While the 2018 NBA Finals are still underway, the betting odds to win the championship in the 2019 season have already been released by the DSI Sportsbook. The fact that we still don’t know where LeBron James will sign as a free agent in the offseason has some interesting ramifications. However, it doesn’t change the fact that the Golden State Warriors are still the projected favorite to win it all once again. One thing is for sure, the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers are listed at +3000 to win it all means the sportsbooks are buying in to the idea that LeBron will likely be on the move this offseason. Here is a closer look at the NBA championship odds for the 2019 season.
The Favorites
It’s no surprise that the Warriors are the sports betting favorite to win it all again in 2019. After all, Golden State is on pace to win its second consecutive championship while making its third consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Also, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are all signed through next season. A year from now, we could be talking a bout the potential for Godlen State competing the three-peat.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets check in at No. 2 on the list of sports betting favorites at +350 odds after falling just short against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. Will Houston get over the hump and represent the West in the NBA Finals next season? The bigger surprise is the favorite in the Eastern Conference as the Philadelphia 76ers are also listed at +350 odds to win it all. Is this a signal the books think LeBron could be headed to Philadelphia? The 76ers have a solid young core with plenty of cap space. It will certainly be something to keep an eye on this upcoming offseason.
Key Free Agents
LeBron isn’t the only potential big name free agent that will hit the market this offseason. Chris Paul is coming off a big season with the Rockets but could become available if he decides not to return to Houston. Meanwhile, Paul George is bound to get a lot of attention with the 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers among the teams that he could be interested in joining.
One other aspect to consider is the potential for two or more free agents to join together and form a super team by signing with the same club. Would LeBron and Paul fit with Joel Embiid and company in Philadelphia? What about George and DeMarcus Cousins signing with the Lakers? With a busy offseason ahead, free agency will have plenty of ramifications this summer.
Long Shots
While the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat remain on the radar in terms of championship favorites, there are some intriguing sleeper picks to consider. Los Angeles is rumored to be a frontrunner to sign George and could also land a big name center this offseason. Those additions would justify the Lakers status at +2000 odds to win a championship next season.
Meanwhile, one other team to keep an eye on is the Oklahoma City Thunder. There is no guarantee that George will leave and even if he does there will be an opportunity for Russell Westbrook to attract some free agents. Oklahoma City is currently listed at +6000 odds to win it all next season. If they can retain George and add another impact free agent, the Thunder could be a strong sleeper pick to bet on to win it all in 2019.
