NBA Championship Odds: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves the Overwhelmingly Popular Pick to Win it All
NBA Championship Odds: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves the Overwhelmingly Popular Pick to Win it All
We're through the first round of the NBA Playoffs. While we've had some surprises, the top contenders are still alive heading into the Conference Semifinals.
However, through the first five games of the playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have gone 5-0 with a four-game sweep over the Phoenix Suns and an impressive road win in Game 1 of the second round against the Nuggets.
Therefore, the Timberwolves are being heavily picked by the public to win the NBA Championship this season.
Check out the betting data below.
NBA Championship Odds
| Team | NBA Championship Odds |
|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | +105 |
| Denver Nuggets | +480 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +600 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +800 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +950 |
| New York Knicks | +1000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +4600 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +6500 |
NBA Championship Betting Data
| Team | NBA Championship Betting % |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 26.97% |
| Boston Celtics | 22.23% |
| Dallas Mavericks | 12.45% |
| Denver Nuggets | 11.20% |
| New York Knicks | 7.07% |
Minnesota Timberwolves (26.97%)
The public is backing the Timberwolves the most right now. At +600 odds, it's understandable. The Timberwolves haven't lost a game in the NBA Playoffs and have been absolutely dominant on the offensive end.
Heading into the season, most analysts projected the Timberwolves as a defensive-first team. While the defense has been good, the offense has carried the Timberwolves in the first five games of the playoffs.
Of course, with Rudy Gobert on Minnesota's side, the defense is always above average. It just hasn't been as good over the last three games, including that first matchup against the Nuggets.
Denver still scored 107.7 points per 100 possessions despite only scoring 99 points in the game. Minnesota overcame good shot-making while limiting the Nuggets to 9.5% of offensive rebounds.
Boston Celtics (22.23%)
The Boston Celtics are just +105 to win the NBA Championship this season. But they haven't always made things look easy. The Celtics dropped a home game to the Heat earlier in the first round and lost Kristaps Porzingis for the foreseeable future.
Boston had a couple of games with lackluster offensive performances. But give Boston credit. Over the last two games against the Heat, the Celtics were absolutely terrific on the defensive end to close out Miami.
That's what good teams do. However, at +105, there's simply no value on the Celtics.
Dallas Mavericks (12.45%)
It's easy to get excited about Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. After last year's disappointing second half, those two have really meshed well.
The Mavericks were so happy with getting into the second round that Jason Kidd was extended before the playoffs were over. The Mavericks ultimately wouldn't let Kidd walk away for the Lakers, so they made the move.
Dallas began the playoffs struggling from the field. But over the last four games, Dallas has played much better on the offensive end, shooting a 56.2% effective field goal percentage in three consecutive games. Dallas also added at least 38.1% of offensive rebounds in two of the last three matchups.
Meanwhile, the defense was spotty at times but forced plenty of turnovers against the Clippers. We'll see if the experienced Mavericks can put away the No. 1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. That'll be a tough task, nonetheless.
However, at +950, the value is certainly there. Especially knowing the Mavericks have two all-star caliber players on the court in the playoffs.
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NBA ODDS
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.