Celtics pass Bucks for best NBA title betting odds after Giannis Antetokounmpo injury
The NBA Playoffs just started after the opening weekend as teams are only one game into the first round. So there are still plenty of factors that can change in the next two months.
But the Celtics did see some interesting betting odd movements after all 16 playoff teams finished their first game. The C’s had a relatively comfortable Game 1 victory over the Hawks, building up a 30-point halftime lead before winning 112-99.
On the other hand, the Celtics’ top East rival, the Bucks, endured some worrisome news. Giannis Antetokounmpo left the Game 1 loss to the Heat with a back injury. While there’s optimism around Antetokounmpo playing in Game 2, the Bucks fell behind 1-0 in the first-round series against the No. 8-seeded Heat.
21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. First-time depositors only who have not already redeemed $200 in bonus bets via OH or MA prelaunch offer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at http://draftkings.com/ma.As a result of those games and Antetokounmpo’s injury, the Celtics jumped ahead of the Bucks for the best odds in the NBA to win the championship. The C’s now have +280 odds to get the title, according to FanDuel SportsBook, while the Bucks are at +310. The Suns have the third-best odds at +550 despite losing their Game 1 to the Clippers.
Regardless, there’s still a lot of basketball left. The Bucks lost home-court advantage to the Heat, but they still have a strong chance to advance past the first round. Antetokounmpo’s injury, though, will be worth monitoring as even if he does play, there’s a chance that could be a nagging injury going forward.
If the Celtics and Bucks do end up meeting in the East Finals, Milwaukee will still have home-court advantage. The Bucks finished with the best record in the NBA while the C’s finished second in the league and in the East. But there are still a couple playoff rounds before then as both teams look to keep up their contender status.
