The 2022-23 NBA season has largely focused on parody. The playoff races in both the East and West have been close since the first few weeks, with scores of teams separated by just four or five games. It’s especially so in the Western Conference, and the Golden State Warriors seem poised to take advantage.
They had played .500 basketball for much of the season through the end of February, but won four in a row after defeating the Clippers on Thursday night. They have started their climb up the rankings and have skyrocketed from 8th place to 5th in a matter of a couple of weeks. And they’ve been doing it without Steph Curry.
Betting: Golden State Warriors now in top 5 in NBA championship odds
But their superstar will return next week, making the Warriors even stronger when we get to the final stretch of the regular season. Sports betting houses have taken note.
They’re not the favorites, and you might even consider them a long shot. But for a team that has such a lousy record on the road, for the Warriors to be in the top 5 at NBA Championship odds is impressive. They currently have a +1200 designation, technically tied for fifth with the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. If Golden State finds itself as the fifth seed or better after its looming tough schedule, then those odds should be reduced.
Right now, the Boston Celtics are the favorites, as they have been. They have a +300 designation and appear to be the stronger team for much of the year. This is good value for money for a favorite. The new Phoenix Suns got a big boost to their championship odds with the addition of Kevin Durant, and are currently the second favorite at +450.
The team that currently sits in first place in the competitive Western Conference is in fourth place in terms of championship odds. The Denver Nuggets have the player who is the heavy favorite to win his third straight MVP award, but Nikola Jokic has yet to show any kind of playoff prowess, so his team is sitting at +750.
Is Curry’s return enough to justify putting some cash on the Golden State Warriors at +1200? Probably not. They’ve played mostly .500 basketball, whether or not it was on the court in 2022-23, and their current winning streak could turn out to be fool’s gold once they hit the road for 8 of their next 10. games.
