Following a whirlwind offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers opened up as the favorites to win the 2020 NBA name. But when you take a close look at the 2020 NBA Championship odds right now, it is the Lakers who have moved to the favorite’s character.
Which team is the best bet now?
* Odds as of 12/08/2019.
Once Kawhi Leonard made his decision to sign with the Clippers instead of the Lakers, the Purple and Gold needed to move quickly to round out the roster. The moves they have made are likely what’s pushed them ahead in terms of the gaming chances (although the Clippers are still preferred at +350 at BetOnline).
The Lakers picked up Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley and DeMarcus Cousins. They now have a lineup of players who can set around the arc, and that is vital. Given LeBron James’ ability to break down guards, the supporting cast needs to include perimeter shooting.
The signing up of Cousins was also a wise pickup, since he did not cost the group very much and still has a high upside. Cousins had an up and down year with the Warriors however is a former All-Star. As a cheap beginner or a seat guy who can step in to start and give Anthony Davis nights away, this is a fantastic pickup.
The problem with overhauling a roster is we don’t understand how the pieces will all fit together. Usually, it is not something that you worry about using James as he elevates the play of everyone around him. However, that didn’t happen last year as the team collapsed.
It is very possible that James makes men like Green, Bradley, Cousins, Rondo and Daniels improve. At precisely the exact same moment, when this group is the odds-on favored, you’ve got to be thinking about the downside risk and there is a few here.
Don’t forget that there is a totally new coaching staff. That increases the element of uncertainty. For all these reasons, I wouldn’t bet on this team to win all of it. At this price.
The Clippers look like a better chance to win it all as they have a lot more roster consistency. Not only will be head coach Doc Rivers back, but this really is a group which brings rear Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams along with Montrezl Harrell, who had been the heart of the year’s apparatus. Landry Shamet and Ivica Zubac also spent half the season with the group.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are stellar defensive players as well as Beverley, you just know this group is going to be a lock-down unit defensively. Together with the Lakers, that side of the court gets you wonder.
Of the two Los Angeles teams, I would earlier wager the Clippers than the Lakers.
Two teams whom I enjoy are the two in +800: the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Rockets have two MVP-caliber gamers Russell Westbrook along with James Harden. And remember , they nearly beat the Golden State Warriors in every one of the last couple of years from the play with Chris Paul. How much better is it with Westbrook? They also made great moves, acquiring Austin Rivers and Tyson Chandler.
In terms of the 76ers, they are a tiny wild card but in my head they have the very best starting lineup in the Eastern Conference. This was a group which has been a basket off from beating the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs.
The Western Conference playoffs are going to be a gauntlet while the East is much easier. Philadelphia might be good enough to overcome whomever they face, but using a much easier path to the last is vital to winning this brace. That is why I like Philadelphia in +800, as well.
Let’s have fun and keep it civil.
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