The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off some pretty impressive wheeling and dealing this weekend. They were able to secure star player Paul George and sign NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. (See Odds of where Leonard would sign here)
These moves were able to shoot the Clippers past the Lakers into the number one favored spot. The Lakers, as you probably know, already have Lebron James and were able to add Anthony Davis to the mix a few weeks ago. It would really have taken them signing Leonard or Kevin Durant to put them way over the top as favorites to win it all.
Now there is true parody among the very top ranks of NBA teams. Four teams are less than +1000 (10/1) to win it all. All four have a great shot at winning the title. For the first time in about four or five years, the Golden State Warriors are on the outside looking in. They are the fifth highest odds at +1400.
Some other teams made some great moves and were able to improve their overall chances to win. The Miami Heat added Jimmy Butler and have drafted some good young talent. The New Orleans Pelicans traded away veterans and picked up a slew of young players. These two teams wil be near the top of the odds in the very not-too-distant-future.
photo from Sports Illustrated
Odds to Win the NBA Championship
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Los Angeles Clippers | +300 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +400 |
Milwaukee Bucks | +500 |
Philadelphia 76ers | +800 |
Golden State Warriors | +1400 |
Houston Rockets | +1400 |
Denver Nuggets | +1600 |
Utah Jazz | +1600 |
Boston Celtics | +2000 |
Brooklyn Nets | +2000 |
Toronto Raptors | +2000 |
Indiana Pacers | +3300 |
Dallas Mavericks | +4000 |
Portland Trail Blazers | +4000 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | +5000 |
Miami Heat | +6600 |
New Orleans Pelicans | +6600 |
San Antonio Spurs | +6600 |
New York Knicks | +10000 |
Orlando Magic | +10000 |
Atlanta Hawks | +12500 |
Charlotte Hornets | +15000 |
Chicago Bulls | +15000 |
Cleveland Cavaliers | +15000 |
Detroit Pistons | +15000 |
Memphis Grizzlies | +15000 |
Minnesota Timberwolves | +15000 |
Sacramento Kings | +15000 |
Washington Wizards | +15000 |
Phoenix Suns | +25000 |