Breaking Down the Current NBA Championship Odds 2018: Who's Favored to Win?
As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA championship odds for the 2018 season, I can't help but reflect on that Filipino phrase from the UAAP context: "Siguro ngayon, hindi na. Naiwan ko na siya sa UAAP kaya kailangan ko pa maging lalong palaban." Roughly translated, it speaks to leaving something behind and needing to fight even harder—a sentiment that perfectly captures the mindset of underdog teams heading into these playoffs. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've seen how preseason predictions can either fuel a team's fire or create complacency. Right now, the Golden State Warriors are sitting pretty with championship odds at -160, meaning you'd have to bet $160 just to win $100 back. That's dominant, but not unbeatable. What fascinates me isn't just the numbers—it's the stories behind them, the teams that have been "left behind" in public perception but are gearing up to be even more competitive.
Let's talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers, because honestly, they're being underestimated at +400. LeBron James is playing like a man possessed, averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game in the regular season, and we all know playoff LeBron is a different beast. I've followed his career since his Miami days, and I've never seen him this motivated. The Cavs might have struggled defensively, allowing 109.9 points per game, but with Kevin Love grabbing rebounds like it's his job (which, well, it is) and JR Smith hitting clutch threes, they've got the pieces to surprise people. Remember, LeBron has dragged weaker teams to the Finals before—in 2007, with a squad that had no business being there, and again in 2015 when Kyrie and Love were injured. This year, they're healthier, and I think the odds don't fully account for that. It's like that UAAP spirit: they've been counted out, so they'll fight harder.
Then there's the Houston Rockets, sitting at +450, and I have to say, they're my dark horse pick. James Harden is an offensive wizard, putting up 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game, and with Chris Paul running the point, this team has the depth to challenge anyone. I remember watching them dismantle the Warriors in the regular season, and their three-point barrage is just relentless—they attempted a league-high 42.3 threes per game. But here's where I get skeptical: their defense can be shaky, especially against teams that crash the boards. Clint Capela is a beast in the paint, but if he gets into foul trouble, things could unravel. Still, I love their chances because they play with a chip on their shoulder, much like that UAAP mindset of fighting harder after being left behind. Personally, I'd put a small wager on them; the value is too good to ignore.
Now, the Boston Celtics at +800 are intriguing, but I'm not sold. Yes, they have Brad Stevens, one of the best coaches in the league, and Kyrie Irving is a magician with the ball. However, losing Gordon Hayward early in the season was a massive blow—he was projected to contribute 18-20 points per game, and that's hard to replace. I've watched them grind out wins, but in the playoffs, star power often trumps system basketball. Their defense is stout, allowing just 100.4 points per game, but can they score enough against elite teams? I doubt it. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are future stars, but relying on rookies in the Finals is a risky bet. From my perspective, they're a year away from true contention, and the odds feel a bit inflated based on regular-season overperformance.
Switching gears to the underdogs, the Toronto Raptors at +1200 are a team I can't help but root for. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have been through so many playoff disappointments, and this feels like their last shot. They finished with a 59-23 record, best in the East, but history shows they tend to fold under pressure. I recall covering their 2016 run where they barely scraped past Indiana and Miami before getting swept by Cleveland. Yet, this year feels different—their bench is deeper, with Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright providing sparks. If they can maintain their regular-season momentum, they could shock the world. It's that underdog fight again; they've been left behind in past playoffs, so they're hungrier than ever.
As we look at the long shots, teams like the Philadelphia 76ers at +1800 and the Oklahoma City Thunder at +2200 are worth a mention. The Sixers, with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, are young and exciting, but playoff inexperience is a real concern. I've seen rookies hit a wall in the postseason—remember LeBron's first Finals? They might win a series, but the championship is a stretch. As for the Thunder, Russell Westbrook is a triple-double machine, but his supporting cast isn't consistent. Paul George is stellar, but if he has an off night, the offense stagnates. In my view, these teams are fun to watch but not serious title contenders yet.
Wrapping this up, the Warriors are the clear favorites, and for good reason—they have four All-Stars and championship pedigree. But basketball isn't played on paper. The underdogs, inspired by that "lalong palaban" spirit, could pull off upsets. Personally, I'd keep an eye on Houston and Cleveland; they have the talent and motivation to defy the odds. As the playoffs unfold, remember that predictions are just guesses—the real drama is on the court. So grab some popcorn, because this is going to be one heck of a ride.