South Shore Press Sports Director Tom Barton and Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw sat down for this week's edition of "Barton's Best Bet," looking ahead to next season's NBA championship race. While much of the attention is focused on the Knicks and Spurs, Barton believes there is value elsewhere on the futures board.
Stefan Mychajliw: Tom, your Barton's Best Bet is already looking ahead to next season?
Tom Barton: "When you see a title change, it's always fun to get ahead of the curve. There's going to be free agency, trades, and the draft, but sometimes you can find value before the market adjusts."
Stefan Mychajliw: So where's the value?
Tom Barton: "The Spurs are the favorite, which makes sense. But right behind them is Oklahoma City at around plus-280 or plus-290. You're getting nearly 3-to-1 odds on a team that we looked at last year and said could win three or four championships."
Stefan Mychajliw: What makes the Thunder so attractive?
Tom Barton: "They're young, they're locked up, they're hungry, and now they're coming off a disappointing finish. Teams like that often come back with a renewed sense of urgency. We've seen it with great teams throughout sports."
Stefan Mychajliw: Some fans will immediately look at the Knicks after winning the title.
Tom Barton: "Repeating is incredibly difficult. The East is weaker, which helps New York, but history says repeating is hard. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has its core in place and is built to contend for years."
Stefan Mychajliw: Any other teams catch your eye?
Tom Barton: "Boston could become interesting if it makes a major move, but you're only getting around 6-to-1. With Oklahoma City, you're getting much better value."
Stefan Mychajliw: So what's Barton's Best Bet?
Tom Barton: "Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA championship. At nearly 3-to-1 odds, I think it's a number that won't be there by playoff time."
Barton's Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Championship (approximately +280).