Free agency hasn’t even happened yet and people are already looking ahead to next year’s NBA Finals. Well, the Miami Heat actually have pretty decent odds to take home the whole thing.
NBA Finals odds are released every year at a date that feels way too early. That time this year is right now, and the Miami Heat are in an okay spot, but it could be a whole lot better.
According to WynnBET, the Miami Heat are tied for the eighth-best odds to win the 2022 NBA Championship. This also gives them the fourth-best odds in the Eastern Conference.
The two teams ahead of them in the East are the Brooklyn Nets, who hold the best odds, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks. The other five teams ahead of them are the Lakers, Warriors, Suns, and Nuggets.
The top ten can be found below with their respective odds:
- Brooklyn Nets: +225
- Los Angeles Lakers: +400
- Milwaukee Bucks: +900
- Golden State Warriors: +1000
- Philadelphia 76ers: +1500
- Phoenix Suns: +1500
- Denver Nuggets: +2000
- Dallas Mavericks: +2500
- Miami Heat: +250
- Utah Jazz: +2500
How should Miami Heat fans react to these odds?
Considering how the Miami Heat went out last season, these are pretty good odds. Notable teams below them in the rankings include the Clippers, Hawks, and Celtics.
With free agency coming up, these odds could see a massive shift. The Miami Heat could skyrocket in the rankings or could drastically plummet.
Kyle Lowry’s free agency decision could have a major impact on the Heat’s title odds. If he ends up in Miami, that number is sure to rise; however, the opposite can be said for if he signs elsewhere.
Other major factors in next year’s title odds include the lingering trade rumors. Whatever teams Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal, and Damian Lillard end up will likely see their title odds rise.
All that being said, fans should be motivated by these Finals odds for the Miami Heat. They are in a good spot right now but have plenty of room to grow.
If they can string together a bounce-back season they should easily be able to compete with the top teams in the NBA. Putting them in the same category as the Mavericks and Jazz may not fit well with some fans, but use that feeling as motivation.
The Miami Heat have been in the business of proving people wrong for years. Next season should be no different as they embark on another quest for an NBA Championship.