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.