Updated NBA Finals Futures Odds
So long to the defending champs! For the first time in his career, LeBron James experienced a first-round exit in the playoffs as the rising Suns eliminated the Lakers 4–2 in the quarterfinal round. Before that, King James’–led squads were 14–0 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers entered the playoffs with the second-highest odds to win the NBA Finals (+400), behind only the Nets (+250).
The Mavericks and Clippers' first-round series is yet to be decided. If Los Angeles knocks off Dallas, of the eight remaining teams, Utah would be the most recent team to make it to an NBA Finals, going back-to-back in 1997–98 before losing to the Bulls. Brooklyn remains as top chalk to claim the championship.
NBA Finals' futures odds have shifted drastically at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Nets' price has shrunk, from +220 to +165, heading into the second round of the playoffs. Utah has moved from the fourth-favorite to second, as its line dropped from +600 to +300. Milwaukee went from the fifth-favorite to third with a +800 to +500 move. Phoenix lost major value as its title price plunged from a +2500 seventh-favorite to the fourth-favorite at +900. The Hawks experienced the largest price drop as Atlanta opened with +10000 odds. They are down to +3500 on the NBA futures board at FanDuel.
We need the Bucks to get past the Nets, and the Jazz to defeat the Clippers, to keep our preplayoff NBA championship tickets alive. We are also adding the Suns (+900) to give us three shots at a minimum +300 profit if one of our teams cuts down the net at the conclusion of the NBA Finals. If you are jumping in now—Brooklyn looks tough to beat. Their title price will dip to a negative number if they beat Milwaukee.
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