Apparently not winning a single NBA Championship since 1973 doesn’t matter to the sports gambling world. As surprising as it may seem, the New York Knicks, who tip off their season tonight, are now the highest picked team to win the 2017 NBA Championship.
To no one’s surprise, the Golden State Warriors are once again the favorites. The Warriors have won the Western Conference two consecutive seasons, they won and NBA record 73 games last season, and they did get the prize gem in free agency in the offseason, Kevin Durant.
But back to the Knicks. The Knicks, who opened as 100-1 longshots to win it all this season have now vaulted up to 60-1 favorites. That’s still a longshot, but fans are placing bets on Phil Jackson’s squad like wildfire. According to that same report, the average bet on the Knicks is only $25.00, which would pay out $1,500 for a miracle victory. For perspective, the Warriors are 2-3 odds to win it all. That means a $25 bet and win on Stephen Curry and the Warriors would only pay out $16.67.
That’s a pretty big difference.
Perhaps New York City’s extremely high population could be the ultimate factor. Maybe even the acquisition of one, Derrick Rose. The Eastern Conference isn’t exactly very competitive. Kristaps Porziņģis should only get better, right? Still, this Knicks team has a long way to go if we’re talking about winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Carmelo Anthony isn’t getting any younger and the Knicks have huge defensive issues. Plus, has anyone figured out how to run the Triangle on the Knicks yet?
If you’re a real risk taker and you want to make serious money, the biggest longshots this year are the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns. A $25.00 bet on the Nets at 1000-1 odds would pay $25,000 if the Nets can win it all. The Lakers, 76ers and Suns are all tied at 500-1.
Good luck.
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