:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68931631/1303051411.0.jpg)
The second half of the 2020-21 NBA season gets underway on Wednesday after the All-Star break. We’ve got the second half schedule and teams will be ready to get going on the stretch run to the playoffs. After the NBA Trade Deadline toward the end of March, it’ll be just about two months of basketball before the postseason. The deadline will certainly impact the odds to win the NBA title this season. Until then, we’re going to look at some betting splits from DraftKings Sportsbook and make some second-half picks.
It’s no surprise the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets continue to see the most action to win it all. The Lakers are still toward the top of the West despite missing Anthony Davis for most of 2021. The Lakers won’t need to do much at the deadline. Getting AD back in the lineup will be similar to a deadline deal. After that, L.A. can try and capture the No. 1 seed again, though it isn’t as important with homecourt advantage not really a thing.
The Nets just added Blake Griffin after he was bought out by the Detroit Pistons. The addition isn’t that big, but it has moved the Nets odds to +300 on DKSB as of Monday. Brooklyn won’t have much wiggle room to do anything else at the deadline. The Nets will likely look to add another depth veteran or role player on a low salary if anything. The key is having Kevin Durant 100 percent and ready for the playoffs.
NBA second-half championship picks
Favorite: Nets +300
It just doesn’t seem like anyone will be able to deal with KD, James Harden and Kyrie Irving all on the court at the same time in the postseason. It also helps that the Nets have had role players step up and play well with KD out. Brooklyn has even been competitive with KD and Kyrie out. Jeff Green, Joe Harris, DeAndre Jordan and Bruce Brown will need to stay consistent. That shouldn’t be difficult playing with three of the top 10 basketball players in the world. My only concern would be the Nets dealing with AD if it’s the Lakers coming out of the West. The thing is, that’s really the only thing Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni would need to solve to get a championship.
Long-shot: Suns +3300
There are a lot of appealing long-shot bets to win it all on DKSB. The Suns feel like the most complete team out of the bunch and are playing the best basketball. Chris Paul is the leader the Suns were lacking. Devin Booker is the go-to scorer and Deandre Ayton provides a stable presence down low. Add in wing defenders in Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder, a few solid role players in Frank Kaminsky, Cameron Johnson and Dario Saric. That makes a pretty solid championship formula.
NBA Championship Betting Splits Post-All-Star Break
| Handle Rank | Team | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Rank | Team | Odds | % of Handle | % of Bets |
| 1 | LA Lakers | +250 | 36% | 46% |
| 2 | BKN Nets | +320 | 26% | 15% |
| 3 | PHI 76ers | +1200 | 9% | 7% |
| 4 | UTA Jazz | +800 | 6% | 4% |
| 5 | DEN Nuggets | +2500 | 3% | 3% |
| 6 | LA Clippers | +500 | 3% | 4% |
| 7 | BOS Celtics | +2500 | 2% | 3% |
| 8 | MIL Bucks | +700 | 2% | 3% |
| 9 | GS Warriors | +8000 | 2% | 2% |
| 10 | PHO Suns | +3300 | 2% | 1% |
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.