Conference Championship Odds: Boston & Warriors

The first round of the NBA playoffs has seen a few series that seem destined to stretch to seven games. Other teams have made more tidy work of their first-round opponents and will likely have things settled in four or five games. The question, for bettors still looking for plus money, is how have the events of the first round changed the updated odds to win each conference? Let’s take a look at the updated NBA Conference Championship odds.

Updated Odds to Win NBA Eastern Conference and Western Conference

Eastern Conference Championship Odds Update

Here’s a look at the updated odds as it sits now:

Boston is the leader to win the East at +175, while top-seeded Miami is right behind the Celtics at +200. Defending NBA champion Milwaukee is at +300 while Philadelphia is +475. The Toronto Raptors, who trail Philadelphia 3-2, are at +5000.

What is worth looking at with the East is if people’s opinions of how good the Brooklyn Nets were. Boston, which is seeded second, was the only team to sweep its first-round opponent. Many people thought the Nets, led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, may have been able to spring an upset. However, few things went right for Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons never returned from a back injury. The Nets also blew fourth-quarter leads in Games 1 and 2 in Boston which could have put pressure on the Celtics. While Boston’s opponent may have been a tad bit overrated, Jayson Tatum is showing his superstar potential. The Celtics star is averaging 29.5 points per game in the playoffs, including a 39-point performance in Game 3.

Milwaukee is worth a look at +300 because of what the Bucks have battled through. After losing Khris Middleton in a Game 2 home loss to the Chicago Bulls, people thought Milwaukee may be in some trouble. However, the Bucks responded by sweeping Chicago on its home court.

Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has averaged 27.5 points per game in the playoffs and has finished with double-doubles in three of the four games contested. Philadelphia is a stay away. The 76ers look fantastic in the first three games of their series with the Raptors before starting to develop issues in two straight losses.

Western Conference Championship Odds Update

Injuries loom large in the Western Conference playoff pitch. The defending conference champion Phoenix Suns set a franchise record for regular-season victories, then fell victim to losing superstar Devon Booker in Game 2 of their series with the Pelicans. That has allowed Golden State to vault up to the favorite at +130.

The Suns are right behind Golden State at +230. Memphis, which is a tight battle for Minnesota in the first round, is +500. Dallas is also plus +500, while the Timberwolves are +5000.

The Pelicans are +3000 and have the series tied with Phoenix. This Western Conference provides a lot of good opportunities for future bettors. Minnesota has shown over the past few weeks that this stage may not be too big for a team with little recent playoff success. If the Timberwolves can get past Golden State, they may have a good matchup with Golden State, which relies heavily on their excellent shooters Steph Curry, Jordan Poole, and Klay Thompson.

Phoenix remains the largest mystery. The Suns have proven through the regular season they have the best team in the conference. However, when Booker returns, will he be able to slide back into his own role? Or will he need time to recuperate How he bounces back will dictate if Phoenix is worth betting on and a wager on them at +230 right now doesn’t have much value.

The Mavericks are worth a look at +500. While star Luka Doncic had to sit out a few games, Dallas was able to play a more defensive-oriented style that frustrated the Utah Jazz. If the Mavericks finish off the Jazz, Dallas being able to play different types of basketball will make them a tough out for any team they may be paired up with.