The National Basketball Association has set their date for the 2020 NBA Draft. The annual college player to the pro league exercise happens on November 18. Before that day, the NBA will allow teams to sign free agents. Check out what the 76ers, Bucks, Lakers, and Clippers are angling to do to stay near the top of the league.  Let’s jump right into action so you can bet on their NBA odds for the upcoming season.

NBA COVID-19 Update – October 20th Edition

2020-2021 NBA Season

• When: TBD
• Where: TBD

2020-21 NBA Championship Odds

• L.A. Lakers +400

• L.A. Clippers +450

• Milwaukee Bucks 850

• Golden State Warriors +900

• Boston Celtics +1200

• Brooklyn Nets +1200

• Miami Heat +1400

• Toronto Raptors +1600

• Denver Nuggets +2000

• Houston Rockets +2200

• Philadelphia 76ers +2500

• Dallas Mavericks +2500

• Portland Trail Blazers +4000

• New Orleans Pelicans +5000

• Utah Jazz +5000

• Phoenix Suns +6000

• Oklahoma City Thunder +7500

• Atlanta Hawks +12500

• Chicago Bulls +12500

• Indiana Pacers +12500

• Memphis Grizzlies +12500

• Washington Wizards +12500

• Minnesota Timberwolves +25000

• Orlando Magic +25000

• San Antonio Spurs +25000

• Sacramento Kings +25000

• Cleveland Cavaliers +35000

• Detroit Pistons +35000

• New York Knicks +35000

• Charlotte Hornets +50000

Clippers and 76ers must decide to rebuild or maintain

The two most disappointing teams during the regular season were the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. Both squads entered the season with high hopes. The Clippers were co-favorites to win the title with fellow Los Angelenos, the Lakers.

Inside the bubble, things seemed to be going well. LAC had a 3 games to 1 lead over the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets won the next three contests, though. That sent LAC home before the Western Conference Finals.

Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer placed the disappointing playoff exit squarely on the shoulders of coach Doc Rivers. Ballmer fired Rivers and hired Tyron Lue. That’s likely the only move the Clippers will make during the offseason. 

Ballmer is happy with the roster. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the supporting cast are good enough to beat the Lakers, Heat, Celtics, Raptors, Bucks and whichever other team tries for the title this coming season. With Lue installing wrinkles to the offense, the owner believes the Clippers can compete.

The same can’t be said for Doc’s new team, the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers hired Doc to coach the team this season. Rivers should have some success even if the 76ers do nothing. It’s hard to see Philadelphia standing pat, though. 

The 76ers must do something to increase production from the guard position. The best way to do that is to move Ben Simmons to power forward and then to acquire a point-guard. That’s easier said than done, which is why it should be interesting to see what the Sixers do once the NBA lifts the free agency lockdown.

Bucks must sign Giannis to a max contract, what will the Lakers do with AD?

The Milwaukee Bucks have no choice, but to sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a max contract, right? Maybe not. Commissioner Adam Silver warned teams and players that the coronavirus pandemic would have an effect on revenue.

If the pandemic forces another bubble situation, or even if it requires teams not to sell out their arenas, Milwaukee could make the case to sign Giannis to a lesser contract than past max deals. That’s the nature of the NBA in 2020. Although the league pulled off a fantastic season under the circumstance, those circumstances could call for more sacrifices. No doubt, those sacrifices will be monetary in nature.

It’s difficult to see Anthony Davis going anywhere. He’s the main reason the Lakers won the NBA Championship. He also likes Los Angeles and Davis and LeBron have a great rapport. But AD is in a similar boat to Giannis. 

Nobody knows what may happen with the coronavirus, or how it could affect the upcoming season. It’s a wait and see approach for both superstar players.

Have a great week! 

NBA Betting News

Odds and Lines: NBA Betting | Live Betting | Playoffs | Championship

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