With the biggest names in NBA Free Agency changing teams in the past week, it’s time go over the teams with the best odds to win it all in 2019. Read below!
Golden State Warriors (-185)
They won three out of the previous four championships. It was known they were looking to upgrade the center spot. Kyle O’Quinn? Nope. Dwight Howard? Nope. DeMarcus Cousins? Sadly, yes. They have arguably the greatest starting five in the history of the NBA now.
Once Cousins returns to the court healthy, there will be no weak link on the court. One thing the Warriors are exceptional at, is working new players into their system. They have a tremendous squad, and now, they’re ready to try and make it a 3-peat.
They are undoubtedly the favorites. With the addition of Jonas Jerebko that add a stretch four, something they have lacked from the bench.
Boston Celtics (+510)
They were within a game of the NBA Finals last year, despite not having their two best players. The best thing they did this offseason, was keep the roster exactly the same. There was no change to make them better, and the roster is perfect as is.
They will have Kyrie Irving, aka “Uncle Drew” back, as well as Gordon Hayward, who only played five minutes last season. Whether or not they choose to re-sign Marcus Smart, the talent is undeniable, as they will be East favorites for the first time since LBJ left Cleveland.
All will be well for the Boston Celtics this year. They are yet to re-sign Marcus Smart and the Kings are rumored to be offering a big contract, so that remains to be seen.
Los Angeles Lakers (+460)
They fantasized about signing LeBron all year long, and had hopes of bringing PG, DeMarcus Cousins, or possibly Kawhi Leonard to join him. Well, they got the King, but they have instead added KCP, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee. Just a slight difference.
This team is the clear number two now, with LeBron James to help pilot their young core into the playoffs. They don’t need Kawhi to come aboard to take them to a further level. There is great talent and guys who are game changers. LBJ will have a monster year in Hollywood.
Houston Rockets (+800)
Aside from losing Trevor Ariza, they are mostly running back last year’s team again. They haven’t re-signed Clint Capela yet, but they are expected to add him. They paid Chris Paul the big bucks so that he and Harden will have a second opportunity to run it back.
This is a tremendously talented team and it’s great to see that losing to the Warriors didn’t break them up. They are poised for some greatness this year, but it will be tough as either they or the Lakers will have to miss out on the Western Conference Finals.
