NBA Finals 2016 Odds: Cavs, Spurs, Warriors, Clippers Among Betting Favorites After Free Agent Signings

Spurs Clippers — The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers are among the favorites to win the NBA Finals for another year. Getty

Even after so many players have changed teams in free agency, the NBA’s elite look very much unchanged. The Cleveland Cavaliers remain the favorites to win the 2016 NBA Finals, and the top teams in the West from last year are expected to compete for a championship next season.

When it appeared that DeAndre Jordan was set to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Clippers saw their title odds take a hit. But now that the center has re-signed with L.A., the team has a realistic chance to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Ever since Chris Paul joined Blake Griffin and Jordan on the Clippers, Los Angeles has become a top team in the West. L.A. won 40 games in the lockout-shortened season of 2011-2012, and they haven’t won fewer than 56 games in any of the last three seasons. They are hoping to finally reach the conference finals, which is something the Clippers have yet to do.

Dallas looked to be climbing the ranks of the West, having seemingly signed Jordan and Wesley Matthews. But the Mavericks won’t be pairing a top center with Dirk Nowitzki, hurting title chances. Dallas isn’t a total longshot with 40/1 championship odds, but the West is so loaded that six other teams are ahead of them.

The San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are considered to be the top teams in the West, just ahead of the Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Having added both LaMarcus Aldridge and David West, the Spurs are even favored ahead of the defending champs. Golden State didn’t make any key additions, but they re-signed Draymond Green to a five-year deal, retaining their core that won 67 regular-season games.

Oklahoma City didn’t reach the playoffs last year or make any significant signings in free agency. But with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder are the third favorites in the West. Enes Kanter signed a four-year, $70 million offer sheet with the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Thunder can match the contract.

The Miami Heat have seen a noticeable increase in their odds since last season ended. Having re-signed Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic, as well as adding Gerald Green and potentially Amare Stoudemire, Miami’s odds have gone from 40/1 to 25/1.

Below is a look at the complete NBA championship odds for the 2015-2016 season, courtesy of Bovada.lv.

Cleveland Cavaliers 11/4

San Antonio Spurs 3/1

Golden State Warriors 11/2

Oklahoma City Thunder 17/2

Los Angeles Clippers 9/1

Chicago Bulls 16/1

Houston Rockets 25/1

Miami Heat 25/1

Memphis Grizzlies 28/1

Atlanta Hawks 40/1

New Orleans Pelicans 40/1