NBA Betting: Three Longshot Title Bets Heading into The Second Half of the Season

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend is just a couple of weeks away, which means we are already halfway through the season. We have seen some surprising contenders, some disappointing powerhouses, and some landscape-altering trades, setting us up or a thrilling second half of the season. 

Below, we will share three of our favorite longshot bets to win the NBA title. We will cover the latest odds and insights to help you bet confidently on this season’s NBA Champion.

Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

The Thunder have been even better than expected this season. The team currently owns a 32-15 record, putting them just one game out first place in the West. OKC is third in the league in scoring (120.8 PPG) while ranking second in field goal percentage (50.2%) and point differential (7.8). The Thunder have been solid on defense too, ranking thirteenth in opponent scoring, second in steals (8.3 SPG), and first in blocks (6.4 BPG). 

This team has looked the part of a Title contender, despite their youth. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.2 SPG) has been playing at an MVP level and is supported by a roster that also includes a favorite for Rookie of the Year, Chet Holmgren (16.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.6 BPG). 

While the roster is filled with young players, many have been playing together over the last few seasons, and things now seem to be clicking.

Odds Courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook 

The Knicks currently sit in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 30-17 record thanks to an impressive seven-game win streak. While they have talented scorers, the Knicks defense is the reason we have them as one of our favorite longshot bets to win the title. New York is second in the league in opponent scoring (109.4 PPG) and rebounds (40.4 RPG), while ranking seventh in steals (6.8 SPG).

While the Knicks lack a superstar like Giannis, Embiid, or Tatum, Jalen Brunson (26.7 PPG, 6.5 APG, 42.14 3P%) has impressed as the team’s top scoring option. The team also acquired Raptors star OG Anunoby earlier this season, giving them a boost on offense and defense. He has been a perfect fit for a well-constructed Knicks roster. 

New York got some good news recently when they learned Julius Randle’s dislocated shoulder was not as severe as they had feared. When he is healthy on the floor with Brunson and Anunoby, this Knicks are a very difficult team to beat.

Odds Courtesy of BetRivers Sportsbook

After starting the season with a middling record of 18-15, the Cavs have shot up the standings by winning ten of their next 11 games. Their defense is once again elite, ranking third in the NBA in opponent scoring (109.8 PPG). However, this team is still struggling to score points (114.1 PPG). This was an issue that prevented them from being great last season, leading them to finish behind conference rivals like the Celtics, Bucks, and Sixers.

While their offense isn’t overwhelming, they do have one of the most impressive scorers in the league in Donovan Mitchell (27.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.8 SPG). He and Darius Garland (20.7 PPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG) are a dangerous offensive backcourt in the league. They will be getting a boost as center Evan Mobley (15.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG) is set to return from injury this week.

This Cavs team has the firepower to score with any team in the league, which make them a very appealing bet at their current price.