Online Betting Reaction To The Bucks And Lakers’ Losses In NBA Playoff Opener
The big news in the opening round of the NBA playoffs are a pair of stunning losses. The top seed in both the Eastern and Western Conference are down 1-0 in their best-of-seven series. The question for bettors is what to do next. The Milwaukee Bucks were virtual locks to win the East title this year but that is why they play the games. Tuesday’s 122-110 loss to Orlando as heavy 14-point favorites was a stunner. This was on the heels of a 2-6 straight-up record in their previous eight games.
What Is The Betting Reaction To The Bucks And Lakers’ Losses In NBA Playoff Opener?
There has to be some level of concern with Milwaukee’s poor performance in NBA’s restart under the bubble plan. The Bucks are going to have to quickly flip the switch or they might not even get out of the first round.
From a betting standpoint, this opens two possible scenarios. The first is to stay with the Bucks for the long-term. They are now manageable -125 favorites to win the East at BetOnline sportsbook. You can get them at +350 to win the NBA title. You might even want to lay the 12 ½ points in their next game against Orlando.
The other option is to keep going against them. Orlando’s series price is now +1550. Winning three more games in this matchup is a major stretch. Yet, crazier things have happened in the sports betting world.
Taking up the case of the Los Angeles Lakers , Tuesday’s 100-93 loss to Portland as 6 ½-point favorites was just as shocking. This is another team that has struggled in the restart at 3-5 SU in eight previous games. However, with the No. 1 seed in hand, there was little motivation to win in those games.
Discover The Best NBA Futures Betting Odds Online
The NBA futures odds do voice some concern. The rival LA Clippers are +125 favorites to win the West title with the Lakers +250 second-favorites. They now present the same betting dilemma as the Bucks.
Going with the Lakers as +325 second-favorites to win the NBA title is still a value bet. They still have LeBron James and his vast amount of experience on the NBA’s biggest stage.
Yet, there is a case to go against the Lakers with the level of momentum favoring the Clippers right now. In last season’s title run with Toronto, Kawhi Leonard demonstrated his ability to carry a team. He would become the stuff of legends if there is a repeat performance this year with the Clippers.
Most likely, it is still going to come down to a best-of-seven showdown in the conference finals. Lebron vs. Kawhi could turn into an instant classic.
In general, bettors should never overreact to one bad loss in a best-of-seven series. In the NBA, the cream always tends to rise to the top. Even if the Bucks and Lakers lose Game 2, they will still be favored to win their opening series. However, this could signal some deeper cracks in the overall foundation.
