Pelicans' title odds jump from 300-1 to 25-1 after landing 1st pick
The New Orleans Pelicans had just a 6 percent chance of landing the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft but overcame the odds for an opportunity to select Duke's Zion Williamson in June.
And with Tuesday's lottery win came a giant bump in the Pelicans' championship chances - at least according to the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook.
New Orleans was initially tied for the worst odds of winning the 2019-20 NBA title at 300-1, but the number was lowered to 25-1 after the lottery, which sees the Pelicans tied for 10th with the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2019-20 NBA Championship winner updated
— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) May 15, 2019
GS 7/4
Mil 9/2
Hou 10/1
Bos, Phi 12/1
NY, LAC, LAL 16/1
Tor 18/1
Den, OKC, NO 25/1
Bkn 30/1
Utah, Por 40/1
Dal, SA 50/1
Ind 80/1
Orl, Atl, Chi, Sac, Mem 100/1
Det, Char, Mia, Wsh, Cle, Min, Phx 300/1
The change in odds is related to the increased likelihood that superstar Anthony Davis will remain in New Orleans this season now that the franchise has a chance to draft Williamson.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks' odds remained unchanged at 16-1 after the team fell to No. 3 in the lottery despite having the worst record in the Association last season.
"We think it's a lot more likely that Anthony Davis decides maybe New Orleans isn't so bad now that they're getting Zion," Westgate director John Murray said, according to ESPN's Ben Fawkes.
Murray added: "We're not going to raise the Knicks' odds yet, but this may reduce their chances of landing Kevin Durant."
The Golden State Warriors are still listed as the favorite to win it all next season.