We are in the waning days of the NBA regular season, and already oddsmakers are making their predictions about who is likely to win the NBA championship. Last year, oddsmakers seemed locked in on Milwaukee, Brooklyn, or Golden State, but it was the Los Angeles Lakers who came out as NBA champions.
This year, Brooklyn finds themselves as a big favorite once again. Since they created the “big four,” everyone is sure that the group of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffith, and James Harden is going to take the sting all the way. This has especially been true since Los Angeles began to struggle with both Anthony Davis and Lebron James out. Davis is back, but James is still hobbled, not even close to producing the same kind of numbers that we are used to seeing on his basketball trading card.
Some still believe Los Angeles could go all the way, but the Clippers look like a team that many love in Los Angeles now. These are the teams everyone is sure is going to wind up in the NBA finals. However, maybe it is time for you to start thinking a little differently. While not going way out on a limb, there are some choices out there that can help you to make some big money. Here are a few to consider.
Philadelphia 76ers (9/1)
You would think that when a team has the top record in the Eastern Conference, that they would be considered a favorite to advance to the championship series. However, Brooklyn is the odds on favorite to advance from the conference, and many expect them to win the championship.
Philadelphia has quickly become the redheaded stepchild of the NBA, despite the fact that they have the third-best record overall. Plus, this team enters 8-2 in their last 10 at the time of this writing and are 28-7 at home. If this team is able to hang onto the top spot in the East, they should be considered a serious contender to go all the way. You might want to jump in on those odds.
Phoenix Suns (15/1)
A recent losing streak has some turning on Phoenix, but they are still 7-3 in their last 10. Many NBA analysts think that the Suns are simply too young and inexperienced. They do not have the depth of some of the other teams and do not have a superstar of the caliber of James, Durant, or Irving.
However, Phoenix does have a big-time star in Devin Booker, who is averaging better than 25 points per game. Plus, they have one of the smartest players in the NBA with Chris Paul manning the point guard position. Oddsmakers may not give Phoenix much of a chance and think they do not have the right kind of experience, but Paul is the kind of guy who can will this team to the championship series.
Portland Trail Blazers (50/1)
You must think we are crazy to get Portland as an option, but this is one you want to pay close attention to. They have been fighting for their playoff lives to even get into this position so that they would even have a chance at an NBA title. That has helped the team climb four spots in the standings up to No. 6 out West, and they are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Right now, should they stay in their current position, they will not have to play in a play-in game. That gives them some additional rest, and they will be very tough. What I like about Portland right now is if the playoffs were to go today, they would take on Denver who lost Jamal Murray. That is a series they could easily win, putting them up against that young, inexperienced Phoenix team. The pathway may be clear for them to goal all the way to the NBA championship.
Time to Go for It! These are three teams you seriously want to consider. If you are a person who loves to bet on NBA games or is new to the idea, these are some smart picks for future bets. Jumping in on the action today could help you to earn some big money tomorrow.
