Updated NBA Eastern Conference Odds 2/17/20, Bucks big favorites

Updated Eastern Conference Odds

The Milwaukee Bucks certainly seem to be determined to get to the NBA Finals this season and oddsmakers seem to like their chances. Here’s a look at the latest odds to win the East.

According to the latest oddsmakers, the Milwaukee Bucks are the clear favorites to win the East, as they are listed with -125 odds. Other short odds to win are the Boston Celtics (+500), the Philadelphia 76ers (+500) and the Miami Heat (+700).

The Bucks have the NBA’s top record at this point, let alone in the East, at 46-8. Milwaukee has been the standard bearer in the East the last two years when it comes to regular-season performance. Milwaukee is 25-3 at home and 21-5 on the road this year. They put up 119.6 points per game while allowing just 107.5 per contest. That’s the top differential (+12.1) in the league. The Bucks have a 6.5-game lead in the East entering the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again a top candidate for MVP and he has solid depth behind him, led by Khris Middleton.

Boston is currently third in the East at 38-16 overall. The Celtics trail the Bucks by eight games coming out of the break. They have a 23-5 record at home with a 15-11 record on the road. Offensively, Boston puts up 113.1 points per game while giving up 106.2 per contest for a +6.9 differential. Boston has a solid three-headed offensive monster in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, who each average over 20 points per game.

Philadelphia sits fifth in the East right now at 34-21, as the 76ers trail the Bucks by 12.5 games. Philly is an impressive 25-2 at home, but the 76ers are a mess on the road by going just 9-19 thus far in the season. Philly scores 108. Points per game while allowing 106.2 per contest for a +2.4 differential. Philly has struggled with outside shooting. Ben Simmons is a triple-double option, but still has no confidence in his shot. Joel Embiid is a dominant center, but lacks motivation at times and is often injured.

Miami has been somewhat of a surprise this year, as the Heat are fourth in the East at 35-19. They are 11 games out of first and have a great 22-3 record at home, but are only 13-16 on the road. Miami is scoring 111.7 points per game while allowing 108.4 per contest for a +3.3 differential. Jimmy Butler has been a great leader for the Heat while Bam Adebayo is a consistent double-double player.