Why not? is a feature on The Touchback exploring bets with longer odds that could plausibly happen. This doesn’t mean these wagers are locks. They are simply ones where you can justify the risk. Today, we look at why you should bet on the New Orleans Pelicans to win the NBA Championship at +2500.
Oddsmakers are extremely hesitant to adapt when it comes to the NBA. They won’t revise big names no matter how bad they’re playing (*cough LA Lakers *cough) or shorten the odds on upstarts. That explains why it is still possible to bet on the New Orleans Pelicans to win the NBA Championship at +2500 (Odds via Fanduel Sportsbook).
Zion Williamson and company are coming off back-to-back wins against the Phoenix Suns and hold victories over most other Western Conference contenders. Those who have seen them play in 2022 know this team is the real deal.
It may still be early in the season, but ESPN’s BPI likes the Pelicans’ chances of maintaining their spot atop the standings. Their odds to make the playoffs stand at 98 percent and New Orleans is projected as a top-three seed.
More importantly, no team in the Western Conference has stood out at the quarter-way mark. Maybe the Golden State Warriors turn it around. The Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets are good, but each one has flaws. The path to the NBA Finals is not daunting this year.
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On the court so far, New Orleans has been a top-5 team on offense and in the top-10 defensively. And that is with all starters but Jonas Valanciunas having missed multiple games. There is reason to think they have room to improve.
Should you bet on the New Orleans Pelicans to win the NBA Championship at +2500
You should absolutely bet on the New Orleans Pelicans to win the NBA Championship at +2500. And do so quickly because that number should come down over the coming weeks. In terms of talent, they have all the pieces to make a deep postseason run.
The Pelicans also boast enough bench depth to survive an injury or two during the regular season. If things go their way, they just may be able to lockup home court advantage. That would be an added boost given the team’s record at Smoothie King Center.
Keep Reading: Do we really want to live in a world where the Los Angeles Clippers win an NBA championship?
