The NBA's annual All-Star Game on Sunday, March 7 marks the halfway point of the 2020/2021 regular season. It also presents a great opportunity to revisit BetOnline's NBA futures odds to win this year's championship.
Los Angeles Lakers +280
As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers are the clear favorites to repeat. They are 23-11 through 34 games and 3.5 games out of first place in the Western Conference standings. There have been a few puzzling losses lately as part of a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. Yet, when the postseason rolls around, LeBron James and company will be ready for another deep run in the playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets +300
The one team that the betting public has been hot on this season is the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant is playing close to his previous All Star form. Kyrie Irving is also a key contributor to the team's early success. The addition of James Harden through a trade with Houston in mid-January formed the new Big Three in the Eastern Conference. Heading into Saturday's home game against Dallas, the Nets have won their last eight games to improve to 22-12 on the year.
Los Angeles Clippers +550
The Clippers are three games off the pace in the West at 24-11 after winning seven of their last 10 games. They are once again positioned as the only real competition for the rival Lakers in that team's quest to get back to the NBA Finals. Hopefully, these two city rivals get a chance to settle things on the court this postseason in a best-of-seven playoff series.
Utah Jazz +700
The Jazz have been one of the bigger surprises through the first half of an amended 72-game season. They have already won 26 of their first 33 games to hold down the top spot in the Western Conference. It appears that Utah has the staying power to challenge the Lakers and the Clippers for the No. 1 seed in the West. This big question is winning four games in a best-of-seven playoff showdown against either of these two NBA powers.
Milwaukee Bucks +800
The Bucks were clear favorites to win the East for the past few seasons before Brooklyn added all the star power to its lineup. They are currently two games off the pace in the conference standings at 20-13. The big question mark surrounding this team is its ability to win in the postseason coming off earlier than expected exits from the playoffs the previous two seasons. Milwaukee may only be the third-best team in the East this season behind the Nets and the surprising Philadelphia 76ers.
For an extended look at the best betting value in BetOnline's NBA futures odds, please check out this week's post at Scores and Stats: Updated Odds to Win the 2021 NBA Championship.
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