LAS VEGAS โ The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to attracting significant betting activity, but their recent midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic from Dallas has led to an unprecedented influx of bets on the team. With the first round of the NBA playoffs kicking off against Minnesota this Saturday, the Lakers are seeing a surge in wagers largely from casual bettors.
Halvor Egeland, trading manager at BetMGM, noted that an overwhelming 99% of bets for the Lakersโ matchup with the Timberwolves are favoring Los Angeles. Initially favored at -160, the odds have shifted to -200 with the influx of bets. โThereโs a lot of excitement surrounding the Lakers right now, and the amount of money placed on them is quite surprising,โ stated Egeland.
In parallel, Caesars Sportsbook is witnessing a similar trend. Bettors are heavily backing the Lakers to clinch the Western Conference and ultimately the NBA Finals. David Lieberman, the lead trader for pro basketball at Caesars, explained that this has been a continuous theme, as the Lakersโ championship odds improved significantly from 40-1 to 10-1 following the Doncic trade.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers, though often overshadowed by the Lakersโ glamour, are gaining significant betting traction. Despite Denverโs home-court advantage, both BetMGM and Caesars have shifted the Clippers from underdogs to favorites in their series against the Nuggets. NBA analyst Bruce Marshall believes the Clippers have the potential to triumph in the West, praising their veteran experience. Kawhi Leonardโs health remains a crucial factor in their success, emphasized Egeland.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are gearing up for the playoffs as the second seed. Despite being overshadowed by Clevelandโs top-seed status, sportsbooks favor the Celtics to reach the NBA Finals. Boston is aiming to become the first team to repeat as champions since Golden Stateโs dominance in the mid-2010s.
With odds of +200 at BetMGM and a comparable mark at Caesars, the Celtics are seen as formidable contenders. However, the uncertainty surrounding Jaylen Brownโs fitness could be a stumbling block, as noted by Lieberman.
The Golden State Warriors could pose a challenge to sportsbooks due to the influx of bets following their acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Despite a rocky end to the regular season, which landed them in the Play-In Tournament, they secured their playoff spot by defeating Memphis. While Lieberman remains skeptical of their ability to endure the Western Conferenceโs rigorous playoff stretch, the talent of seasoned players like Steph Curry and Butler is undeniable.
Oklahoma City Thunder, holding the top seed, is another team on gamblersโ radar, although the short odds have discouraged some bettors. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder are strong contenders for the NBA Finals. โItโs not a lack of confidence in the Thunder,โ explained Egeland, โbut a reflection of the slim odds that makes bettors hesitant.โ