As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Boston Celtics have quickly become the team to watch, advancing to the second round after dispatching the Miami Heat in a decisive five-game series. With the victory, the Celtics are now the betting favorites at +115 to clinch their 18th NBA Championship, an elusive title that has evaded them since 2008.
The Celtics’ path to the championship has been spearheaded by homegrown talents Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have consistently proven their mettle in the postseason. This duo has seen Eastern Conference Finals action and even NBA Championship rounds, but the 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy continues to be just out of reach.
Reflecting on Boston’s last NBA title, it’s impossible not to think of the 2008 squad, led by Coach Doc Rivers and the renowned trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Known affectionately as the “Boston Three Party," their legacy continues to inspire the current roster.
Dunk on the sportsbooks tonight! Grab SportsGrid’s free NBA picks, NBA props, and NBA SGPs.
Looking ahead, the Celtics’ odds at +115 to win it all make them the top pick among sportsbooks, attributable to their combination of talent, experience, and a significant home court advantage. Notably, Boston boasts the best home record in the NBA, a factor that cannot be overlooked in the playoffs.
Despite the Celtics’ favorable position, betting on them at these odds may not appeal to everyone. The price point at +115 might not provide enough value for some bettors, considering the long wait for the payout, typically around July. This sentiment echoes previous cautious betting on teams like UConn, where the potential return did not justify the investment.
However, it’s important to recognize the relative ease with which the Celtics could reach the NBA Finals compared to their Western Conference counterparts. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder face a tougher journey through their bracket.
While the Boston Celtics stand as the front-runners with the least resistance toward the NBA Finals, and with the advantage of potentially hosting more home games than any rival, including the strong home-side Denver Nuggets, the odds reflect a belief in their path to the finals. Whether that translates to a good betting opportunity depends on one’s willingness to accept the risk for the potential reward outlined by sportsbooks. As for me, the Celtics’ current odds won’t be drawing my money, but their journey will certainly be one to watch as they chase that 18th championship banner.
