[h=1]Best early value bets for the 2015-16 NBA title[/h]Erin Rynning, ESPN Contributor
ESPN INSIDER
With the 2014-15 NBA season in the books, it's time to turn our attention toward next year's odds to identify the teams offering betting value. Typically, the best teams in the league -- or at least those perceived as the best -- hold the least amount of value.
Last year at this time, the San Antonio Spurs were a minuscule 6-1 following their title run. And prior toLeBron James' decision to return to Cleveland, the Miami Heat were about 2-1. This year's champion participants offered far better odds, with the Cavs at 60-1 (pre-LeBron) and Golden State Warriors at 20-1. Spotting an under-the-radar team like Golden State is easier said than done, but it's that exact profile that will yield the best return on investment.
The Cavaliers opened as favorites to win the 2016 NBA title at odds of 9-4, or roughly 2-1. The watered-down Eastern Conference ensures their favoritism, as the Western Conference will be stacked again. The Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder rank next at 5-1, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers (10-1), San Antonio Spurs (12-1) and Chicago Bulls (12-1).
Note: All future odds courtesy of the Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook.
Here are the best early value bets for the 2015-16 NBA title.
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San Antonio Spurs (12-1) -- The Spurs continue to be consistently elite. The age and erosion factors have been questioned, and all the Spurs do is keep winning. They've played for two of the past three NBA titles (winning one) and entered this season's playoffs at 4-1 odds to win it all. They've ranked third, first and second in my end-of-season team rankings the past three seasons, respectively. This team is now built around one of the best all-around players in the game in Kawhi Leonard, and players of his aptitude are hard to come by. He's a restricted free agent but a supreme long shot to leave the Spurs.
Of course, there are many questions surrounding the Spurs. As Gregg Popovich stated after their ouster by the Clippers, he expected his key players back. There's also a slim chance the Spurs could obtain the talents of LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency, who would boost their chances. The Warriors will remain a true contender in the West, but as strong as the conference remains, I see flaws in the other contenders.
Milwaukee Bucks (35-1) -- Note that the 35-1 odds represent a play on the Bucks to win the Eastern Conference, as they're 80-1 to win the title. Make no mistake: As long as James is in Cleveland during the 2015-16 season, the Cavs are the overwhelming favorite to represent the East in the NBA Finals. However, strange things happen over the course of a season, like a foot injury to Kevin Durant. The Bucks finished the season with a .500 record as the most improved team in the NBA. How much did they improve? The LeBron-added Cavaliers improved by 20 games, while Milwaukee progressed by 26. The Bucks ranked fourth in the NBA in defense and No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.
Most importantly, they're built around 20-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo, who retains a ceiling few NBA players can match. This is a well-coached organization with flexible upside. The Bucks should be a player in free agency and are expected to make a run at Brook Lopez or Tyson Chandler. Again, the Cavaliers are the clear Eastern Conference favorite, but the door is open behind them.
ESPN INSIDER
With the 2014-15 NBA season in the books, it's time to turn our attention toward next year's odds to identify the teams offering betting value. Typically, the best teams in the league -- or at least those perceived as the best -- hold the least amount of value.
Last year at this time, the San Antonio Spurs were a minuscule 6-1 following their title run. And prior toLeBron James' decision to return to Cleveland, the Miami Heat were about 2-1. This year's champion participants offered far better odds, with the Cavs at 60-1 (pre-LeBron) and Golden State Warriors at 20-1. Spotting an under-the-radar team like Golden State is easier said than done, but it's that exact profile that will yield the best return on investment.
The Cavaliers opened as favorites to win the 2016 NBA title at odds of 9-4, or roughly 2-1. The watered-down Eastern Conference ensures their favoritism, as the Western Conference will be stacked again. The Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder rank next at 5-1, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers (10-1), San Antonio Spurs (12-1) and Chicago Bulls (12-1).
Note: All future odds courtesy of the Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook.
Here are the best early value bets for the 2015-16 NBA title.
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Of course, there are many questions surrounding the Spurs. As Gregg Popovich stated after their ouster by the Clippers, he expected his key players back. There's also a slim chance the Spurs could obtain the talents of LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency, who would boost their chances. The Warriors will remain a true contender in the West, but as strong as the conference remains, I see flaws in the other contenders.
Most importantly, they're built around 20-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo, who retains a ceiling few NBA players can match. This is a well-coached organization with flexible upside. The Bucks should be a player in free agency and are expected to make a run at Brook Lopez or Tyson Chandler. Again, the Cavaliers are the clear Eastern Conference favorite, but the door is open behind them.
