Handicapping NBA Injuries

Revised NBA 2016 Championship Betting Odds

Written by on May 2, 2016

NBA Betting News
The first round of the NBA playoffs is no in the books, which means that the field of contenders is now down to 8. There were no major surprises in the opening round, although some teams had to work a little harder than they might have expected. There is still some real value to be found by betting on the future champion now, and with injuries starting to play a role in outcomes, now might well be the time to throw some money down on a dark horse. Let’s take a look at the 8 teams remaining, as well as their current odds. Remember, these odds can and win change, so check in regularly at our MyBookie.ag NBA lines page to keep up with those changes.

Revised NBA 2016 Championship Betting Odds

Golden State Warriors (-110)

The favorites from the very start, the Warriors haven’t really done anything to alter that status. They had a regular season to remember, setting the all-time win/loss record, and then they breezed past the Rockets in 5 games in Round 1. That win came at a cost, though, as Stephen Curry went down with a knee injury. He will be back before this is all said and done, and the Warriors have the benefit of playing the surprising Portland Trail Blazers, who they should be able to handle without much difficulty.

San Antonio Spurs (+140)

The general consensus among most NBA fans is that the Warriors and Spurs are on a Western Conference collision course, and that looks as though it may come to pass. The Spurs swept the Grizzlies in the opening round, and are now already a game up on the Thunder in Round 2.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+375)

After a rather tumultuous regular season, everyone seems to be waiting for the Eastern Conference champions to implode. If their first round series versus the Pistons is anything to go by, though, this team may be in for the long haul. Next up for the Cavaliers is a bit of a tougher challenge in the form of the Atlanta Hawks.

Oklahoma City Thunder (+2000)

The Thunder pretty easily handled the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round, winning the series in 5. They look to be in for a much tougher time of things against the Spurs, though, especially if the opening game loss of 124-92 is anything to go by.

Toronto Raptors (+2500)

The Raptors pushed the Cavaliers all the way to the end in the Eastern Conference, but they did not take that form into the playoffs, struggling to beat the Indiana Pacers in 7. They will have a tricky Round 2 meeting against the Miami Heat, but could get on a roll after a gutsy Game 7 performance.

Miami Heat (+6000)

The Miami Heat came back from the brink in Round 1 to knock off the Charlotte Hornets in 7 games. They are going to need the momentum built in that series to carry forward if they are to have any chance against the Raptors.

Atlanta Hawks (+7500)

The Hawks disposed if the Boston Celtics in Round 1 in 6 games, and looked particularly good on home court. They are going to have to take advantage of those home games if they are to get past the Cavs in Round 2.

Portland Trail Blazers (+12500)

The Trail Blazers were the surprise team of the opening round with a 6-game win over the LA Clippers. It has to be said that LA were without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin for the majority of the series, though, so don’t expect any big surprises in Round 2 versus the Warriors.