Betting 2020 NBA Eastern Conference Futures

The NBA does not have a firm timetable for a return to action due to the current coronavirus health crisis. The league commissioner, Adam Silver has already stated that nothing will be decided before May 1, so this delay is likely to drag into June or July if not longer.

The more time that goes by points to a possible return to action with just postseason play.

This has had an impact on the NBA picks across the board at the online sportsbooks.

Before play came to a halt, there were two or three solid contenders to win the Eastern Conference and now it is shaping up as the Milwaukee Bucks vs. the Field.

The Buck Stops Here For Betting NBA Eastern Conference Futures

Milwaukee has been the most dominant team in the East all season long. With 65 games of an 82-game schedule in the books when play stopped, the Bucks posted a 53-12 record. This is 6.5 games better than the Toronto Raptors as the No. 2 team in the East.

Ironically enough, Milwaukee dropped its final three games and four out of five after losing just eight games overall to that point. That slide will have little to no bearing in this race and it has not impacted the Bucks’ odds to win the East as -175 favorites.MORE NBA FUTURES: Betting 2020 NBA Western Conference Futures

Given all the unknowns surrounding an extended layoff, the playoffs could offer up a few surprises. However, it is still hard to see any other team getting past Milwaukee given the depth and talent on this team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo appears poised to take over the role of the most dominant player in the game. The memory of last season’s loss to Toronto in the conference finals will be another motivating factor.

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If you are going to bet the Bucks to win the East, then now would be the right time. The way the public money is shaping the betting odds, there is a good chance it will cost you more on the NBA futures moneyline two months from now.

Other NBA East Contenders

Moving down the list, the one team that still stands out as a value pick is the Boston Celtics as +500 second-favorites. They are farther back in the standings at 43-21 as the No. 3 seed in the East.

Boston has played Milwaukee twice this season with the home team winning each matchup. As a highly balanced team at either end of the court boasting a deep bench as well, the Celtics have the best chance of any team in the East to upset the Bucks in a best-of-seven series.

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The way things are shaping up, there is a good chance that Boston will get a chance to take down Milwaukee in the conference finals to add some more value to its betting odds. If you are looking for an alternative team to bet on in the East, the Celtics would get the nod.

Third on the futures list is Toronto at +700. Given the unpredictability of how this season may get played out, anything can still happen. However, I do not see the Raptors getting past both Milwaukee and Boston to return to the NBA Finals.

Rounding out the Top 5 teams in the East are the Philadelphia 76ers at +1200 and the Miami Heat at +1400 betting odds.