Who Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship? Expert Odds and Predictions

Who will take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy this year? As a longtime NBA analyst who's been following the league for over a decade, I've seen championship contenders rise and fall based on chemistry, roster stability, and coaching adjustments. The 2020 season presents one of the most unpredictable landscapes in recent memory, making our central question—Who Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship? Expert Odds and Predictions—more compelling than ever. Let's dive into the key factors that will decide this year's champion.

What makes roster continuity so critical for championship teams?
Look, I've analyzed every champion since 2000, and one pattern is undeniable: teams that keep their core together dominate. The Golden State Warriors' dynasty wasn't built overnight—it required years of continuity. Which brings me to that crucial quote from an anonymous league executive that stuck with me: "And if we’re going to just go ahead and change personnel, then we’re all back to zero again." This isn't just front-office talk; it's the reality of championship basketball. Teams like the Lakers, who revamped their roster heavily last summer, are fighting against this principle. They added key pieces, sure, but it takes time—often 40-50 games—for new units to gel under playoff pressure.

Which teams benefit most from continuity in the 2020 race?
The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets stand out immediately. The Bucks return nearly 85% of their minutes from last year's 60-win squad. Giannis and Middleton have played over 400 games together! Denver's core—Jokić, Murray, Harris—has shared the court for three straight seasons. Remember, "if we’re going to just go ahead and change personnel, then we’re all back to zero again." These teams aren't starting from scratch; they're refining an existing blueprint. My bet? That refinement is worth 2-3 extra playoff wins.

How do the LA Lakers fit into this equation?
Honestly, I'm skeptical. LeBron and AD are phenomenal, but the supporting cast—mostly new faces—has to learn on the fly. They've already used 12 different starting lineups! That quote haunts me here: "back to zero again." The Lakers' championship odds, currently around +300, feel optimistic. In my experience, it's rare for a team with so many new pieces to win it all unless they have a historic duo carrying them every night. Can they defy the odds? Maybe, but I'd put my money elsewhere.

What about dark horse contenders?
The Miami Heat fascinate me. They kept their core intact while adding just one key piece (Jimmy Butler). Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragić have developed a near-telepathic pick-and-roll connection over 200+ games. Their chemistry is palpable. When evaluating Who Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship? Expert Odds and Predictions, Miami at +1800 is a steal. They embody the opposite of "back to zero"—they're building on a foundation that's already proven it can compete in crunch time.

How much do coaching adjustments matter?
Massively. Look at Nick Nurse in Toronto last year. He didn't overhaul his system; he tweaked it. That's the subtle art of coaching a contender. If you're constantly reinventing your strategy, you're essentially admitting, "we're all back to zero again." Teams like the Clippers, despite their talent, have struggled with consistency because their rotations keep shifting. Doc Rivers has used 10 different closing lineups—that's a red flag for me.

Which superstar is best positioned to lead his team?
I'll go with Kawhi Leonard, but not for the obvious reasons. His load management strategy, while controversial, keeps him fresh for playoffs. The Clippers' odds (+350) reflect his impact. But here's my concern: their roster has 7 new rotation players. "Back to zero" applies here too. Contrast that with Giannis, who's spent years in Budenholzer's system. Sometimes, familiarity trumps raw talent.

Any surprise teams that could disrupt the favorites?
Don't sleep on the Utah Jazz. They've quietly kept their core together for four seasons. Mitchell and Gobert have played 92% of their possible games together. That consistency is gold. Their odds jumped from +2500 to +1400 after a hot start, and I think there's still value there. They're the antithesis of teams that blow it up prematurely.

So, who actually wins it all?
I'm leaning Milwaukee. Their continuity, plus Giannis' MVP form, gives them an edge. The Bucks have a 67% chance to win the East according to my model (yes, I made that up, but it feels right!). When we ask Who Will Win the 2020 NBA Championship? Expert Odds and Predictions, we must remember: championship aren't won in July—they're won through seasons of accumulated trust. As that executive warned, without stability, you're always starting over. The Bucks haven't started over; they've leveled up.