The Boston Celtics have become the frontrunners to win the NBA Finals, overtaking the Milwaukee Bucks for the first time since March 15. This was after the Celtics' comfortable 112-99 victory over the Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks' defeat in their opening game against the Miami Heat with the score of 117-130.
Sports betting sites are posting favorable +270 for the Celtics, while the Bucks with +300.
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The Bucks Considered Clear Favorites
The Bucks were considered the clear favorites as they headed into the playoffs with odds of +250 during that time. They had a strong performance throughout the second half of the season and managed to take over the top seed in the East from Boston. Milwaukee and Boston both had a record of 32-9 at home, which makes having an extra home game in the Eastern Conference finals very significant.
Throughout most of the season, Boston was considered the clear favorite to win the NBA championship, but they lost that position to the Bucks after Milwaukee took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Entering the playoffs, they had +350 odds.
Despite this, Boston is the reigning champion of the Eastern Conference and had the highest point differential during the regular season. Their average point differential of +6.5 per game was significantly better than the second-best team, the Cavaliers, who had a differential of +5.4.
All-Star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are key factors in the team's performance - a deep bench of role players.
Other NBA favorites to win the finals are Phoenix Suns (+500), Philadelphia 76ers (+750), Golden State Warriors (+900), and Denver Nuggets (+1000).
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