The NBA’s 75th season already started last December 2020, with the regular season reduced to 72 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The finals will start this May and are scheduled to end in July.
The pandemic changed the way sports are streamed and played. The upcoming 2021 NBA season will be played differently with no fans or audience present. However, the NBA continues to be popular among basketball fans and bet enthusiasts.
About the 2021 NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is known to be the best of 7 series of the well-known and best basketball teams around the globe. The start of the 2020-2021 season was delayed due to the pandemic. The initial schedule was supposed to be December 1.
As mentioned, the 2021 NBA playoffs is scheduled to start in May and will culminate in July 2021. If everything goes according to plan, the NBA players will be given the chance to attend and play the Summer Olympics in Japan.
This year is slightly different, with the games condensed into 72 instead of the usual 82. Each team will play three games against each own conference opponent and two games against inter-conference opponents. Also, a 6-day all-star break will happen to separate two halves of the season.
Also, a significant change is there will be no fans and audience watching on the sidelines. Obviously, this change is due to the pandemic. The fans can only watch online or on TV. Betting fans can also bet online for their team and MVP bets. They can search a sportsbook, FanDuel SportsBook Odds, to fit their betting preferences.
Los Angeles Lakers
With only a few months away from the finals, the Los Angeles Lakers are still the fan-favorite to bet on even up to this season. They are the defending champion and are seen to be repeat champions this year.
This team is arguably the best 1-2 punch with Anthony Davis and Lebron James, making the team one of the top three to win in the league for the championship. Further, their current roster will lift them up more for the trophy.
The team is in the standing of 21-7 of the 28 games they had this season, the second-best record in the NBA. However, they need to maintain and work double time in the meantime that Davis is resting due to Achilles strain. Their defense is formidable where they do stops and scores in transition.
Brooklyn Nets
The second favorite of basketball fans is the Nets, with a fluctuating future after acquiring James Harden. The team is currently standing at 10-6 of the 16 games they had this season.
The current roster of the Nets is to look out for. Harden is known for his offense with a lot of heavy lifting and assists that are favorable for the team. Durant, however, has missed 6 games so far because of COVID-19. Kyrie Irving also has an offense that could possibly help the team bag the championship trophy.
Los Angeles Clippers
They were a bit of a laughing stock when their season ended last year with an embarrassment. However, this season is different. They won against Cleveland Cavaliers in their latest game at 128-111. So far, they won three consecutive games. On average, they score 115.8 on average per game, the third-best in the league.
The Clippers have a chance to be the champions this season. They signed Serge Ibaka who is fit for the franchise. Paul George signed an extension. Kawhi Leonard and George are expected to take the team to the championships.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors suffered a major loss when Klay Thompson is set to miss yet another season. This caused them to add Kelly Oubre, shooting guard, and change their roster.
The team’s offense is something not special for them. However, their free-throw performance is something not to joke about. Their assists are also something else. It should be remembered that the team won against the LA Lakers at a dramatic 115-113.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have already hit their stride with 4 consecutive wins this season, making them the top 8 teams in the West. They are coming from a win against the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 143-130.
Their shooting is something to watch out for. Their key player is Luka Doncic, a Slovenian sensation. Their current lineup with Josh Richardson, Kristaps Porzingis, and Maxi Kleber will possibly give them the championship trophy.
Takeaway
With the significant impact of the pandemic, there have been changes in the schedule, player lineup, and the number of games to be played by the teams participating. Now is the perfect time to watch the teams’ performances and think of who to bet on to be the champions of the 2021 NBA Finals.