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Regardless of defensive struggles and noteworthy injuries, Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers still possess value in the updated betting odds for the 2020-21 NBA title. Using FanDuel’s latest odds, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes examined the value and placement of each team.
For the Blazers, who currently come in at +6500 (a $100 bet would payout out $6600 if Portland hoisted the trophy), Hughes explained that once Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum return from injuries the Lillard-led squad could become a threat in the Western Conference.
Without CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, both out several weeks with injuries, the Blazers are going to have a hard time maintaining their current winning record. Assuming the dive down the standings isn’t too pronounced, a fully healthy Blazers squad will be much more dangerous in the playoffs than its record will suggest.
Hughes went on to highlight that now isn’t the time to sell your underdog stock in the Blazers.
Don’t sell your “Portland is a dark horse in the West” stock just yet.
The Blazers’ record currently sits at 9-8. McCollum (foot) and Nurkic (wrist) are both expected to return to action prior to the conclusion of the regular season.
You can read the complete list of updated title odds at Bleacher Report.