Bucks’ Odds to Win 2019 NBA Championship Listed at +180 After Eliminating Celtics in Five
- The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Boston Celtics 4-1 in their second-round series
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.4 points per game, which is sixth best in the playoffs
- The Bucks will play the winner of the series between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals
The NBA Championship odds continue to change, and last night was no different. With the Milwaukee Bucks finishing off the Boston Celtics in five games, they now have the second shortest odds to win the title.
2019 NBA Championship Odds
| Team | 2019 NBA Championship Odds |
|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | +110 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +180 |
| Houston Rockets | +400 |
| Toronto Raptors | +750 |
| Denver Nuggets | +1800 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +4000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +7500 |
*Odds taken 05/09/19
With the Bucks punching their ticket to the final four, their odds have jumped through the roof. They can’t be dismissed as a title contender but with the odds laid out how they are it’s a different team in the Eastern Conference that I believe is offering the best value.
Should we keep playing?#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/JrZtPvugIN
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 9, 2019
Kawhi Leonard Has Been the Playoff MVP So Far
No player, not even Giannis, has been as impressive as Kawhi Leonard so far. He’s averaging 31.2 points per game which ranks third best in the playoffs behind only Kevin Durant and James Harden.
You can make the case that the Raptors have the best player in basketball on their roster right now.
Leonard has compiled those points shooting over 57% while Durant is only 51% and Harden 41%. When you consider he’s also playing elite defense, you can make the case that the Raptors have the best player in basketball on their roster right now.
Max Kellerman really said Kawhi Leonard IS BETTER than Kobe Bryant…
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 7, 2019
If the Raptors can close out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 or 7 it will set up a showdown with the Bucks. That series is at best a coin flip, but I’d give the edge to the more experienced Toronto team.
With that in mind, consider the fact you can bet on the Raptors to win the title at +750 while Milwaukee is only paying out +180. The value here is overwhelming when siding with the team up North.
Will Warriors Win It All?
A bet on either the Raptors or Bucks requires the belief that the Golden State Warriors will fall short in another bid for the title. For much of the season it’s been hard to envision them losing, but as the injuries mount it’s seeming more and more possible.
"I'd be surprised if Kevin Durant plays any more basketball the rest of the season." — @criscarter80 on KD's injury pic.twitter.com/EdrCqU0d2i
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 9, 2019
Kevin Durant will miss Game 6 and could miss the rest of the season, which would be a devastating blow. DeMarcus Cousins is already out with an injury, and Steph Curry’s dislocated finger has turned him into a downright pedestrian shooter.
The Warriors can be beat. If they aren’t at 100% health and run into a superstar like either Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antetokounmpo I think they could be in trouble.
Bet the Value and Take Toronto
Toronto have as good a chance as any team to win the title this year and are paying out at really high value. Don’t overthink this. Trust Kawhi and the new look Raptors to win their franchises’ first NBA Championship, and bet them before they finish off the 76ers and their odds start to look more like Milwaukee’s.
Pick: Toronto Raptors (+750)
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
