Who Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship? Latest Odds and Predictions

As I sit here analyzing the latest NBA championship odds, I can't help but reflect on that powerful statement from a veteran coach: "If we're going to just go ahead and change personnel, then we're all back to zero again." This sentiment resonates deeply when examining the 2020 championship landscape, where roster continuity has become the ultimate currency in this unprecedented season. The teams that maintained their core groups while making strategic additions appear to have the clearest path to the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Let me walk you through my analysis of the top contenders, drawing from years of following championship races and understanding what separates pretenders from legitimate title threats.

The Los Angeles Lakers currently sit as betting favorites at +250, and frankly, I believe they deserve that position. Having LeBron James in his 17th season still playing at an MVP level defies all conventional basketball wisdom. The continuity between James and Anthony Davis has developed faster than anyone anticipated, and their defensive chemistry is absolutely terrifying for opposing offenses. What many analysts overlook is how the supporting cast has gelled - players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso understand their roles perfectly. The Lakers have maintained roughly 85% of their roster from last season, and that familiarity matters tremendously in high-pressure playoff situations. My concern lies in their three-point shooting consistency - they're hitting just 35.5% from deep, which ranks them 17th in the league. In modern playoff basketball, that could become problematic against elite defensive teams.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks at +275 present what I consider the most complete roster in basketball. Giannis Antetokounmpo's development into a legitimate three-point threat (he's improved to 34.5% from deep) makes him virtually unguardable. The Bucks have maintained incredible roster stability, returning nearly 90% of their minutes from last season's 60-win campaign. Their net rating of +10.2 leads the league by a significant margin, and their defensive scheme is both innovative and brutally effective. However, I've noticed they sometimes struggle against teams that can match their physicality in half-court settings. The memory of last year's conference finals collapse still lingers, and until they prove they can win under playoff pressure, I'm slightly skeptical about their championship credentials.

The LA Clippers at +300 fascinate me because they represent both the promise and peril of roster construction. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George form arguably the most talented duo in basketball, but their limited time together on court - just 32 games due to load management and injuries - creates legitimate concerns. Their championship odds would be significantly better if they had more continuity, but as our opening quote suggests, constantly changing lineups puts you back at square one. When fully healthy, their defensive potential is staggering - they have six players who can legitimately guard multiple positions. Their playoff experience gives them an edge that numbers can't quantify. I've watched them dismantle elite teams when engaged, but their occasional regular-season complacency worries me.

Looking at dark horses, the Philadelphia 76ers at +1200 intrigue me despite their inconsistencies. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have played together for three seasons now, and that continuity matters. Their home dominance (29-2 at Wells Fargo Center) suggests they can beat anyone in a playoff series if they secure home-court advantage. The addition of Al Horford hasn't worked as planned - their net rating drops by 3.2 points per 100 possessions when he shares the court with Embiid - but Brett Brown might figure out the rotation by playoff time. Personally, I believe they're one piece away from serious contention, but in a strange season like this, anything can happen.

The Houston Rockets at +1800 have gone all-in on small ball, and I admire their conviction even if I question the sustainability. Their decision to trade Clint Capela and commit fully to positionless basketball represents the most dramatic mid-season philosophical shift I've seen in years. James Harden's scoring brilliance (34.8 points per game) gives them a puncher's chance in any series, but their lack of size concerns me against teams with dominant big men. The Russell Westbrook acquisition gave them a second superstar, but their fit remains awkward at times - Westbrook's 31.2% three-point shooting forces Harden to play more off-ball than he prefers.

What strikes me about this championship race is how the hiatus might affect different teams. Organizations with established systems and returning cores will have a significant advantage when play resumes. The Denver Nuggets at +2200, for instance, return their entire starting lineup and main rotation players. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have developed incredible two-man game chemistry over 250+ games together. That shared experience matters more than casual fans realize. Meanwhile, teams that integrated new pieces like the Miami Heat (+2500) might struggle to regain their rhythm. Bam Adebayo's emergence as an All-Star gives them a unique weapon, but Jimmy Butler's fit with younger players remains imperfect in my assessment.

Having followed championship races for over fifteen years, I've learned that continuity often trumps pure talent in the playoffs. The 2020 season's unusual circumstances will test teams' adaptability, but the fundamental truth remains: established systems with familiar personnel typically prevail. The Lakers' continuity around their superstar duo, combined with LeBron's unparalleled playoff experience, makes them my personal pick to win it all. The Bucks have the statistical profile of a champion, but until Giannis proves he can carry a team through multiple playoff rounds, I'm leaning toward the proven commodity. The Clippers have the talent to prove me wrong, but their lack of shared court time creates too many unknowns for my comfort. Whatever happens, this championship will be remembered not just for the winner, but for how teams navigated the most unpredictable season in NBA history.