LeBron, Cavs Overtake Warriors As Favorites For NBA Title
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - Despite the best record in the league and highest win total in franchise history, the Golden State Warriors could get to play the role of underdog if they reach the NBA Finals.
The Warriors were expected to be a playoff team before the NBA season began, but were not among the teams ticketed for the Finals, based on the odds at the time. But a scorching start by Stephen Curry and company established the Warriors as the favorite by mid-season, even though they would have to traverse the highly-competitive Western Conference.
Now the preseason favorites - LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers - have rebounded to hold a slight edge with gaming sites like Bovada and 5dimes. Bovada sees the Cavs as a 21/10 which means a $100 bet pays $210. The Warriors are 11/5 or +220. The defending champion Spurs at 13/5 are also well ahead of the rest of the pack.
The NBA would likely be thrilled to see the Cavs and Dubs meet in the Finals, creating a matchup between Curry and James, two of the league's most popular players and MVP favorites.
The Warriors play their final Wednesday. They'll face either Oklahoma City or New Orleans in the opening round of the Playoffs next week.
