The trade deadline is now history, and the playoffs are on the horizon. This makes it an ideal time to gander at 2022 NBA Championship betting and explore if there are any teams worth wagering on. In particular, we’re looking for sides who may see their odds decrease as the season heads to its conclusion.
Let’s start with the obvious. It looks like sportsbooks have finally adjusted the LA Lakers’ odds to lift the title accordingly. It only took them a month to realize it. Additionally, we’ll still hold on to the betting slip, but our wager on the Denver Nuggets to win it all isn’t hitting without a major miracle happening.
The NBA trade deadline did shake things up among the favorites, particularly in the Eastern Conference. Just about every playoff team made a move to improve with the occasion headlined by the James Harden for Ben Simmons swap. Over at Fanduel Sportsbook, the Brooklyn Nets are now favorite to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Bucks and Sixers also up there.
Related: The NBA midseason tournament is still a really dumb idea
Breaking down 2022 NBA Championship betting
When it comes to 2022 NBA Championship betting, the Golden State Warriors at +460 and the Phoenix Suns at +500 are undoubtably the best wagers. While neither made a major move at the deadline, both look like they have an easy course to the conference finals.
The Utah Jazz are struggling with depth and haven’t played well against any of the league’s top teams. Memphis is interesting but has limited playoff experience. The rest of the west is hugely flawed.
The same can’t be said about the Eastern Conference which will be a helluva grind if the Nets get their act together and Harden improves the 76ers. Right now, the Heat and Nets would match up in the first round with the winner of that series going up against either the Bucks or 76ers. That’s not ideal.
This is why 2022 NBA Championship betting should focus on Golden State and Phoenix. They have proven to be the two best teams in the league and their odds are still pretty attractive. It’s up to you to select which one you prefer.
