
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals last night, completing one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history. Despite that, the Warriors are the Las Vegas favorites to win it all next year.
Here are 2017’s Full Title Odds, via Bovada.net:
Golden State Warriors: +200
Cleveland Cavaliers: +225
San Antonio Spurs: +750
Oklahoma City Thunder: +850
Los Angeles Clippers: +2000
Boston Celtics: +2500
Toronto Raptors: +2500
Chicago Bulls: +3300
Miami Heat: +3300
Atlanta Hawks: +5000
Houston Rockets: +5000
Dallas Mavericks: +6600
New Orleans Pelicans: +6600
Charlotte Hornets: +7500
Detroit Pistons: +7500
Indiana Pacers: +7500
Memphis Grizzlies: +7500
Minnesota Timberwolves: +7500
New York Knicks: +7500
Portland Trail Blazers: +7500
Washington Wizards: +7500
Denver Nuggets: +10000
Los Angeles Lakers: +10000
Milwaukee Bucks: +10000
Sacramento Kings: +10000
Utah Jazz: +10000
Orlando Magic: +10000
Philadelphia 76ers: +15000
Phoenix Suns: +15000
Brooklyn Nets: +25000
A few quick thoughts:
- It’s interesting but not illogical to see the Warriors given the best odds. Yes, the Cavs just pulled off one of the greatest upsets ever, and I am in no way trying to take anything away from them. But Andre Iguodala was hobbled. Andrew Bogut was out. I have a sneaking suspicion that Stephen Curry’s injury will be revealed to have been worse than the Warriors let on. That’s three injured starters. If the Warriors can stay healthy next year, they should be, and are the favorites.
- It’s interesting to see the Spurs ranked ahead of the Thunder, considering that the Thunder took down the Spurs in the playoffs, and nearly beat Golden State. Plus, the Spurs could lose Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to retirement. The Thunder’s ranking may be indicative of the uncertainty surrounding Kevin Durant’s free agency
- The Bulls, who finished this season with a record of 42-40, and missed the playoffs, are ranked evenly with the Miami Heat, and ahead of the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons, all teams that did make the playoffs in the East. That seems a bit strange, especially when you consider the rumors that Jimmy Butler could be dealt.
- The Celtics are given +2500 odds, whereas the Hawks, who knocked them out of the playoffs, are given +5000 odds. #KD2Boston rumors are likely at play here. Plus, Boston has a plethora of draft picks that could potentially be used to land a star. I get this one.
- A couple of teams that could be much better than they’re being given credit for:
-The Utah Jazz — Have a phenomenal team, especially once Dante Exum returns, are being given +10000 odds. The Jazz should be given better odds than teams like Sacramento and the Lakers.
-The Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Tom Thibodeau, the no. 5 pick in this year’s Draft. This team could make a big leap next season.