Oddsmakers and pretty much everyone who watches the NBA already knows which team will represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
It would be as clear in the Western Conference playoffs too if two of the best teams in the last 20 years didn’t reside in that league. But what happens if upsets occur?
That would be major long-shots according to oddsmakers.
A NBA Finals matchup between Golden State and Cleveland is the frontrunner, going off at +120. Before we get to the other odds, let’s take a minute to marvel at that number. With three months until the NBA Finals, that matchup is near even money. In the two other major American sports, the NFL and MLB, think about how absurd those odds are at this juncture.
It would be difficult to find those odds on the doorstep of the Super Bowl and World Series in the NFL and MLB. But the NBA is far more predictable, with the seven-game series in the playoff generally yielding the best team. And NBA teams don’t have to worry about the opposition having a hot pitcher to even the playing field.
What’s the fun in taking such a favorite? The San Antonio Spurs aren’t far behind, going off at +379 to face the Cavaliers in the Finals. The Spurs and Warriors have split the season-series so far.
If it’s not the Cavs, then who? The third-best odds take a severe drop, with Toronto facing Golden State at +1065. The top-five is rounded out by the Cavs, with a matchup against Oklahoma City at +1225 and a game versus the Los Angeles Clippers at +2230.
Basically, oddsmakers are telling you that the Finals will showcase who you think will be there. If it’s not the usual suspects, then maybe Oklahoma City or Toronto can sneak in. Other than that, there’s no reason to even believe in another team appearing in the NBA Finals.
The best value is likely the Spurs vs. the Cavs. Although it’s not the value the Raptors or Thunder have, it’s still far better than the Warriors against the Cavs.
Expect the NBA playoffs to be as boring as the regular season until we get to the Western Conference Finals.
