Sixers’ odds take major leap after stealing Game 1

Heading into the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Philadelphia 76ers were considered by many to be on the short list of true contenders. With the injury to Joel Embid, which has now been confirmed to be a Grade 2 sprain, many have waivered on that notion, as seen by the odds surrounding the Sixers ahead of the second round.

Going into last night’s game, the Sixers faced +425 odds to win the series against Boston. A 45-point effort from James Harden later, and the team now holds +164 odds to move on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2001.

Sixers Championship odds boosted too

Even more impressive is the jump the team made in the odds to win the title. Heading into Game 1, the Sixers sat with +1100 odds to win it all. That had them listed behind the Los Angeles Lakers (+1000), the Phoenix Suns (+600), the Denver Nuggets (+600), the Golden State Warriors (+500), and the heavily favored Boston Celtics (+130). After their surprise victory last night, the Sixes leaped over the Lakers and the Suns and now sit with the fourth-best odds to win the NBA Championship (+500).

There is still much that must happen between now and then, but the Sixers are progressing toward overcoming their consistent roadblock, that is, the second round of the NBA playoffs. Much of that, of course, will depend on the health and impact of Joel Embiid.