While the Golden State Warriors rightfully remain the overwhelming favourites to repeat as NBA Western Conference Champions this upcoming season, one thing’s for sure – this season will be full of intrigue as a result of many star players changing teams in the offseason. Here are the top five favourites to win the West in the 2018 NBA playoffs.

 

Golden State Warriors (-275)

It’s difficult to overstate just how dominant the Golden State Warriors have been over the last three seasons, which is why you have to pay a premium (-275 odds) to bet on them to win the West this season. Everywhere you look on this team, you find remarkable talent. All-Stars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green man this high-functioning Warriors machine, which is outstanding in all areas of the game. 

 

San Antonio Spurs (+750)

The Spurs are the definition of perennial playoff contenders, having made the NBA postseason a record 20 years in a row, which is the third-longest streak of all time. There’s no reason to believe this season will be any different with current MVP favourite Kawhi Leonard leading the way. The Spurs, at +750 odds, will most likely be in the contender mix come playoff time.

 

Oklahoma City Thunder (+750)

The Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has pulled off a miracle this offseason, somehow adding superstars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony via trade to join last season’s MVP Russell Westbrook. The three players have 20 All-Star appearances between them, which is the reason why the Thunder have become one of the favourites to win the West at +750 odds.

 

Houston Rockets (+1000)

Similar to the Thunder, the Houston Rockets have also added some firepower to their squad in trading for nine-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul in the summer. If Paul can co-exist on the floor with last season’s MVP runner-up James Harden, who plays the same position, the Houston Rockets might be worth a value bet at +1000.

 

Minnesota Timberwolves (+1600)

Here comes more trade talk. The Twolves, who are in the midst of the longest current postseason drought of any NBA team at 13 seasons, have also fortified their roster this offseason by trading for three-time All-Star and defensive wizard Jimmy Butler. Minnesota has a talented, young roster that also includes Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns but has underachieved in recent years. Perhaps Butler can give the Twolves the push they need to get over the hump.  

 

*Odds as of October 3, 2017