As a sports analyst who’s been tracking the NBA for over a decade, I’ve always found championship odds discussions fascinating—especially in a season as unpredictable as 2020. Let’s be real: the landscape this year is wild, with multiple teams looking like they could realistically lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. I remember watching star-studded events, like the grand opening where Reyes’ longtime pal and fellow world champion Django Bustamante, Jeffrey de Luna, Ronnie Alcano, and Rubilen Amit gathered, and it struck me how elite competitors across sports share that same hunger—the kind you see in NBA contenders right now. That blend of experience, chemistry, and clutch performance is exactly what separates title favorites from the rest of the pack.
When I crunch the numbers and watch the games, a few teams clearly stand out. The Los Angeles Lakers, for instance, entered the season with around 28% implied probability to win it all according to major sportsbooks—that’s huge. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have formed one of the most dominant duos in recent memory, and their defensive versatility gives them an edge in a playoff setting. But let’s not forget the Milwaukee Bucks; Giannis Antetokounmpo is an absolute force, and their regular-season dominance wasn’t just a fluke. Statistically, they were on pace for about 67 wins before the hiatus, and their net rating hovered near +10. I’ve always leaned toward teams with a clear MVP candidate, and Giannis fits that bill perfectly. Still, the playoffs are a different beast—just ask the 2019 Bucks, who learned that lesson the hard way.
Then there’s the LA Clippers, a team I personally find thrilling to watch. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they have two of the best two-way players in the league. I’d give them a solid 25% shot at the title, maybe even higher if their role players stay healthy. Their depth is ridiculous—Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell—they can punish you in so many ways. But chemistry has been a question mark, and as someone who’s seen championship teams gel over time, I wonder if their sporadic lineup rotations will hurt them when it matters most. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors can’t be counted out. Toronto, especially, has defied expectations all season. They play with a collective grit that reminds me of the 2019 squad—and we all know how that ended.
Now, I’ll admit I’m a bit biased toward underdogs. The Denver Nuggets, for example, have Nikola Jokić, who’s just a joy to watch with his playmaking. Their odds might be around 6-8%, but in a seven-game series, they can grind you down. Same goes for the Houston Rockets—their small-ball experiment is either genius or madness, and I love that they’re going all-in. Statistically, their three-point volume is insane; they attempted over 45 threes per game this season. If they get hot at the right time, watch out. But let’s be honest: defense wins championships, and Houston’s lack of size could be their downfall against teams like the Lakers.
Looking back at that grand opening with Django Bustamante and other champs, it’s clear that composure under pressure is what makes legends. In the NBA, that often comes down to coaching and experience. The Miami Heat, for instance, have Erik Spoelstra—one of the best in the business—and Jimmy Butler’s relentless drive. I’d slot their chances at maybe 5%, but don’t be surprised if they pull off an upset or two. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have the talent but haven’t put it all together. Their home-road splits are jarring; they were nearly 70% better at home this season. In a neutral-site bubble, that’s a red flag.
In the end, my money’s on the Clippers to edge out the Lakers in a brutal Western Conference showdown. They have the personnel to match up well, and Kawhi’s playoff pedigree is undeniable. But if I’ve learned anything from years in this business, it’s that surprises happen—just like seeing world champions from billiards mingling at events, reminding us that greatness transcends sport. So while the odds point to LA teams dominating, don’t sleep on a dark horse. The 2020 title race is wide open, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
