Vegas releases odds to win 2016 NBA title; Are Spurs early favorites?

The 2015 NBA season just ended with the Warriors winning their first championship in 40 years, but that did not stop Las Vegas bookmakers from releasing their updated odds-on favorites to win next season's NBA championship.

The Westgate LV SuperBook opened betting on the 2016 NBA title this week, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the early favorite with 9-to-4 odds.

The Cavs are followed by the Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder at 5-to-1. Those are the top three favorites, but the Spurs fall into the next group of teams.

The LA Clippers opened with 10-to-1 odds and the Spurs and Bulls are both pegged at 12-to-1.

The Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks have the next best odds at 20-to-1.

Part of the Cavs being early favorites is the expected return of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, plus the overall competition in the Eastern Conference compared to the Western Conference.

These odds could dramatically shift after free agency ends as a number of big name players will hit the market this summer.

The Spurs are also expected to have a significant roster turnover as only five current Spurs players are under contract for next season.

2016 NBA championship odds below via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook:

Cavaliers 9-4    Knicks 80-1

Warriors 5-1    Celtics 80-1

Thunder 5-1        Bucks 80-1

Clippers 10-1    Pistons 80-1

Spurs 12-1        Jazz 80-1

Bulls 12-1        Suns 80-1

Hawks 20-1        Lakers 80-1

Rockets 20-1    Nuggets 80-1

Wizards 30-1    Kings 100-1

Pacers 30-1        Nets 100-1

Grizzlies 30-1    76ers 200-1

Heat 30-1        Magic 200-1

Blazers 40-1    Wolves 200-1

Mavericks 40-1    Hornets 200-1