After seeing two games from every opening-round series out of the Western Conference, there have been plenty of results, performances, and injuries that have caused NBA odds to shift from top to bottom.
As we head to Game 3 and beyond, let’s take a look at some of the odds to win the West and which teams to back when it comes to NBA betting.
Favorite: Phoenix Suns (+160)
Devin Booker’s hamstring injury is a serious concern here, as reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicate he will likely miss Games 3 and 4 in New Orleans, which will only make beating the Pelicans even harder.
This is a legitimate red flag for Booker’s health even if they do win this series which is why the Suns have gone from -145 to win the West all the way to +160, barely holding on to their favorite status.
There was already a bit of a debate as to whether any value was left on Phoenix to make it out of the West, but with Booker likely to miss the next two games at minimum, this is the biggest stay-away in either conference as things stand.
Alternate angle of Devin Booker's injury.
Get well soon Book. pic.twitter.com/M1p92BRFRx— * – 🏀𝕂 𝕖 𝕧 𝕚 𝕟 🏀™ ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ (@Suns_Armband) April 21, 2022
Best Bet: Golden State Warriors (+165)
While chinks are forming in Phoenix’s armor, the Warriors are using the first round to make a serious statement to the rest of the West.
Third-option Jordan Poole has become a catalyst that has brought this team from potential title dark horse to bonafide contender. They have toyed with the Denver Nuggets in each of the first two games of the postseason and have done so with superstar guard Stephen Curry coming off the bench.
As previously mentioned, the top-seeded Suns feel vulnerable both due to results and injuries which explains the shortening of Golden State’s odds from +240 to +165 over recent days.
There may still be some value at this number, but you’ll want to grab it fast.
Longshot: Dallas Mavericks (+1700)
This number may continue to shrink as more news on Luka Doncic’s health comes in.
The Mavericks were lucky with their draw, getting a Utah Jazz team who seemingly can’t get out of their own way over the last few seasons in the playoffs. This was on display in a pitiful effort to stop a Luka-less Dallas team in Game 2 where the Mavs notched the win many felt they needed in order to stay in the series.
Doncic told media on Wednesday that he “feels good,” but would not rush back to return if it meant re-injuring himself. They have shown they can beat Utah without him and if they can survive this series, it may give the superstar the time he needs to heal and return for a potential playoff run.
At least that’s the logic behind a line move of +2800 to +1700 in a couple of days.
NBA Finals Odds at BetMGM
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