When you see a -800 favorite in any sport you just assume that it's one of the best teams in the league against one of the worst, and even then, it still is shocking to see such disparity. But when you see a favorite of that level in a championship series it's even more alarming, and that is the case for this year's NBA Finals.
This series is shaping up to be one of the biggest favorites in the history of the NBA and every time it has been that was, the favorite has won the series.
Since 1968 the biggest Finals spreads have all been won by the big favorite starting in 2001 by the Lakers who were -2000 to win the title over the Sixers. In 2018 the Warriors were -1075 over the Cavs. The 1996 Bulls were -950 against the Sonics, the Spurs were close at -900 against the Knicks in 1999, while we have now had two -800 favorites in the Lakers in 2000 over the Pacers and this year's OKC team over the Pacers.
In fact, there have been just 16 times in NBA history where we have had underdogs bringing back a price tag of +250 or more and just once has a team won the series. That was the 2004 Pistons over the Lakers at +500. This year's Pacers have those same +500 odds.
Many are speculating that this upset would be one of the biggest in NBA history, right up there with Dirk and the Mavs taking down the Super team led by LeBron. There is also the sentiment that the Thunder are in fact undervalued. This is the #1 seed, they have one of the best players in the NBA on their team, play outstanding defense, and are one of the youngest teams in the league. While an upset is always possible this OKC team might be one where we look back in 5 or 10 years and wonder why they were so cheap to win the series. If history tells us anything it's that the favorite should not only win the series but do so in impressive and easy fashion.