Cavaliers open as odds-on championship favorites
The Golden State Warriors may have something to say about this, but Las Vegas still believes in the power of King James and now, his Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs lead the way in Vegas odds to win the NBA title Thursday, opening at 9-4. The Warriors follow closely at 5-2, while some sportsbooks, like Bovada, have both teams neck-and-neck at 11-5.
Bets on the Cavaliers began in Vegas last summer. One $1,000 wager was placed at MGM on 40-1 odds before LeBron James re-signed with the team in July. The Cavs have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, and the belief among most observers has been trending towards a Cavaliers-Warriors Finals.
On the other end, Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics as the biggest long shots at 200-1. Bovada has the Bucks at 250-1.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cavaliers | 9 - 4 |
| Warriors | 5 - 2 |
| Spurs | 4 - 1 |
| Hawks | 12 -1 |
| Bulls | 14 - 1 |
| Clippers | 14 - 1 |
| Rockets | 14 - 1 |
| Grizzlies | 25 - 1 |
| Raptors | 50 - 1 |
| Trail Blazers | 50 - 1 |
| Mavericks | 60 - 1 |
| Wizards | 60 - 1 |
| Pelicans | 100 - 1 |
| Bucks | 200 - 1 |
| Celtics | 200 - 1 |
| Nets | 200 - 1 |
(Odds Courtesy: Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, Bovada)