The Golden State Warriors are overwhelming favorites to win their third consecutive NBA title for 2019 which if so would be their fourth championship in five seasons. One team that will no longer be a favorite is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland has won four consecutive NBA Eastern Conference titles and was the 2016 NBA champion. But with LeBron James moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers the Cavaliers will not longer have the man that literally carried them on his back for the past three seasons. And, oh yes, the Lakers are now among the favorites to win it all with James arrival.
The Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, And Philadelphia 76ers are also among the top choices.
NBA Odds to win 2019 Championship at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Hawks +100000
Boston Celtics +540
Brooklyn Nets +80000
Charlotte Hornets +4500
Chicago Bulls +40000
Cleveland Cavaliers +50000
Dallas Mavericks +23500
Denver Nuggets +12500
Detroit Pistons +35000
Golden State Warriors -188
Houston Rockets +855
Indiana Pacers +13500
Los Angeles Clippers +35000
Los Angeles Lakers +1465
Memphis Grizzlies +80000
Miami Heat +36500
Milwaukee Bucks +11000
Minnesota Timberwolves +14000
New Orleans Pelicans +11000
New York Knicks +48500
Oklahoma City Thunder +3800
Orlando Magic +46500
Philadelphia 76ers +1565
Phoenix Suns +35000
Portland Trailblazers +18000
Sacramento Kings +40000
San Antonio Spurs +11000
Toronto Raptors +1800
Utah Jazz +6700
Washington Wizards +9500
Odds Analysis
Part of futures betting is based on last year instead of the future. Most of the betting public bets backwards with a reaction to the last champion rather than try to assess the new champion with forward thinking. Thus, the Warriors are a prohibitive favorite with an expensive price tag.
Warriors Warnings
It is certainly understandable that the Warriors are the favorite. All key players return as does head coach Steve Kerr. But what is worrisome is the injury to Stephen Curry that put him out for several weeks at the end of the regular season and start of the 2018 playoffs which nearly cost the Warriors the title. What the great lesson learned from this experience is the thin margin between victory and defeat and it should be sobering to those thinking about making the huge lay on the Warriors.
Boston Complete Again?
Speaking of injuries to top players the Boston Celtics valiant effort to win the Eastern Conference ended because they were without top scorer Kyrie Irving for the playoffs. And while head coach Brad Stevens proved he is one of the best in the NBA the Celtics ran out of gas in the Eastern Conference Finals against King James and the Cavs because they simply lacked a marquee star to counter LeBron. If Boston can stay healthy they have the combination of top players, a truly great coach, and team play that will make them difficult to beat.
Rockets Re-Launch?
The Houston Rockets came within one win of eliminating the Warriors for the Western Conference championship and will again be one of the top tier favorites. James Harden was the NBA scoring champion and proved his worth as a catalyst that can carry a team to the brink of glory. Just as important was that the Rockets showed dramatic improvement on defense. But can they maintain this level of improvement on the back end two years in a row?
Toronto Chooses New Leader
The Toronto Raptors posted the best record in the NBA Eastern Conference but flopped badly in the first round of the playoffs. As a result, long time head coach Dwane Casey was fired. Most worrisome is that nine-year franchise headliner DeMar DeRozan has fled to San Antonio.
Lake Show Back
Certainly, LeBron James will make the Lakers much better. But he is also physically slowing down and has felt the weight and stress of carrying and entire franchise on his shoulders. It is doubtful that he can do the same with a Lakers team that is not as deep.
Free 2019 NBA Championship Pick
The Boston Celtics combine value, ability, coaching, potential and price to make for the best pick.
NBA Futures Odds: Boston Celtics to win the 2019 NBA Title!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
