Heightened Interest in the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a surge in betting activity, especially following their midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. This controversial trade has sparked significant enthusiasm among bettors, contributing to a noticeable spike in wagers placed on the Lakers.

According to Halvor Egeland, the trading manager at BetMGM, an overwhelming 99% of bets surrounding the Lakers’ opening playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves favor Los Angeles. “It’s primarily all Lakers money pouring in,” Egeland stated, noting that the Lakers opened as -160 favorites, with further substantial bets boosting their odds to -200.

Caesars Sportsbook echoed this trend, reporting heavy betting on the Lakers not just for the series against Minnesota but also for their potential to win the Western Conference and the NBA Finals.

The Clippers’ Rising Favor

While the Lakers capture much of the attention, the Los Angeles Clippers appear positioned to challenge expectations. The Clippers have transitioned from underdogs to favorites in their first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets, despite the latter having home-court advantage.

“I believe the Clippers could emerge from the West,” commented Bruce Marshall, a handicapper for CBS SportsLine. He highlighted the team’s strong veteran presence and noted Kawhi Leonard’s resurgence to form, which could prove critical in their playoff journey.

However, Egeland remains cautious, emphasizing Leonard’s injury history as a potential hindrance. “Kawhi has been performing well,” Egeland remarked, “but history does suggest vulnerabilities.”

Celtics Seek Championship Repeat

The Boston Celtics, vying for another chance at the title, are considered favorites to reach the NBA Finals. Currently positioned as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, they are trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers, yet still maintain their title odds at +200 on BetMGM and Caesars.

Marshall commented on the Celtics’ late-season form, stating, “They were competitive down the stretch,” and pointed out that despite lacking home-court advantage, they would likely be favored against Cleveland.

Concerns linger, however, around Jaylen Brown’s health after he received knee injections and played sparingly in the lead-up to the playoffs. “On paper, the Celtics have a significant advantage if they can stay healthy,” Lieberman added.

Warriors’ Challenges and Outlook

The Golden State Warriors present a complex situation for sportsbooks. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, they have seen considerable betting interest, despite recent struggles that landed them in the Play-In Tournament. Their first playoff appearance against the Memphis Grizzlies resulted in a close 121-116 victory, allowing them to secure the seventh seed.

Egeland expressed skepticism about their potential to advance far in the playoffs, citing the age of their roster as a concern. However, he acknowledged the talent of stars like Stephen Curry and Butler. “Their experience is invaluable in playoff scenarios,” he concluded.

Thunder’s Underdog Status

Despite being the top seed in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves somewhat overlooked by bettors. According to Egeland, this hesitance isn’t a reflection of their team’s abilities but rather the short odds associated with high-ranking teams.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recognized as a likely MVP candidate, the Thunder remain strong contenders to challenge for the NBA Finals, even as many bettors seek higher value bets across the deeper playoff field.