NBA Playoffs: Road Teams Dominate as Series Odds Shift Dramatically
May 7, 2025, 01:45 PM ET
There’s no place like home, or so the saying goes. But if you’re a team hosting the second round of the NBA playoffs, you might want to rethink that adage. The road teams have been on a tear, winning every game in the conference semifinals through Tuesday’s action. This unexpected trend has caused a significant shake-up in both series and Finals odds, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers, for instance. They entered the playoffs with the third-best odds to win the Finals. However, after Tuesday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, their odds plummeted from 5-1 to 10-1. The Cavaliers, who were the Eastern Conference’s top seed, were left stunned as Tyrese Haliburton nailed a 3-pointer with just one second remaining, capping a furious rally that gave the Pacers a 2-0 series lead.
With this victory, the Pacers have now become the favorites in the series at -190 and have seen their Finals odds improve dramatically from 30-1 to 15-1. It’s a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in the playoffs, where every game can swing the momentum in unexpected ways.
Over in the Western Conference, things are equally unpredictable. Despite losing Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury in the second quarter of Tuesday’s Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors managed to take a 1-0 series lead. Their superb defensive effort was enough to overcome the absence of their star player, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Warriors’ roster.
As the semifinals continue on Wednesday, fans are eagerly anticipating a pair of Game 2’s. The Boston Celtics and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder are both looking to bounce back and even their respective series. The Celtics, who squandered a 20-point lead to the New York Knicks on Monday, fell in overtime, while the Thunder were dealt a loss in a shocking come-from-behind win by the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the chaos, some things remain constant. Early favorites for Finals MVP have held their ground, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum maintaining a significant lead over the rest of the field. Other top contenders include Donovan Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Edwards.
For those keeping track, here’s a quick rundown of the current NBA Finals MVP favorites:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: +160
- Jayson Tatum, Celtics: +250
- Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers: 12-1
- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: 14-1
- Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: 15-1
For a full list of MVP candidate odds, as well as each team’s odds to win their current series, the conference, and the Finals, be sure to check out the resources below:
Resources: Daily Lines
Originally Written by: ESPN
