Another exciting week of NBA action has resulted in a ton of changes from a betting perspective. The trading frenzy in the Eastern Conference has sent the futures markets into a spin. Having won 14 of their last 14, Golden State have deservedly firmed as title favourites again. With the All-Star weekend nearly upon us, we also have some early markets up for the key events. Let’s analyse all of the latest action in the NBA, this time from a punting perspective.
Eastern Conference Trading Frenzy
The big boys in the East sense a real opportunity to make the NBA Finals this year, which their mid-season trades suggest. Philadelphia made the biggest splash of all, acquiring near All-Star Tobias Harris from the Clippers. The acquisitions of Nikola Mirotic for Milwaukee and Marc Gasol for Toronto further strengthen the two frontrunners in the conference. With Anthony Davis remaining on the Pelicans, Boston now loom as his most likely destination this off-season. Each of these teams currently sit between $3 and $3.75 to win the East, providing great value for punters.
Warriors Firm as Title Favourites
This bevy of trade action out East has helped the Warriors title odds firm into $1.50. The defending champs have been in fantastic form of late, winning 13 of 14 games to find themselves atop the West. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have continued their excellent early-season form, whilst the improved play of Klay Thompsons and DeMarcus Cousins has also been huge. Given the relative lack of competition out West, the Warriors look very likely to advance to the NBA Finals, where they’ll undoubtedly be favourites too.
Battle Looming in the Northwest
9 wins in their last 10 games have seen Oklahoma City move to just one game behind Denver. Paul George has been in some truly phenomenal form of late, averaging 38 points and 7 boards over his last 5. Russell Westbrook has followed his lead, comfortably managing a triple-double in each of his last 5 games. Denver, on the other hand, have dipped slightly, losing each of their last 3 games. They currently sit as the $1.85 favourites but will need to improve their form to hold off a red-hot OKC.
Curry Brothers to Headline 3-Point Shootout
The 3-point contest field is again stacked this season, headlined by the Curry brothers competing in their home town of Charlotte. Appearances from Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, Kemba Walker, and Khris Middleton show just how seriously the top players take this event. Without his teammate Klay Thompson, Steph Curry is unsurprisingly favoured at $3. Sharp shooters like Buddy Hield and Joe Harris also appear solid value, whilst Mavs veteran Dirk Nowitzki is an outsider at $15.
Dennis Smith Favoured in the Dunk Contest
Whilst the dunk contest is always an exciting event, it doesn’t usually feature the same name power. After his recent trade to New York, Point Guard Dennis Smith has emerged as the early $2.80 favourite. Athletic Hornets rookie Miles Bridges is just behind him at $4. John Collins and Hamidou Diallo round out the competitors, although big men tend to find it more difficult to win this contest.