The NBA free agency period has seen hundreds of players switch teams as well as a number of league-altering moves with All-Star players teaming up in NBA’s wild-west, free-agent bonanza.
The Los Angeles Clippers were the latest winners as they pulled off a stunner when they signed not only Kawhi Leonard to a four-year, $142 million maximum contract, but also traded for Oklahoma City’s Paul George in a move that has made them the favorites to win the 2019-20 NBA title.
After trading George, OKC went into full rebuild mode as it traded star point guard Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul and multiple first-round draft picks.
According to oddsmakers, the Clippers are now the favorites to win it all with the Lakers and Bucks right behind. The Rockets and 76ers round out the top 5 with the Warriors, Jazz and Nuggets just outside.
Looking at multiple sportsbooks, here’s how the odds currently stand at the moment:
1st) Clippers
2nd) Lakers
3rd) Bucks
T-4th) Rockets
T-4th) 76ers
6th) Warriors
7th) Jazz
8th) Nuggets
9th) Celtics
10th) Nets
Houston has moved from 14/1 ➡️ 8/1 after acquiring Russell Westbrook ? pic.twitter.com/tKvMVidyKw
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) July 12, 2019
2019-20 NBA Championship updated
LAC 4/1
LAL, Mil 9/2
Phi 7/1
Hou 8/1
GS 12/1
Uta, Den 14/1
Bos 25/1
Por, SAS 30/1
Ind 40/1
Bkn, Dal 50/1
Tor, Sac 80/1
Mia, NO, Orl 100/1
Atl, Chi 200/1
Det 300/1
Min, Mem, Phx 500/1
OKC, NYK, Cha, Wsh, Cle 1000/1— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) July 13, 2019
Updated Odds to Win the #NBA Championship:
Clippers +350
Lakers +500
Bucks +500
Rockets +800
76ers +900
Warriors +1400
Nuggets +1400
Jazz +1400
Celtics +2000
Nets +3300— Betting News (@bettingnewscom) July 12, 2019
While the Los Angeles Lakers whiffed on getting another All-Star to Join LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Purple and Gold did make some moves as they agreed to a one-year deal with DeMarcus Cousins and signed former Toronto Raptors sharpshooter Danny Green to a two-year deal.
While the Clippers are the favorite to win it all at the moment, there’s also a case to be made for a bunch of other teams, especially out West now that the Warriors aren’t as much of a threat as they’ve been in years past.
While the Clippers and Lakers get all the attention, don’t be surprised to see Utah, Houston, Portland or Denver making a big run this next season with deep and talented squads.
Houston is Houston, Denver brings back nearly its entire team as finishing second in the West last year, Portland gave Golden State all it could handle in the Western Conference Finals and the Jazz have made a number of big moves this offseason by acquiring Mike Conley and sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanović.
This will open up the floor for Donovan Mitchell and give more open looks for 3-point specialist Joe Ingles. On paper, the Jazz are a top 5 team at the moment. That’s why it’s no surprise to see the Jazz receive so much love by oddsmakers by the total number of tickets and money wagered.
Most bet teams for 2019-20 NBA title at @WilliamHillUS:
Total # of tickets:
1. Lakers 21%
2. Nets 11%
3. Warriors 8%
4. 76ers 7%
5. Jazz 7%
6. Clippers 6%Total $$ wagered:
1. Lakers 42%
2. Nuggets 11%
3. Nets 8%
4. Warriors 7%
5. Jazz 6%
6. 76ers 5%
7. Clippers 4%— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkesESPN) July 6, 2019
Who are you putting your money on this upcoming season?
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