NBA Championship Odds Continue to Disrespect Mavs
By Cem Yolbulan
After the trade deadline where they acquired PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, the Dallas Mavericks were one of the best teams in the league, going 22-9 in the final stretch to claim the five seed in the Western Conference. Despite this, oddsmakers didn't give the Mavs much of a chance at the start of the playoffs. Now, after two series wins against higher-seeded teams, and a 1-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas is still a significant underdog to win the NBA title.
On FanDuel Sportsbook, the Mavericks are currently +390 to win the championship this season. Even though they have the second-highest odds out of the remaining four, it is way behind the Celtics' odds (-210) to win it all.
2024 NBA Championship Odds
- Boston Celtics: -210
- Dallas Mavericks: +390
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +490
- Indiana Pacers: +8500
These Odds Disrespect the Dallas Mavericks
+390 odds imply a 20% chance to win it all. Boston, on the other hand, is being given a 68% chance to win the title by sportsbooks.
It is true that the Celtics are almost a lock to make the NBA Finals as they lead the Pacers series 2-0 and Tyrese Haliburton is hobbled with a hamstring injury. This should make them the favorites.
However, making Boston that big of a favorite against the West is absurd. The Dallas Mavericks looked as good as the Celtics since the trade deadline and they will presumably have the best player on the court in the series with Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks' role players have stepped up significantly in the playoffs. Derrick Jones Jr, Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington have all been excellent during the postseason, giving Dallas much-needed depth, size, and defensive identity. This group has the ability to make things difficult for the Celtics while Doncic and Kyrie Irving will carry the offensive load on the other end.
Dallas has to take care of Minnesota first. That should be a long battle but it will only prepare the Mavericks better for the potential matchup against the Celtics in the final.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.