Celtics title faves, but Boston-Denver close

The Boston Celtics, with home-court advantage throughout the playoffs and a perceived easier path to the Finals, are the consensus betting favorites to win the NBA title at sportsbooks around the nation. But oddsmakers say a Finals rematch with the defending champion Denver Nuggets would be nearly a toss-up.

The Celtics are the title favorites at +145 at ESPN BET, followed by the Nuggets +275. They are the only two teams with single-digit title odds entering the postseason. The  LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder are next, each at 14-1.

The betting action on the NBA title odds has varied at sportsbooks throughout the season. The Celtics have attracted more bets and more money than any other team at Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings, while the Los Angeles Lakers have received the most support from the betting public at ESPN BET. The Lakers, who face the Nuggets in the first round, are 18-1 to win the championship.

The Dallas Mavericks (15-1) and Phoenix Suns (20-1) are other long shots that have attracted betting interest at sportsbooks. Still, the Celtics and Nuggets are the clear favorites to meet again in the Finals.

"I would expect the Celtics to be a slight favorite [over the Nuggets in a Finals rematch], just because of home-court advantage," said David Lieberman, who oversees NBA odds for Caesars Sportsbook. "The current odds reflect the Celtics having an easier road to the Finals; therefore they have shorter odds than the Nuggets. But I personally think the Nuggets are slightly better than the Celtics, so it could end up being about pick 'em."

The remaining playoff spots will be decided Friday, with the winners of Bulls-Heat and Kings-Pelicans securing the No. 8 seed in the Eastern and Western conferences, respectively.

Odds to win the Finals (via ESPN BET; as of April 19):

Celtics +145

Nuggets +275

Clippers +1400

Thunder +1400

Mavericks +1500

Bucks +1600

76ers +1600

Lakers +1800

Timberwolves +1800

Suns +2000

Knicks +3000

Cavaliers +5000

Heat +6000

Pacers +7500

Pelicans +10000

Kings +10000

Magic +20000

Bulls +30000