The Los Angeles Lakers are the seventh seed in the Western Conference after advancing via a play-in tournament to the 2021 NBA playoffs, however thanks to their impressive roster they are for many the favorites in their series against the Phoenix Suns, who finished second. during the regular season.
An example of this are the reports in bookmakers in the United States and worldwide, since there is a clear favoritism of Californians. This is an unusual and unprecedented case, as highlighted by USA Today.
Suns vs. Lakers: For the first time, the seventh seed is favored over the second seed. #NBAPlayoffs https://t.co/BsV9U6uLKl
— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) May 20, 2021
For the first game of the series, which will be played at the Talking Stick Arena in Phoenix, the betting portals BetMGM, FanDuel and Draft Kings have the Lakers as favorites to win in a close duel.
“Similar to the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, the Lakers are the most important sports franchise in terms of betting. Their fans are going to bet heavily, as the vast majority of casual fans see the Suns as a team without opportunities.” highlighted Chris Amberley of Sports Betting Dime.
–
