The excitement surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers, especially after their midseason trade for Luka Doncic from Dallas, has led to a significant increase in betting interest. According to BetMGM trading manager Halvor Egeland, 99% of the bets placed on the Lakers’ opening-round NBA playoffs series against the Minnesota Timberwolves are favoring Los Angeles. The series is set to begin Saturday in Los Angeles, and the Lakers are currently listed as -200 favorites. This surge of bets reflects the widespread enthusiasm among casual bettors, surprising even the sportsbooks with the volume of money being wagered on LA.
Another betting line of interest is the Lakers’ odds to win the NBA Finals, which have drastically improved from about 40-1 to 10-1 following the acquisition of Doncic. Caesars Sportsbook has also reported a notable influx of bets on the Lakers, emphasizing their popularity among betting enthusiasts who believe they can clinch the Western Conference title along with the championship. Both sportsbooks indicate the recent trend in betting has been markedly favorable towards the Lakers.
While the Lakers are drawing significant attention, the Los Angeles Clippers, despite being Southern California's less glamorous team, have emerged as a competitive force this season. The Clippers have transitioned from underdogs to favorites in their upcoming first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, who hold home-court advantage. CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall believes the Clippers have a realistic chance of coming out of the Western Conference, citing a strong mix of veteran players that could guide the team through the playoffs. The health of star player Kawhi Leonard is underscored as a critical factor for the team's success, as injuries have previously plagued his career.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are currently positioned as the second seed, yet they remain favored at both BetMGM and Caesars to reach the NBA Finals. The Celtics are attempting to become the NBA's first repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. They are currently listed at +200 to win the title, slightly trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder at +185. Analysts suggest the Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown, could surpass the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top seed in the East, if they maintain their health going into the playoffs.
The Golden State Warriors have been a point of skepticism among betting analysts following their acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Although Butler has contributed significantly to the team’s late-season performances, the Warriors faced struggles in the final stretch of the regular season, forcing them into the Play-In Tournament. They managed to secure the seventh seed by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite having star players like Stephen Curry and Butler who bring track records of playoff success, concerns arise regarding their ability to navigate through the challenges of the playoffs due to the team’s age and recent performances.
The Oklahoma City Thunder stand out as a top title contender, but bettors have been hesitant to place wagers on them, likely due to their shorter odds. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are considered strong favorites to reach the NBA Finals. However, market dynamics suggest that gamblers often prefer to explore more valued betting options rather than backing a heavily favored team.
