As hard as it is to believe, the NBA season tips off tonight (didn't the Finals like three days ago)?
We have two games tonight - Brooklyn at the defending champion Milwaukee , and Los Angeles hosting the Golden State - and to get you ready, we wanted to give you a quick look at the updated title odds.
Here are the new odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook, with a quick capsule on the top few teams:
Brooklyn (+205): Incredibly, despite the Kyrie Irving drama of the last few weeks, Brooklyn remains the favorites according to DraftKings. That's probably for a few reasons:
One, Kevin Durant re-established himself as, if not the best player in the NBA, in the short conversation last year, almost singlehandedly willing Brooklyn past Milwaukee in the NBA Playoffs. He then had an iconic performance in the Olympics, leading the US to gold.
It's also worth noting that when healthy last year James Harden played at an MVP-level, and Brooklyn has capable role players in Blake Griffin, Joe Harris and veteran signee Patty Mills.
Former LSU star Cam Thomas received rave reviews in training camp and should add scoring pop off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers (+400): Had Anthony Davis stayed healthy this team might have won a second straight NBA title last year, but he didn't, and LA lost in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. You knew that wouldn't be acceptable to LeBron James, and you knew major moves would be coming in the off-season.
Still, no one could've expected what we got.
In are Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, forming the framework of a core that reads like a 2013 NBA All-Star starting lineup. Other veterans like Trevor Ariza and DeAndre Jordan have joined the fold as well, while Malik Monk should provide scoring punch off the bench as well.
This team certainly has talent, and the key will be staying healthy.
If they can, there is no one better built to knock off the Brooklyn Nets than LA.
Milwaukee (+900): Has a defending NBA champion ever received less acclaim heading into a season? It doesn't seem like it, as no one is talking about Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee.
That's probably just how Milwaukee likes it though, as they return the bulk of their team that ran away with the title last year. In the process of winning it all Giannis established himself as maybe the most dominant player in the league, and Khris Middleton, the capable second-scorer behind him.
More important, Jrue Holiday turned into everything Milwaukee was hoping for when they traded for him, as a two-way player who gave Phoenix's backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker fits in the NBA Finals.
Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton will again be key role players for the defending champion.
Golden State (+1100): Golden State has quietly spent the last two seasons biding its time, being patient and hoping to build another contender in a potential run towards a title. Now healthy, with young reinforcements, could this be the year they get to back to the top of the NBA, or at least make a run to the Finals?
It seems so.
Remember, Steph Curry was playing at an MVP level late last season, and Draymond Green remains a two-way terror for opposing teams. Oh, and the final member of the original "Big Three" Klay Thompson is expected back in the next few months.
Add in young reinforcements like James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, and this group may be geared up for another big run.
Here are odds on a few other contenders:
Utah (+1500)
Phoenix (+1700)
Los Angeles (+1700)
Philadelphia (+2000)
Denver (+200)
Miami (+200)
For full NBA title odds, visit the DraftKings Sportsbook
Basketball is BACK and DraftKings Sportsbook has readers of Aaron Torres Online covered with an INCREDIBLE offer.
New users can bet $5 on any game - and if their team wins, they automatically win $200 in free cash!
One pick, one moneyline win and you get $200 in FREE CASH!
Here's what you do:
1. Click this link and sign up for a new account with DraftKings Sportsbook and make your first deposit.
2.) Make a $5 moneyline bet on any team
3.) And if your team wins, you get an automatic $200 thanks to our friends at DraftKings.
It's the best offer going in sports betting - so act now!
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).*
21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Min $5 deposit. Min $1 wager.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.