NBA Playoffs 2016: Updated Bracket Results, Odds and Championship Predictions

The NBA playoffs have certainly been eventful, but the best teams are still on track to contend for a championship.

Even with the drama, the latest bracket shows the projections for the top contenders haven’t changed much. The only series upset in the first round was the No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers beating the No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers, while the No. 1 seeds are currently a combined 12-1. A lot could still happen, but the top teams are still in charge.

However, subtle shifts within the elite group of contenders have altered the odds to win a title. These changes since the start of the playoffs could alter your betting strategy based on what happens going forward. Along with a look at odds for each remaining team, here is a breakdown of how things have changed for the best teams in recent weeks.

Breakdown of Top Contenders

Oklahoma City Thunder (+1000 on April 14 to +1400 currently)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a strong season with a pair of superstars leading the way in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. In a normal year, this would be one of the favorites to bring home a championship.

Unfortunately, they haven’t been given much of a chance to win due to the presence of the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors blocking their path.

Still, Game 2 showed that this team can play with those elite squads. Sure, it took a bizarre finish with a handful of missed calls from the referees, but they were competitive throughout in a building where few road teams are successful.

Head coach Billy Donovan provided a strange quote after the Thunder lost Game 1 by 32 points, per CBS Sports:

Billy Donovan: “I thought they played very very well. I think we need to play much better collectively than we did today.” #yathink

— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) May 1, 2016

Although he didn’t say much, it’s possible this relaxed attitude is exactly what Oklahoma City needs. Durant and Westbrook are putting a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, but maybe a coach keeping things simple could be the difference that puts this team over the top.

Of course, getting three more wins against San Antonio, plus four against probably Golden State and another four against the Eastern Conference champion, will not be easy.

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