The more things change, the more they remain the same.
After coaching alterations, record-breaking seasons and a near-miss upset in the playoffs, we find ourselves with a repeat of last year’s NBA Championship between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
However, different circumstances for the two teams have led to a different approach for oddsmakers this time around.
Understandably so. The coronation many were giving the Warriors toward a second consecutive title just a few weeks ago may have been slightly premature. Reigning two-time MVP Stephen Curry got banged up a bit during the postseason, and the Oklahoma City Thunder gave them a legitimate scare by taking a 3-1 series lead in the conference finals before losing the final three games in excruciating fashion.
Meanwhile, the Cavs decided to fire David Blatt mid-season, replacing him with another rookie coach in Tyronn Lue, hit their stride in the playoffs and now have a healthy and well-rested Big Three in LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. Quite the contrast from this time last year when the latter two were on the shelf and the former helped carry the team to a 2-1 advantage before bowing out in six.
Here is the latest odds breakdown this time around, courtesy of Sportsbook Review:
FINALS WINNER:
Cavaliers +180 Warriors -210
GAME 1 LINE:
Warriors: -5.5,
Over-Under: 209.5
2015 ODDS:
6 Games: +187
7 Games: +200
5 Games: +240
4 Games: +550
According to Zack Jones at SBR, sports bettors can expect to see further options on the table as tipoff approaches, including just how many games it will take to crown a champion and Finals MVP odds.
As of now, the Warriors to win the series in five games seems to be the most popular option, with bookies offering 10-3, followed by Golden State in six.
With just a few offshore sportsbooks listing this to date, Curry leads the running as a 10-11 favorite to take home Finals MVP. James sits just behind him at 12-5, with last year’s winner, Andre Iguodala, listed at 50-1.
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