We interrupt your regularly scheduled program of complaining about the incompetence of NFL officiating for some breaking news: The NBA is back, baby!
The 2019–20 regular season kicks off on Tuesday with a slate of highly-anticipated matchups.
The New Orleans Pelicans — minus Zion Williamson, who just underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus — travel to Toronto to take on the defending champion Raptors, while the Battle for Hollywood begins with the Clippers hosting the Lakers.
While we’re a long way from deciding which teams have genuine title aspirations and which ones should already be looking toward next year’s draft lottery, that’s never stopped the oddsmakers from making educated guesses.
According to the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, Nevada, here are the teams with the best odds to win the 2020 NBA championship.
Philadelphia 76ers – 8/1
The 76ers are a popular pick to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. And for good reason.
Led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the Sixers are big, strong, versatile, and relentless (especially on D). The offseason additions of veteran Al Horford and swingman Josh Richardson are only going to make this team more complete on both ends of the floor.
If the club properly manages Embiid’s minutes during the regular season, and ‘The Process’ enters the playoffs reasonably healthy, Philadelphia’s going to be scary.
Houston Rockets – 8/1
On paper, the Houston Rockets have one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.
James Harden is coming off a season in which he scored a league-best 36.1 points per game, while his new teammate, fellow former MVP Russell Westbrook, averaged a triple-double for the third straight season.
But it’s been a while since these two joined forces, and I’m curious to see how these two high-usage players co-exist on the court. The Rockets may be among Vegas’ favorites, but honestly, I have no idea what to expect from this group.
Milwaukee Bucks – 6/1
The Milwaukee Bucks took a major step last year. They won 60 games and earned the No. 1 seed in the East.
However, the club fell short of its ultimate goal, losing to the Raptors in Eastern Conference Finals.
Still, when you have a player like reigning MVP Giannis Antetokuonmpo on your team, you will likely always be a perennial title contender.
Los Angeles Lakers – 4/1
LeBron James’ first season in Los Angeles was a huge disappointment. But that was pre-Anthony Davis.
We only got a small glimpse of what these two could do in the preseason, but it was enough to send a clear message: These two juggernauts are on a mission.
I’m not going to crown the Lakers just yet. I will, however, sit back and enjoy the Show(time).
Los Angeles Clippers – 7/2 (3.5/1)
The Los Angeles Clippers are the current odds-on favorite to win the NBA title. Yes, you are reading this correctly.
Sure, once upon a time, this would’ve seemed like something out of an episode of The Twilight Zone. But this is not a figment of your imagination; this is real life.
The Clippers became a legitimate threat the moment Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teamed up. Now all that’s left to do is live up to the hype.
Other notables:
- Golden State Warriors– 12/1
- Denver Nuggets – 16/1
- Utah Jazz – 16/1
- Boston Celtics – 25/1
Statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.
Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasonAlsher.
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