The New York Knicks have emerged as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, with their impressive 2-0 start against the Philadelphia 76ers propelling them up the championship odds board.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Knicks now have the second-best odds to win the East at +650, trailing only the NBA Finals favorite Celtics, who are heavily favored at -250 to come out of the Eastern Conference.
Just two weeks ago, the Knicks were considered a long shot to win the East, with odds of +2000. However, their impressive performances, including a thrilling comeback win in Game 2 against the 76ers, have vaulted them into the top tier of contenders.
The Philadelphia 76ers, once considered a favorite in the East, have seen their odds plummet to +1400 after two losses to the Knicks and continued injury woes for star center Joel Embiid. The Milwaukee Bucks, despite a Game 1 win over the Indiana Pacers, have also dropped down the board to +700 due to health concerns plaguing their squad.
The Knicks’ rise in the odds has been fueled by their consistent performance and popularity among sports bettors. As of Monday, the Knicks were garnering 23.4 percent of tickets and 14.1 percent of the handle at BetMGM, trailing only the Celtics. They are also getting 4.1 percent of tickets and 3.1 percent of the handle to win the NBA Finals.
With the Eastern Conference playoffs wide open, the Knicks have positioned themselves as a serious threat to reach the NBA Finals. Their impressive start has sent shockwaves through the league and has made them a popular pick among bettors and fans alike.
