The Boston Celtics were +5000 to win the NBA title back at the Trade Deadline in mid-February, implying lower than a 2% chance to win it.
Entering the week winners in 19 of the last 22, they now own the seventh-shortest odds in basketball.
How's that for a turnaround?
Odds to Win the 2021-22 NBA Title
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Suns | +320 |
| Nets | +550 |
| Warriors | +650 |
| Bucks | +650 |
| 76ers | +800 |
| Heat | +1000 |
| Celtics | +1400 |
| Jazz | +1800 |
| Grizzlies | +2200 |
| Nuggets | +2500 |
| Mavericks | +2800 |
| Bulls | +4000 |
| Cavaliers | +8000 |
| Clippers | +8000 |
| Timberwolves | +8000 |
| Lakers | +10000 |
| Raptors | +10000 |
| Hawks | +15000 |
| Hornets | +25000 |
| Pelicans | +25000 |
| Spurs | +50000 |
| Knicks | +75000 |
| Trail Blazers | +75000 |
| Kings | +75000 |
| Wizards | +75000 |
| Thunder | +100000 |
*odds via BetMGM, as of March 20
Since February 10, Boston has zoomed past seven teams in the championship market: the Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls and Lakers.
The Celtics (44-28) are also getting quite comfy in the Eastern Conference standings over the recent heater, entering the week just one-half game back of the No. 2 seed.
And there's been nothing cheap about the C's recent surge.
Since their 19-3 run began on Jan. 29, the Celtics are outscoring opponents by more than 14 points per game.
13 of those 19 wins came via double-digits, while Boston covered 14 of the 23 overall.
The defense was lights-out across that span, holding 11 of the 23 opponents to fewer than 100 points.
But let's not act like that's something new.
The Celtics have been giving offenses fits all season, pacing the league in points allowed per game (103.6) and both field-goal (43%) and 3-point percentage (33.6%).
Boston, which opened the year +4000, is as short as +1100 in the futures market at retail sportsbook. The best price on the Celtics, meanwhile, is +2200 at DraftKings.
Boston is likely to pick up another win Monday as 15-point chalk at Oklahoma City. If you're looking for a better price on the Celtics' title odds, it might be best to wait it out.
Upcoming Celtics Schedule
Mon, March 21 – @ Thunder
Wed, March 23 – vs. Jazz
Sun, March 27 – vs. Timberwolves
Mon, March 28 – @ Raptors
Wed, March 30 – vs. Heat
