Tag: nba title

Celtics reportedly traded for Malcolm Brogdon, and now they’re NBA title betting favorites

Boston filled a need.

The Boston Celtics were only two games away from being crowned NBA champions last month, so one can only assume they were a piece or two away from finishing the job.

They took a step towards filling the holes Friday by trading for Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. In return, Boston reportedly sent the Pacers a 2023 first-round pick, Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts and Juwan Morgan.

In Brogdon, the Celtics get a playmaking point guard who can take on primary ball-handling duties, which was a glaring hole for Boston as it averaged 16 turnovers in the Finals. Taking the step forward without losing any key rotational players moved Boston’s title odds into a tie for shortest with the Phoenix Suns at +550 on Tipico Sportsbook. They’re also the favorites at DraftKings at +500.

The move also makes official the Pacers intentions to enter a complete rebuild. They’re tied with five other teams on Tipico for the longest title odds at +50000.

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Draymond Green continued to troll the Celtics with shirt about their (failed) chase for an 18th title

The Warriors aren’t letting anything slide.

The Boston Celtics were chasing history in the NBA Finals, as a win would’ve put them in sole possession of most titles in NBA history. They’re currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers at 17 apiece.

With the team up 2-1 in the series, that pursuit of history was put on front street prior to Game 4 when Boston gave fans in attendance shirts with the words “It’s all about 18” and a picture of 18 banners — the last of which was blank. That obviously backfired as the Warriors went on to win three straight games and take the series. And Draymond Green didn’t forget.

The ultimate troll move, Green was seen wearing that very shirt Friday, and he used a black marker to fill in the blank banner with “Warriors” where “Boston Celtics” would’ve been. And where the banner would’ve said “2022 World Champions,” he wrote “NOPE!! Maybe in ’23.”

You got to admit. That’s a pretty good.

It’s also not his first troll via wardrobe choice. Green wore all black to the arena for Game 6 and explained he did so in preparation “for a funeral.” The Warriors have clearly paid attention to every slight taken at them over the past two years and they’re milking this moment for all they can, and it’s hard to blame them.

But don’t worry Celtics fans, there’s still a way you can see that coveted 2022 World Champions banner…it’s on this young fan who got it tattooed and said he won’t be removing it.

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Golden State Warriors land fourth-best odds to win 2021 NBA title

Despite their struggles in 2019-20, the Warriors have the fourth-best odds to win the 2021 NBA title, according to William Hill Sportsbook.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their 17th championship with a win over the Miami Heat in game six of the NBA Finals. Despite the longest season in league history finally coming to a close, it’s time to turn the page to 2021.

Before the draft and the free agency period are underway, title odds for the new league year are already available.

According to William Hill Sportsbook, LeBron James and the defending champion Lakers hold the top spot at +375. Behind their Los Angeles neighbor, the Clippers are second at +400. 

After the pair of teams from Southern California, reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are the first team from the Eastern Conference listed with +650 odds. 

While the top-three teams made runs in the 2020 postseason, the next team on the sheet didn’t get an invite to the NBA’s Orlando Bubble. Despite their league-worst 15-50 mark in 2019-20, the Golden State Warriors have a +800 odds to win the 2021 title.

Via William Hill Sportsbook:

  • Los Angeles Lakers — +375
  • Los Angeles Clippers — +400
  • Milwaukee Bucks — +650
  • Golden State Warriors — +800
  • Brooklyn Nets — +850
  • Boston Celtics — +1200
  • Miami Heat — +1500
  • Toronto Raptors — +2000
  • Houston Rockets — +2000
  • Denver Nuggets — +2000

With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson expected to be back in the mix in 2021, Golden State should have the opportunity to crack open their title window for another ride.

Along with their championship core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green, Golden State will need a player like Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss to step up if they want to compete with the likes of James, Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard in the Western Conference.

While Golden State’s group shows promise with the Splash Brothers healthy, several question marks surround the team. 

What will Bob Myers and Steve Kerr do when they’re on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft? How do they use the Andre Iguodala $17.2 million trade exception? Can they recruit a valuable veteran to come to Golden State on the mid-level exception?

How Kerr and Myers answer those questions this offseason will have a significant impact on their chances of making a run back to the top of the Western Conference.

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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.

Looking to place an NBA futures bet? Get some action on it at BetMGM. Bet Now!

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.

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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