Clippers Championship Odds Continue to Shorten After Crushing Warriors; Now +350 to Win the Title
- Clippers beat Warriors 141-122 on Thursday night
- Title odds shortened again for second time this week
- LAC still awaits Paul George’s return in the coming weeks
The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Golden State Warriors in the first ever regular season game at Chase Center on Thursday night. It was a complete team performance from the Clippers, with seven players scoring double-digit points.
The victory moves the Clips to 2-0 on the season after an opening night victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
Atop the NBA Championship Odds already, the Clippers price has shortened further after their impressive start to the campaign. Improving from +450 to +400 after opening night, Doc Rivers’ team are now down to +350 odds.
2020 NBA Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | +350 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +450 |
| Houston Rockets | +600 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +600 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +600 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1000 |
| Utah Jazz | +1200 |
| Denver Nuggets | +1600 |
Odds taken Oct. 25.
Superstar Duo
The signing of Kawhi Leonard and accompanying trade for Paul George saw the Clippers become title favorites. It changed everything for the franchise. Many fancied the Clippers to go all the way immediately after the duo were announced.
The Lakers, their closest competitors are +450 ahead of a group of teams at +600. Seeing the market move this notably after just two games wasn’t just about picking up the wins, it was about the performances. And, crucially, it was all done without George.
On Tuesday, the Lakers couldn’t live with Leonard in the second quarter. On Thursday, the Warriors’ defense was sloppy and the Clippers took full advantage, scoring a whopping 46 points in the third quarter.
The defense is stifling, the offense is versatile and they have the best bench in the NBA, led by three-time Sixth Man Of The Year Lou Williams.
Inevitable Reaction
When a team already considered favorites delivers two performances like this, the reaction is inevitable. It’s hard not to get carried away with the Clippers. Leonard has seamlessly slotted into the team, and the defense – even without four-time All-Defensive wing George – has been as advertised. A quick start like this obviously helps the Clippers and will have drawn a lot of bettors into backing them for the title.
Their price may continue to plummet with each win, though it’s unlikely beating Phoenix and Charlotte in their next two will impact the odds. It’s the run after that which will be fascinating.
Tough Upcoming Schedule
Following the visit from the Hornets on Monday, the Clippers schedule is daunting as they face games against the Jazz (x2), Spurs, Bucks, Blazers, Raptors and Rockets. There are a couple of back-to-backs in that stretch as well.
Leonard will likely sit a few games out. As well as they played last season, this Clippers team without Leonard and George isn’t scary. Even in games Leonard is available, it’s still unlikely they will get through that streak unscathed. That’s when we could see their price to win the title lengthen.
I know it’s only been two games… but the new-look Clippers look AMAZING. Kawhi is just on another planet.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 25, 2019
The Clippers might be 7-4 or 8-3 by the end of that run. We are going to see the championship odds alter all season – now isn’t the time to back the Clippers. Their price could be longer in a matter of days.
Patience Is Key
Their status as overwhelming title favorites is fair. Leonard is the best player in the NBA and George’s return looms over the rest of the Western Conference. Rivers couldn’t have wished for a better start to the campaign when the schedule was released – the Clippers have set the standard for their rivals to match.
At the moment, though, it’s worth being patient. The Clippers will lose games, and they could easily go on a mixed run over the coming weeks, particularly if they are cautious with Leonard.
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
