As the NBA season reaches its sharp end, the bookies remain divided when it comes to naming a favorite – but they seem to agree it will come from the Western Conference.
The Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors are both being quoted at around 4/1, with the Nets, 76eres and Bucs the only other teams at shorter odds than 10/1.
Clearly, whatever the bigger picture, the Western Conference is seen as a two-horse race. Despite their 45 wins at the time of writing, one more than the Warriors, NBA Vegas odds still have the Grizzlies as 25/1 long shots for the Championship.
Dark horses stepping into the light
It seems strange to talk about one of last year’s finalists as a dark horse, but it’s worth noting that the Suns were not much fancied in sports betting circles when the season first got underway. Basketball might be a team game, but the bookmakers put a lot of faith in star power.
That’s why the Nets and the Lakers were favorites for most of the season, and it also explains why some still have the Warriors at marginally shorter odds to go all the way, despite Phoenix having far and away the best record of any NBA team this season.
In part, that’s down to the Suns’ performance last season, when they likewise dominated during the regular season only to capitulate to the Bucks in the NBA Finals.
This goes some way to explaining why they are not the runaway favorites that, say, the Lakers or the Nets might be if they were in a similar position.
The Warriors are another interesting proposition. Like The Suns, they were well down the order as potential winners when the season got underway, with bookies offering odds around the 11/1 mark. Nobody ever doubted the strength of Golden State’s defense, which is ranked best in the NBA.
The question mark was over that star quality to make the most of the opportunities and bring home the points. It’s a role that Stephen Curry has jumped into with both feet, and his 28.5 points average per game is more than enough to make him part of the conversation for MVP.
Everything to play for
There’s still a quarter of the regular season left to play, so there is still time for plenty to happen. What seems certain is that the Suns and the Warriors will be part of the conversation, while the likes of the Lakers will need a strong finish to the season if they are even going to make the playoffs.
A month ago, that was a mathematical possibility, today, they are perilously balanced in 9th spot and looking over their shoulders at a resurgent Pelicans team.
The odds will be shifting faster than ever, so keep a close eye on the bookmaker sites as the regular season goes through its final moves.
Our hot tip? Ignore the naysayers, the Grizzlies have looked like a team on a mission in recent weeks. Some bookies still have them as long as 30/1, so grab them while you can.
