Clippers' NBA Championship odds are getting worse despite winning streak
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (left) and Los Angeles Lakers Guard LeBron James jockey for position. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
April 13th, 2021
The Los Angeles Clippers have been on a hot streak since late March. L.A.'s "other" team has won five consecutive games and 11 of its 13 outings since March 20. The Clippers are currently the third seed in the Western Conference, and are just 3.5 games behind the Utah Jazz.
And yet, despite their lights-out play, the Clippers' 2021 NBA Championship odds have actually gotten longer, going from +500 on April 1 to +600 on April 13. Is the movement warranted? Let's take a closer look.
Clippers have missed Beverley
One big reason for the Clippers' longer odds is the status of point guard Patrick Beverley, who fractured his left hand on April 9 against the Phoenix Suns. However, there is some positive news around his diagnosis.
You can see Patrick Beverley immediately look at his hand after going for this rebound in the fourth. Here’s where it happened. pic.twitter.com/Ezo5IoZiF8
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 10, 2021
Sources are reporting that there is no swelling in Beverley's hand, and he will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks. That puts him ahead of the 4-6 week recovery timeline originally expected.
A 4-week recovery would have Beverley returning on the weekend of May 8, with the final game of the regular season on May 16. That would give him just enough time to shake off the rust before the playoffs begin.
Rondo to the rescue
The injury to Beverley would have been much more devastating if not for the recent addition of Rajon Rondo through a trade deadline deal. Beverley's absence means that "Playoff Rondo" is going to need to step up a little earlier than the postseason.
This Rondo dime to Kawhi 👀 pic.twitter.com/KX3EORXyDG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2021
Rondo has had to step up his minutes in the past two games and the results have been positive. The two-time NBA champ had 15 points and nine assists in a win over the Phoenix Suns on April 8, and 10 points and six assists in a win over the Detroit Pistons on April 11.
Are the odds worth it?
Should you jump on these bargain basement odds in the midst of a big winning streak?Personally, I really like the Clippers this season.
I do not believe you should take the Clippers' mediocre history into consideration when looking for a future bet with this squad. I know Kawhi Leonard was on this team last season, but they were ready to quit the bubble once an issue arose. I do not believe they were "all-in" in those circumstances.
With the additions of Rondo and four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, the depth of this team is something to fear. If Beverley comes back healthy, I am not sure there is a team with more depth in the Western Conference. I love the odds here for a possible title run.
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