Upcoming Match-ups
Tmrw
19
Apr
7:00 PM
CHI
MIA
+1.5
-1.5
208
9:30 PM
SAC
NO
-1.5
+1.5
212.5
Saturday
20
Apr
1:00 PM
ORL
CLE
+4.5
-4.5
206.5
3:30 PM
PHO
MIN
+1.5
-1.5
214
6:00 PM
PHI
NY
+2.5
-2.5
207
8:30 PM
LAL
DEN
+7
-7
223.5
Sunday
21
Apr
3:30 PM
DAL
LAC
-1
+1
223.5
7:00 PM
IND
MIL
-1
+1
233
Tuesday
23
Apr
8:30 PM
IND
MIL
+3
-3
239.5
10:00 PM
DAL
LAC
+2
-2
227.5

Updated 2021 NBA Championship Odds for All 4 Conference Finals Teams

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NBA Basketball

Updated Jun 22, 2021 · 6:56 AM PDT

Milwaukee was +800 to win the title when the playoffs began, but is now the betting favorite at +115. (Photo by JB Autissier/Panoramic/Icon Sportswire)
  • Milwaukee has the shortest odds of the final four teams remaining to win the title
  • Phoenix has won eight straight, including Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Clippers
  • See updated NBA Championship odds and analysis below

It’s not the final four that most NBA fans expected, but the last four teams standing are Milwaukee, Phoenix, the LA Clippers, and Atlanta. The Clippers and Suns are already one game in to their best-of-seven Western Conference Final, while the Eastern Conference Finals are now set following the Hawks shocking upset of Philly.

Atlanta will travel to Milwaukee for Game 1 on Wednesday, to face a Bucks squad fresh off an upset of their own. Giannis Antetokounmpo and company outlasted Brooklyn in seven games in the 2nd Round, and are the current favorites to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

2021 NBA Championship Odds

Team Odds at BetMGM
Milwaukee Bucks +115
Phoenix Suns +175
Los Angeles Clippers +650
Atlanta Hawks +1000

Odds as of June 20th.

Phoenix meanwhile, has the second shortest NBA Championship odds, and are riding an eight-game playoff winning streak. The red-hot Suns took the final three games of their 1st Round series against the Lakers, before sweeping the Nuggets, and winning Game 1 of the conference finals versus the Clippers.

Outside of the Hawks, the Clips are probably the second biggest surprise to still be standing, as they’ve overcome back-to-back 0-2 series deficits against Dallas and Utah, and have been without their best player Kawhi Leonard for the past three games.

No Kawhi, No Thank You

Leonard will also reportedly miss at least Game 2 of the conference finals, meaning LA is likely to be staring at yet another 0-2 deficit. The Clippers are a 6.5-point underdog on Tuesday, and will be hard pressed to knock off the Suns with, or without Chris Paul – more on that later.

When the playoffs tipped-off, the Clippers had +600 odds to win it all, and they remained at that price prior to the start of the 2nd Round. On the eve of Game 1 versus Phoenix, their championship odds were +440, but that number now sits at +650.

Simply put, LA’s title prospects rely on having a healthy Kawhi Leonard on the floor, and even if he returns for Game 3, it’s fair to question how effective he’ll be. Leonard suffered a significant ACL injury in Game 4 against the Jazz, and unless he’s capable of some super human heeling, he won’t be the same player if he rushes back too soon. Pass on LA.

Phoenix On Fire

The Suns were missing a star player of their own for Game 1, as Chris Paul is in the league’s health and safety protocol. There’s no official date for his return, but he is vaccinated so there’s a chance he could be back sooner than expected.

Without their stud point guard, Devin Booker put on a clinic versus the Clippers, something he’s done often this postseason. He racked up a triple-double, pouring in 40 points along the way, while all five starters scored in double-figures for the fourth time in five games.

Phoenix continues to get timely scoring from not only Booker, but Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges as well. Paul’s replacement Cameron Payne, held his own racking up 11 points and 9 assists, but more importantly he only committed one turnover.

The Suns balance and depth make them an intriguing bet in the futures market at the moment, although not nearly as enticing as they have been. They were +2500 before the playoffs began, and were still available at +1000 after knocking off the defending champs. Their current +175 price tag may seem short, but considering they’re -450 to advance to the Finals, it might actually represent some value.

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Gives Bettors 100-1 Odds on Any NBA Playoff Game
Read More

Can the Hawks Cinderella Run Continue?

Hats off to the Hawks for the stunning upset of Philadelphia, but if you’re holding Atlanta futures now is the time to hedge your bets. The Hawks were +10000 to win the title prior to the start of the postseason, and +3500 ahead of the start of the 2nd Round. If you were fortunate enough to buy at either one of those moments congratulations, but don’t expect this fairy tale run to continue.

Milwaukee is a brutal matchup for Trae Young and company, and the Bucks won’t be playing with an injured superstar like Joel Embiid, or an offensive liability like Ben Simmons. Atlanta ranks last of the remaining four teams in points, field goal percentage, assists and rebounds per game during the playoffs, while only the Clippers have allowed more points per outing than the Hawks of the teams still standing.

There’s Still Some Bang For Your Buck

Which brings us to Milwaukee. The Bucks were a steal at +800 before the postseason started, and were still a bargain at +550 before their 2nd Round series with the Nets tipped off. Now, at +115 the value isn’t as substantial, but it’s still there.

Milwaukee is a -500 favorite to beat Atlanta and advance to the NBA Finals, and has the offensive weapons and defensive stoppers to capture their first title since 1971.

Antetokounmpo has produced a double-double in all 11 playoff games, and has put up at least 30 points in six of his past seven outings. Khris Middleton averaged 28 points over the final four games of the 2nd Round, while Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez are excellent offensive talents.

Speaking of Holiday, the two-time All-NBA defensive teamer can neutralize Trae Young, and potentially Devin Booker in the Finals should they meet, while P.J. Tucker can handle any scoring threat with more length. Don’t forget Giannis is a former Defensive Player of the Year as well.

The Bucks are a nightmare matchup for any team remaining and even at +115, are still the best bet on the board.

Author Image