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NBA Championship and Conference Titles Betting Trends

Neil Parker

Last Updated: February 15, 2022 9:15 AM EST • 1 min 19 sec read.

BetMGM released their most significant line movements, highest ticket and handle percentages and biggest liabilities for the NBA Championship and Conference Titles on Tuesday.

BetMGM NBA Futures 

NBA Championship

Notable Line Movement

Highest Ticket Percentage

Suns 21.9%Warriors 16.0%Lakers 8.3%76ers 8.2%Bucks 7.6%Grizzlies 5.1%Nuggets 5.0%Nets 4.4%Heat 4.2%Bulls 4.1%

Highest Handle Percentage

Suns 26.1%Warriors 16.5%76ers 12.2%Lakers 8.9%Nets 8.2Bucks 6.0%Grizzlies 3.8%Heat 3.6%Nuggets 3.2%Jazz 2.7%

Biggest Liabilities

Eastern Conference Title

Western Conference Title

Highest Ticket%: Suns 38.6%Highest Handle%: Suns 62.4%Biggest Liability: Suns

Sitting No. 1 and No. 2 in the NBA Standings, it isn’t surprising to see Phoenix (-450) and Golden State (-450) sporting the lowest odds to win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy while also taking the highest percentage of tickets and money wagered.

Additionally, with Phoenix’s ticket and handle percentage anticipating a return to the NBA Finals for a second consecutive year, nearly all the value has been zapped out of the Suns’ +200 odds to win the conference title.

The Suns and Warriors meet three more times during the regular season, and Phoenix has won the first two matchups between the Pacific Division foes. 

See Also: Free NBA and Basketball Picks and Predictions

The big news out of the Eastern Conference splashed last week when the Nets and 76ers swapped star players James Harden and Ben Simmons. While the Nets remained betting favorites at BetMGM following the deal, Milwaukee has since climbed atop the odds board with the shortest number (+250) to win the conference.

The defending champion Bucks are sporting a two-game losing streak. They haven’t traveled well this season with a 16-13 road record, so the book is sticking by the playoff experience, proven track record, and star Giannis Antetokounmpo with Milwaukee’s short chalk.

Speculative bettors looking to back the 76ers still have good odds considering the potential upgrade Harden offers, in addition to Philadelphia being a win shy of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last year. After all, Harden and Joel Embiid check out as one of the best one-two punches in the Association.

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum. 

Written By:
Neil Parker
A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He's a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.