NBA

LA Lakers & Brooklyn Nets Need their Big Stars To Lead NBA Championship Bids.

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Two teams are dominating the futures markets as candidates for the NBA Championship, with the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Lakers regarded as favorites with the majority of leading sportsbooks. Both have produced some fantastic basketball, yet they are also heavily reliant on LeBron James and James Harden, respectively, with injury concerns putting the challenge of their teams in doubt.

Brooklyn Nets

March was a stellar month for the Brooklyn Nets, who undoubtedly have James Harden to thank as their catalyst. Since he joined the franchise earlier this season from the Houston Rockets, the team has looked like genuine title contenders. Priced as +240 favorites by NBA betting on bet365, the Nets are locked in a battle with the Philadelphia 76ers for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

However, after losing just twice in March, form in April took a serious tumble and Harden was out of action with a hamstring problem. According to the New York Post, head coach Steve Nash isn’t expecting him back any time soon. The Nets have battled on in the absence of Harden, albeit without registering the same kind of winning consistency.

Back playing again following injuries of their own, Kevin Durant and Bruce Brown will be key figures in the final run of games. Meanwhile, if Harden hasn’t made a full recovery ahead of the playoffs, that could potentially affect their odds as favorites to win the NBA Championship. He has been the fulcrum of the side and without him, the Nets may struggle.

LA Lakers

After winning the 2020 NBA Championship, the LA Lakers were always going to be amongst the favorites to retain their crown. However, they have struggled with injuries to key players throughout the campaign, which has inevitably affected regular season performances. LeBron James has only just returned to action, thus far performing well below his habitually exceptional high standards.

That said, even LeBron at seventy percent of his best form would walk into most NBA sides, although he and the team will need to rediscover their form, ahead of the playoffs. Heading into the final run of games, the Lakers have been clinging to their top-six position in the NBA Western Conference standings.

Despite being tipped at +375 odds to win the 2021 NBA Championship, the Lakers have yet to cement their place in the playoffs round 1 bracket. More defeats could open the door for the Portland Trail Blazers, who have enjoyed a solid run of results lately. With Portland breathing down their necks, the Lakers need to hit best-form again if they are to meet expectations.

Outside Contenders

Aside from the two clear favorites, sportsbooks continue to believe this could be the year the LA Clippers finally make their mark, after making the Conference Semifinals last year and tipped at +425 odds this year. One to watch carefully will be the Philadelphia 76ers, who seem undervalued at +1200 odds, although there’s a big difference between regular season form and the pressure of the playoffs.