, given the odds and the potential payout.

Los Angeles Lakers PF Anthony Davis (+10000)

The only other player worth considering at all for the 2019-2020 MVP Award is Lakers PF Anthony Davis. In his first season with the Lakers, he’s been a dominant force on both ends of the floor. He’s averaging 26.7 PPG on 51.1% shooting. Davis has been the backbone of the Lakers’ defense as well, averaging 2.4 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.

Despite helping the Lakers to the No. 1 seed in the West, it feels unlikely voters would pick him over LeBron for the award. Even at the +10000 odds, avoid betting on Davis or any other long shot as this is really a two-horse race between Antetokunmpo and James.

Also see:

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NBA Champion Betting Odds: Who do the oddsmakers like to win it all?

Breaking down the odds surrounding the team most likely to win the 2019-20 NBA Championship.

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After a long pause in action, the NBA returns July 30th to close out their 2019-20 season. With all eyes on the NBA playoffs, which team is the favorite to win in the eyes of the oddsmakers at BetMGM sportsbook?

Three teams, per the oddsmakers, stand out among the pack with the shortest odds of winning this season’s NBA Championship. The Los Angeles Lakers lead the way and are the favorite among the postseason teams to be this year’s champion; they sit with the lowest odds at +250. But the Lake Show isn’t considered as a dominating favorite, as the Lakers are closely followed by the Milwaukee Bucks at +280 and the Los Angeles Clippers at +325.

New to the world of sports betting? At +250, the Lakers have an implied 28.57% chance of winning it all, or 5/2 in fractional odds. A $100 wager at +250 returns a $250 profit should they win the championship this season. The Bucks (26.32% at +280) and Clippers (23.53% at +325) round out the top three. From there, the odds get longer and quickly: The Houston Rockets (+1200 – bet $100, win $1,200) have implied odds of just 7.69% while the Boston Celtics (+1800 – bet $100, win $1,800) sit at 5.26%.

Get some action on the NBA playoffs by placing your legal sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

2019-20 NBA Championship Odds

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated July 22, at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Lakers: +250 (bet $100, win $250)

Milwaukee Bucks: +280 (bet $100, win $280)

Los Angeles Clippers: +325 (bet $100, win $325)

Houston Rockets: +1200 (bet $100, win $1,200)

Boston Celtics: +1800 (bet $100, win $1,800)

Denver Nuggets: +2200 (bet $100, win $2,200)

Toronto Raptors: +2200 (bet $100, win $2,200)

Miami Heat: +2500 (bet $100, win $2,500)

Also see:

Philadelphia 76ers: +2500 (bet $100, win $2,500)

Utah Jazz: +2500 (bet $100, win $2,500)

Dallas Mavericks: +3000 (bet $100, win $3,000)

Brooklyn Nets: +8000 (bet $100, win $8,000)

Oklahoma City Thunder: +10000 (bet $100, win $10,000)

Indiana Pacers: +12500 (bet $100, win $12,500)

New Orleans Pelicans: +15000 (bet $100, win $15,000)

Portland Trail Blazers: +15000 (bet $100, win $15,000)

Orlando Magic: +25000 (bet $100, win $25,000)

Memphis Grizzlies: +50000 (bet $100, win $50,000)

Sacramento Kings: +50000 (bet $100, win $50,000)

San Antonio Spurs: +50000 (bet $100, win $50,000)

Washington Wizards: +50000 (bet $100, win $50,000)

Phoenix Suns: +100000 (bet $100, win $100,000).

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Bet on these NBA teams to reach the 2019-20 NBA Finals

Predicting the exact matchup of the 2019-20 NBA Finals with our picks and best bets.

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 for potential 2019-20 NBA Finals matchups with all odds courtesy of BetMGM.

2019-20 NBA Finals matchup picks

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 21, at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks – Los Angeles Lakers (+270)

The odds-on favorite matchup for the 2019-2020 NBA Finals features the Bucks and Lakers. Both teams currently are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conference and have talent galore on their rosters.

Each side has a potential MVP candidate from the regular season in Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lakers SF LeBron James. Each player has shown they can win multiple playoff series singlehandedly, but both rosters are so deep and talented that they won’t need to.

While this matchup does feel likely, there just isn’t a ton of value here. Don’t be afraid to bet on the Bucks and Lakers to reach the finals if you believe they can win their conferences.

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Milwaukee Bucks – Los Angeles Clippers (+340)

The next most likely NBA Finals matchup once again involves the Bucks coming out of the Eastern Conference. This time, it’s the Los Angeles Clippers making it out of the West. With the Clippers beating the Lakers twice in the regular season and given their talent and depth, it’s not hard to see them advancing to the NBA Finals.

The Clippers have the length and shooting to match up with anyone in the Western Conference, including the Lakers. With the Lakers missing two key guards in Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley, the Clippers feel like a better bet to get through the Western Conference gauntlet. Given the value, this is a much better bet than Bucks-Lakers.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bucks-Clippers matchup would return a profit of $34. The same bet on the Bucks and Lakers to meet in the NBA Finals would return a profit of just $27.

Philadelphia 76ers – Los Angeles Clippers (+2800)

If you are looking for a bet with some better value, consider swapping out the Bucks for the 76ers in the Eastern Conference. In this case, the 76ers-Clippers matchup would return $280 on a $10 bet and that feels like a steal considering the talent on both sides.

While the Sixers have been up and down this season, their talent is undeniable. Nobody in the conference can match up with C Joel Embiid when he is at his peak, and with the 76ers length on defense, they could give Antetokounmpo some problems.

It wouldn’t be all that surprising if the 76ers get on a run and advance to the NBA Finals. Pairing them with the Clippers would not only be a fun matchup, but it could return value to bettors, as well.

Get some action on NBA futures bets by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com.

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Bank on these NBA Championship best bets

Looking at the betting odds to win the 2019-20 NBA Championship with picks and best bets.

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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Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship odds, picks and best bets

Assessing the betting odds of the Los Angeles Lakers winning the Western Conference and the 2019-20 NBA Championship, with picks and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers were first in the Western Conference with a record of 49-14 when the 2019-20 NBA season was suspended. Below, we look at the BetMGM betting odds of the Lakers winning the NBA Championship once play resumes with a 22-team format in Orlando, Fla. later this summer.

Los Angeles Lakers season recap

With the addition of PF Anthony Davis, the Lakers had become the best team in the Western Conference before play was suspended. The Lakers held a 5.5 game lead over the No. 2 ranked Los Angeles Clippers and it seemed inevitable they would wind up with the top seed in the conference.

The Lakers were on a bit of a run before the season stoped, winning 12 of their previous 14 games. That included wins over the Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks, who held the best record in the NBA.

What makes this Lakers team so unique is their overwhelming size and efficiency. Before the season was suspended, they were No. 1 in field-goal percentage and blocks. They were also an above-average rebounding team and defended the rim well with one of Davis, JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard always on the floor.

What makes this team so dangerous is how well James was playing over the last few weeks. In his last 10 games of the 2019-2020 season, James was averaging 30.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game. LeBron was making a real run at the MVP award and Davis wasn’t far behind. You can make a strong case that before the season ended, James and Davis were two of the best five players from the 2019-2020 season.

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Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship odds

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, June 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Lakers (+250) are currently the favorites to win the NBA Championship in Orlando and it’s not hard to see why. With two of the best players in the NBA in James and Davis, it’s tough to see anyone beating them in a seven-game series.

It also doesn’t hurt that the Lakers have had recent success against the likes of the Clippers and Bucks, beating them both in the last week of the NBA season. That should give you confidence in them taking home the 2019-2020 title, especially at +250 odds.

Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference odds

If you aren’t quite convinced the Lakers can beat the Bucks or whoever comes out of the Eastern Conference, consider betting on them to win the Western Conference (+125). The Lakers will have to work their way through a tough conference, likely playing teams such as the Clippers, Houston Rockets and/or Denver Nuggets to reach the NBA Finals.

However, the Lakers’ success in the regular season combined with the playoff experience of players like James, Danny Green and Rajon Rondo make LA a good bet to come out of the West, even with the somewhat chalky odds.

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NBA Eastern Conference odds, picks and best bets

Looking at the betting odds to win the NBA’s Eastern Conference, with NBA futures picks and best bets.

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.

Get some action on NBA futures bets by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com.

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NBA Western Conference odds, picks and best bets

Looking at the betting odds to win the NBA’s Western Conference, with NBA futures picks and best bets.

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 Western Conference once play resumes and make our NBA futures picks and best bets.

NBA Western Conference picks: Favorite

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, June 8 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

In this shortened run to the championship, experience matters. Two players you can count on are Los Angeles Lakers SF LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers SF Kawhi Leonard, as both have led multiple championship runs, so the real favorites are the betting favorites — the L.A. Lakers at +125 and the L.A. Clippers at +175.

The Houston Rockets (+700) just can’t be trusted in the postseason and the Denver Nuggets (+1200) aren’t proven enough to bet on.

Between the Clippers and the Lakers, the Lakers are the best bet. They have LeBron and PF Anthony Davis. The time off will allow James, once he is back in shape, to play at his highest level for the entire postseason. The favorite is and should be the LAKERS at +125.

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NBA Western Conference picks: Contender

After the Lakers, the obvious contenders are the Clippers, as already stated; however, if you are looking to the middle-tier teams, you have to look at the Rockets at +700. Their playoff failures are well documented but they are the most talented team of the contenders not in L.A. Between Gs James Harden and Russell Westbrook, they have the two best players on the court against any team except the Lakers or Clippers, and they are pretty much on par with the top duoes from both those teams.

If you aren’t going with the Lakers or Clippers, the ROCKETS at +700 are the best choice.

NBA Western Conference picks: Long shot

Of the teams with odds greater than +10000, you have to look at only two teams. The first are the Portland Trail Blazers at +15000 because of their backcourt combo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.

Then you have to look at the New Orleans Pelicans because of SF Zion Williamson. His impact since returning from injury has been great. No team is a real good bet to take the conference title outside of L.A., but if you are looking for a long shot, look at those two teams for a huge payout. Take the BLAZERS at +15000 or the PELICANS at +30000.

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NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Best Bets: Zion Williamson among favorites

Analyzing the betting odds to be named the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year. Is Zion Williamson worth a bet among the midseason favorites?

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The 2019-20 NBA season is roughly half over and the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year award have started to emerge. The 2019 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick in PF Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans makes his NBA debut Wednesday and remains among the betting favorites. Below, we analyze the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year betting odds and make our picks. Can Williamson make up for missed time and upset the midseason favorites?

Get some action on the NBA Rookie of the Year odds or other NBA action by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM.

NBA Rookie of the Year Picks: Zion Williamson +1100

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

Williamson was considered the likely first overall pick for almost the entirety of his freshman season at Duke in 2018-19, and he just so happened to fall right into the lap of the Pelicans as the logical replacement to Anthony Davis. The 6-foot-6, 284-pound forward averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 68.0% from the field over 33 games in his only college campaign.

He steps into a Pelicans lineup sitting 12th in the Western Conference at 17-27. They’re averaging 114.4 points per game and allowing 117.6 (minus-3.2).

While it’s conceivable Williamson’s return could lead the Pelicans to an unexpected playoff berth (they trail the Memphis Grizzlies by 3.5 games for the eighth seed), the Pelicans are unlikely to allow him to play all of their remaining 38 games. They have four sets of back-to-backs remaining, likely limiting Williamson to a maximum of 34 games for his rookie campaign.

Since the 2010-11 season, only PG Kyrie Irving in 2011-12 has won Rookie of the Year honors while playing fewer than 70 games. He played 51. It’s hard not to root for Williamson for the remainder of the season, but there’s no sense in backing him to win this award at such low odds. PASS.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Williamson to be named the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year would return a profit of $110 if he were to win.

NBA Rookie of the Year Picks: Top Contenders

Name Team Odds GP PPG RPG APG
Ja Morant MEM -556 37 17.9 3.5 7.0
Kendrick Nunn MIA +1000 43 16.3 2.8 3.6
RJ Barrett NYK +1200 41 14.1 5.2 2.5
Tyler Herro MIA +2500 40 12.9 4.2 2.1

Morant is favored by a landslide just past the halfway point of the season. The No. 2 pick of the draft has the Grizzlies in an unlikely playoff position and has fast-tracked their rebuild after the recent departures of franchise pillars C Marc Gasol and PG Mike Conley.

There’s no value in backing Morant with a $10 bet returning a profit of just $1.80. I’d make a small wager on Nunn (+1000) to hedge against a potential injury to Morant or collapse by the Grizzlies, but otherwise, I’m avoiding betting on an award seemingly already locked up.

Want some action on the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year odds or other NBA games? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Updated 2019-20 NBA Championship odds, picks and best bets

Looking at the 2019-20 NBA Championship odds, with NBA futures betting picks, tips and best bets.

The first quarter of the 2019-20 NBA season is in the books and we’re looking at the updated NBA Championship futures odds at BetMGM. We make our revised picks for who’ll be lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in early June.

2019-20 NBA Championship Favorites

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Lakers (+325)

The Lakers, who were +550 favorites in the summer following the acquisition of PF Anthony Davis, have dropped even lower as they’ve raced out to a 24-5 start. They’re scoring 112.6 points per game while allowing just 104.1 and showing little sign of weakness. But, as we’ve seen with the Golden State Warriors this season and last, injuries can happen. I don’t like going all-in on one team this early and a $100 bet returns a profit of just $325. There’s too much season left.

Boston Celtics (+1800)

The Celtics have been battling injuries early to PGs Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart and SF Gordon Hayward, and they’re still 19-7 and second in the Eastern Conference. They’re the top defensive team in the East with just 103.6 PPG allowed and they lost just one of their first 12 home games. They offer better than four times the odds of the conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks (+350) and are a much better play on the early futures odds.

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2019-20 NBA Championship Longshots

Dallas Mavericks (+2800)

The Mavericks were one of my picks in the summer at +4200 odds. A 19-9 start to the season in which they’re scoring 117.6 PPG with 108.8 PPG allowed, has dropped those odds considerably. SF Luka Doncic is an MVP frontrunner, but the team has stayed above water during his absence due to an ankle injury. Get these odds soon, as they’ll likely drop even lower upon his return.

Portland Trail Blazers (+6000)

Fifteen teams have higher odds than the Blazers to win the championship, but they’re as deep as I’m looking. Western Conference finalists a year ago, they’ve started 14-16, but still hold the eighth seed in the conference in late December. PF Carmelo Anthony has resurrected his career as the third piece of the offense behind Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. C Zach Collins and C Jusuf Nurkic will return from injury in the second half of the season and bolster the frontcourt for a potential playoff run.

While the NBA is controlled by the perennial favorites, the Trail Blazers are a nice lottery ticket with their odds only going down for the remainder of the season.

Get some action on the 2019-20 NBA Championship by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com.

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