by Darren Moore
Celebrations following the Phoenix Suns 4-0 series sweep over the Denver Nuggets to reach the Western Conference finals for the first time in 11 years have been somewhat dampened by news that point guard Chris Paul is out indefinitely, placed in NBA health and safety protocols.
The 36-year-old Paul averaged 25.5 points on 61.8% shooting, 58.3% from 3, 100% from the free throw line, plus a 41-to-5 assist-to-turnover ratio against the Nuggets. His absence from any of the games in the Conference finals would be a significant blow to the Suns’ hopes.
Western Conference Finals Odds
Phoenix will face either the Utah Jazz or LA Clippers in the Western Conference finals, which are scheduled to start next week.
In a very competitive market, Phoenix lead the way in betting to win the Western Conference finals at +125, with Utah at +185 and the Clippers at +220 (odds via legal sports betting sites)
Although the NBA relaxed some of the coronavirus protocols back in March as a result of increasing vaccine numbers, they did caution that the, “if an individual has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the previous protocols apply.”
That would mean that any player with those symptoms, “may be subject to quarantine”, regardless of their vaccination status.
Although there have been examples of players missing multiple weeks after positive COVID-19 tests, there are also instances of players missing very short amounts of time for matters such as contact tracing investigations.
NBA Championship Betting Odds
In the betting odds to win the 2021 NBA Championship with Bovada, the current favorites are the Brooklyn Nets at +180.
The Suns are second favorites at +400, followed by the LA Clippers and the Jazz both at +500, Milwaukee Bucks at +650, Philadelphia 76ers at +800 and Atlanta Hawks at +5000.
* NBA odds quoted correct at the time of writing. All betting odds are subject to changes.
Darren lives & breathes sports betting and is always sniffing out his next value bet. His favourite sports to bet on are the NFL, horse racing and UFC but he will bet on anything if he thinks the odds are favourable.
