Nuggets Championship Odds Only Improve Marginally with Return of IT

• Isaiah Thomas had eight points off the bench in his Nuggets debut.
• Can the diminutive guard regain pre-injury form?
• If not Denver, who is the best NBA Championship bet?

It’s not often a team in the thick of the Western Conference chase gets a talent boost by way of a recent All-NBA player.

But on Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets got exactly that, as Isaiah Thomas made his season debut, 11 months after being shelved with a serious hip injury.

The Standing Ovation last night from the nuggets fans meant everything to me!!! It’s been a long and tough journey for me but getting love last night is what I needed and I’m very appreciative to all my fans for the love and support you continue to show me #ThatSLOWgrind #Killa

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 14, 2019

The little guy played 13 minutes, racked up eight points, including 2-for-5 from three point range, helping the Nuggets down the Kings 120-118. The Nuggets checked into All-Star Weekend at 39-18 with a sparkling 25-4 record at home.

And even then, the Nuggets’ 2019 NBA Championship odds didn’t see much movement, as Denver barely moved from from +3000 on February 7th to +2800 on February 15th.

Some sportsbooks a little more generous with their Nuggets odds, so does IT make them a team worth wagering on in the playoffs?

2019 NBA Championship Odds

*Click on the link in the table above to see odds for all 30 NBA teams

Thomas Should Help Close Out Games

The Nuggets are led by the outrageous play of center Nikola Jokic. The Serbian is by far the best passing big man in basketball. On his watch, everyone eats. On top of Jokic’s 20.4 points and 10.6 rebound averages, he’s also pumping out 7.7 dimes a contest – Wilt Chamberlain is the only center to carry a higher per game average.

The best passing big man in the league? What do you expect from Nikola Jokic this season? ✨💰 pic.twitter.com/0AQrA02TR6

— NBA UK (@NBAUK) August 24, 2017

The fulcrum of the free-flowing offense has the Nuggets ranked fourth in assists, 10th in three-point percentage and ninth in field goal percentage.

There are a lot of things that Jokic can do, but one of the things he could use help with – as can the rest of the young Nuggets – is a go-to guy in the clutch.

While Jamal Murray has the DNA to eventually be that guy, for now he, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, and Will Barton are key competent pieces to surround Jokic. But, as the games grow tighter and playoff offenses get bogged down, sometimes you need a guy who can get you buckets.

Enter IT.

Isaiah Thomas with the clutch and-1 jumper! 🔥🍀

pic.twitter.com/iZDOuwxyMk

— NBA SKITS (@NBA_Skits) May 3, 2017

Isaiah Thomas scored 11 of the C's last 13 pts & was the @HRBlock Clutch Player of the Game in the W over the Kings.https://t.co/22Bit9xSM5

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 8, 2016

Finally healthy, Thomas has every opportunity to step into Mike Malone’s system and cook.

He’s just a couple of seasons removed from his career year, when he averaged 28.9 points and 5.6 assists a game for the Celtics, earning All-NBA second team honors. If he can return anywhere near that level, Denver has added a much-needed element to their team.

So far, so good.

"When my name is called, I'm going to always be ready. When I'm in the game, I'm going to make it hard for the coach to take me out." – IT@isaiahthomas had 8 PTS (3-6 FG, 2-5 3PT), 2 AST in his 13 MIN season debut with the @nuggets!

(Via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/C6WzMnd6Hc

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 14, 2019

What’s the Best Bet to Make Here?

It’s hard to imagine that a squad firmly entrenched in the second slot out West, with a potent offense and a defense that ranks seventh in points allowed and gives up the fewest rebounds to its opponent is a value bet, but we’re here.

Denver’s defense ranks seventh in points allowed and gives up the fewest rebounds to its opponent.

And it’s not a knock on the Nuggets or IT, it’s that big massive death star hanging over the NBA that is known as the Golden State Warriors (-230).

There’s a reason there’s almost a 1000-point difference in their odds to the next closest favorite Toronto (+750). This isn’t breaking news, but it’s going to take a major injury to derail the inevitable, folks.

If you’re looking for a team that could straight up beat the Dubs, you might not have to wait for the NBA Finals. I think the long shot value lies with the OKC Thunder (+1700).