Raptors’ 2020 NBA Championship Odds Continue to Improve as Toronto Celebrates First Major Title in 26 Years

• The Toronto Raptors won the first NBA Championship in franchise history in 2019
• Kawhi Leonard was named Finals MVP and is a pending unrestricted free agent
• Leonard is a California native and rumors suggest if he leaves the Raptors he could end up with the Clippers
  

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We the North became We the Champions when the Toronto Raptors upset the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals. The oddsmakers don’t think it’s impossible that the Raptors defend their title in 2020.

2020 NBA Championship Odds

*Odds taken 06/17/19. 

Betting on the Raptors to repeat means you believe Kawhi Leonard is returning to Toronto. While that’s certainly still possible, it’s not a sure thing. The price would be steep even if he was locked into a new contract, so I’m going to fade the Raptors and look elsewhere. For my money, I’m placing bets on the Los Angeles team that’s offering a ton of value.

Speechless. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/Ulb7MtDnK9

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 17, 2019

Clippers Offering Maximum Value

With the Anthony Davis trade the Los Angeles Lakers vaulted up the board and became the title favorites, but I think the best bet is the other Los Angeles team. The Lakers likely no longer have enough money to sign Kawhi Leonard, and I think he is the key to the championship race. He’s a California native and many believe that despite winning a title he could end up with the Clippers. When you consider the Raptors are +600 and the Clippers are +1400 it’s clear to see the value.

Kawhi Leonard ends his speech with the laugh that won over the hearts of every @Raptors fan ?? pic.twitter.com/rCrM5F4ULa

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 17, 2019

The Clippers are in a similar situation to the Raptors a year ago. They’re a clear playoff team that’s shy of being a contender because of the lack of a true superstar. If they land Leonard, that changes and they become a favorite in what is expected to be a more wide open Western Conference with all the injuries to the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers Odds Set Unrealistic Expectations

The Lakers missed the playoffs this year and gutted their team to land Davis. He is an exceptional talent, but to make them clear NBA title favorites just isn’t realistic. The roster is devoid of talent beyond LeBron James and Davis. Kyle Kuzma is a decent piece, but depth will be a serious concern, particularly if injuries hit.

What can we expect from a LeBron-Anthony Davis team-up?@ScottiePippen and @RamonaShelburne chime in on the new-look Lakers pic.twitter.com/DypUp35hfA

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 17, 2019

The Raptors won the title riding seven players to defeat the Magic, 76ers, Bucks, and Warriors. The advantage they had in all of those series was depth.  Leonard was amazing but it was the rest of the team that chipped in to give them what was needed to win.

The Clippers could add Leonard and build a team around him, whereas the Lakers have little to no path to the depth needed to compete for a title. The odds being listed aren’t reflective of the Lakers’ actual chances, causing me to lean towards the Clippers. If I were you, I’d bet now and be ready to cash in if Leonard does in fact move West.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers (+1400)