2019-20 NBA Finals Odds: Who Were the Favorites and Final Champions?
Looking back at the 2019-20 NBA season, it’s fascinating to revisit the championship odds and see how expectations stacked up against reality. I remember poring over preseason predictions and betting lines, trying to gauge which teams had the best shot at the title. The Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers emerged as clear frontrunners early on, with the Lakers sitting around +350 and the Clippers close behind at +400. Both teams had stacked rosters and superstar talent, but as we all know, odds don’t always tell the full story. What stood out to me was the sheer unpredictability of that season—especially with the pandemic-induced hiatus throwing everything into chaos. I’ve always believed that championship-caliber teams separate themselves during moments of adversity, and the 2020 playoffs were the ultimate test of that.
One thing I noticed, both as a fan and someone who follows the league closely, is how much coaching and team chemistry influence outcomes. I was reminded of this when I came across a quote from Sean Chambers, who once said of a player, "There’s no question that Konateh could back his words up." That sentiment resonates deeply when I think about the Lakers’ run. LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn’t just talk about winning; they delivered when it mattered most. The Milwaukee Bucks, for instance, entered the season with strong odds—around +450—thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance. But postseason basketball is a different beast, and despite their regular-season success, they fell short in the playoffs. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about the Lakers’ supporting cast early on, but players like Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stepped up in ways that defied the skeptics.
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, were a classic example of a team that outperformed their odds. They started the season at +8000, which, frankly, felt like a long shot. But under Erik Spoelstra’s brilliant coaching and Jimmy Butler’s relentless leadership, they carved their way through the Eastern Conference. I’ve always admired teams that play with a chip on their shoulder, and the Heat embodied that. Their Finals matchup against the Lakers was a clash of styles—experience versus hunger, star power versus collective grit. And while the Lakers ultimately prevailed in six games, the series showcased why basketball remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling sports. From my perspective, the Bubble environment added another layer of complexity. Without home-court advantage and the usual distractions, mental toughness became as important as physical skill.
When I reflect on the Finals themselves, Game 5 stands out as a turning point. Jimmy Butler’s 35-point triple-double was one of the most gutsy performances I’ve seen in recent memory, and it kept the Heat’s hopes alive. But the Lakers, led by LeBron’s 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in the closeout game, proved why they were the favorites when it counted. It’s interesting—the Lakers’ championship odds shifted throughout the season, dipping slightly after the hiatus but strengthening as the playoffs progressed. In the end, they closed at around -150 heading into the Finals, a testament to their resilience. Personally, I think this Lakers team doesn’t get enough credit for how well they adapted. They blended veteran savvy with emerging talent, and Frank Vogel’s defensive schemes were nothing short of exceptional.
As someone who’s followed the NBA for years, I’ve learned that preseason odds are more of a starting point than a definitive forecast. The 2019-20 season reinforced that injuries, team dynamics, and sheer luck play huge roles. For example, the Clippers, who many (including myself) thought were built for a deep run, collapsed in the second round against the Nuggets. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were stellar individually, but their supporting cast struggled when it mattered. Contrast that with the Heat, who maximized every ounce of talent on their roster. It’s a reminder that championships aren’t won on paper. They’re earned through consistency, adaptability, and, as Sean Chambers might put it, the ability to back up your words when the stakes are highest.
In closing, the 2019-20 NBA season was a rollercoaster, but it delivered a memorable champion in the Lakers. LeBron’s fourth title cemented his legacy, while the Heat’s run offered a blueprint for underdogs everywhere. If there’s one takeaway I’d emphasize, it’s that odds can guide discussions, but they rarely capture the heart of competition. As fans, we tune in for the moments that defy expectations—the buzzer-beaters, the breakout performances, and the sheer will of teams fighting against the odds. And in a season unlike any other, those moments felt all the more special.
