With LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers today, it looks like the Miami Heat will now have to begin rebuilding again. Their competing-for-titles window has closed while the Cavs has opened.
In fact, Cleveland is now the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Finals, via the odds:
After LeBron James’ announcement he would be leaving the Miami Heat to return to Cleveland, the Cavaliers were made the favorite to win the NBA title in 2015 by Bovada.lv.
Cleveland, with Kyrie Irving and No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, is now a 4-1 favorite to win the championship, just ahead of the defending champion Spurs (5-1). The Heat, likely to lose free agent Chris Bosh as well, now have 50-1 odds to win the title, tying them with the New Orleans Pelicans, while ranking behind 15 other teams including the Knicks (40-1).
Before James left, Miami were 3-1 odds to win. Cleveland was 33-1 odds. Now the tables have turned.
“With the Eastern Conference being much weaker and essentially only a handful of teams that can give LeBron and the Cavs a run for their money, it would be a shock if they do not at least make the Conference Finals,” said Kevin Bradley, Bovada.lv Sportsbook Manager. “This shows how much of an impact a player like LeBron has on odds. The last comparable situation was when Peyton Manning signing with the Broncos dropped them from 75-1 to 10-1 in a blink of an eye.”
Next season will be fun.
