Fear the Deer at the Top of the NBA Title Odds Table
At this point of the season, there is a trio of teams that continues to separate themselves from the rest of the pack – the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. But as we have seen in some of our other races, anything can change at a moment’s notice.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the updated title odds for each of these contenders based on how they performed over the past week (Feb. 10 through Feb. 16).
NBA Futures – Championship 2020
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Third-Best NBA Title Odds: Los Angeles Clippers (+320 – No Change)
The LA Clippers were the frontrunners on this list for a good portion of the first half of the season. However, the basketball gods haven’t been exactly smiling on this squad as of late, and the past week was no exception. The Clippers kicked off their week with a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Considering how bad the 76ers have played on the road (9-19) this should have been a winnable game.
However, that proved not to be the case as the 76ers came away with a 110-103 victory. The Clippers’ misfortunes continued against the Boston Celtics a few nights later as they shot just 41.8 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from 3-point range in a 141-133 loss. Although their level of play can be categorized as inconsistent at times, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see them move up from the No. 3 spot at some point.
Second-Best NBA Title Odds: Los Angeles Lakers (+300 – No Change)
The Los Angeles Lakers also had two games on their weekly slate. Unlike the Clippers, they posted wins in both of their contests. Following an expected win over a Phoenix Suns squad that has fallen off after a hot start, the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets in their last game before the All-Star break. Although it took an extra session to determine the winner of this game, the Lakers eventually emerged 120-116, thus extending their winning streak to three games.
LeBron James recorded a triple-double, scoring 31 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 14 assists. Anthony Davis also had a strong outing, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. On the heels of a 2-0 week, the Lakers have won seven of their last 10 games overall. Even more important, this team’s NBA title odds should remain somewhat favorable barring any unforeseen injuries to key players.
Top NBA Title Odds: Milwaukee Bucks (+275 – No Change)
The Milwaukee Bucks jumped up to the No. 1 spot a week ago and are once again the odds-on favorite for the second straight week. Like the other two teams on the list, the Bucks had two games over the past week. They defeated the Sacramento Kings by a 123-111 margin, which was their fifth win in a row. The momentum was short-lived though, as the Indiana Pacers snapped the Bucks’ win streak with a 118-111 victory.
Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon played well against his former team, scoring 17 points (including 10 in the final frame) while finishing with a career-high 13 assists. Despite the recent setback though, the Bucks still have the best record in the league, the best point differential and they are a top-four team in offense and defense. Simply put, this team has what it takes to win it all this year.
