Detroit Pistons’ 2017 NBA Championship Odds Middle of the Pack

Jan 7, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons celebrate the win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeated the Mavericks 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons celebrate the win over the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeated the Mavericks 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the Detroit Pistons expect to take a step forward next season, sports books don’t like their odds to make it a championship step.

The Detroit Pistons have had the opportunity to look forward since being swept in the first round by the Cavs. Despite not winning a game, the Pistons did give the Cavs a competitive series which some have pointed to as evidence the Pistons are ready to take a big step forward next season.

Expectations will certainly be raised for the 2016-17 season, but those whose financial fortunes lie with how these things turn out are not expecting a championship run from the Pistons. The Cleveland Cavaliers are less than 24 hours into their reign as NBA Champions but the sports books are already looking ahead at who might win the NBA Finals next season.

At 75/1, the Pistons come in behind six Eastern Conference teams and tied with three others. Add in Western Conference teams and a total of 13 teams have been given better odds to win the next NBA Championship than the Pistons. Just nine teams receive longer odds as the Pistons are one of a mass of eight teams at 75/1.

Bovada has set the opening championship odds for all 30 NBA teams like this:

More from Detroit Pistons

Golden State Warriors 2/1
Cleveland Cavaliers 9/4
San Antonio Spurs 15/2
Oklahoma City Thunder 17/2
Los Angeles Clippers 20/1
Boston Celtics 25/1
Toronto Raptors 25/1
Chicago Bulls 33/1
Miami Heat 33/1
Atlanta Hawks 50/1
Houston Rockets 50/1
Dallas Mavericks 66/1
New Orleans Pelicans 66/1
Charlotte Hornets 75/1
Detroit Pistons 75/1
Indiana Pacers 75/1
Memphis Grizzlies 75/1
Minnesota Timberwolves 75/1
New York Knicks 75/1
Portland Trailblazers 75/1
Washington Wizards 75/1
Denver Nuggets 100/1
Los Angeles Lakers 100/1
Milwaukee Bucks 100/1
Sacramento Kings 100/1
Utah Jazz 100/1
Orlando Magic 125/1
Philadelphia 76ers 150/1
Phoenix Suns 150/1
Brooklyn Nets 250/1

Free agency and the draft could have a significant impact on how each team’s odds move from here on out. For instance, any team able to pry Kevin Durant away from the Oklahoma City Thunder will surely see their odds rise, while the Thunder would see theirs fall.

The Pistons don’t figure to be big movers one way or another considering they aren’t expected to make any big moves to drastically alter the team’s outlook for next season. They have some cap space to add someone in free agency who can contribute, and they have both of their draft picks in the 2016 NBA Draft but the Pistons’ chances of improving next season hinge on the individual improvement of their young players and the development of the group as a whole as they spend another year together.

Next: Chad Ford Connects 7 Players To Detroit Pistons

What do you think about the Pistons opening as 75/1 odds to win next year’s Finals? Should they be higher, or do they still deserve long-shot status?