Rightfully so, the Brooklyn Nets are title favorites. At +230 to win it all this year (odds from the end of March), the three-headed monster of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden is undeniable for oddsmakers.
Yet, for some reason, fans and analysts seem to doubt the Nets and their ability to win 16 postseason games in order to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first time ever. The Nets have won two Finals, but both came while in the ABA.
Maybe it’s the lasting stench of being the “little brother” of New York, with the Knicks still the old guard of fandom in the city.
Or perhaps it’s the very legitimate road the Nets would have to go through in order to even reach the Finals leading to the doubt — a Philadelphia 76ers team led by a potential MVP candidate in Joel Embiid and a Milwaukee Bucks team led by two-time MVP Giannis Antentokounmpo (who has played like an MVP at times this season as well).
Whatever the reason, fans are doubting the Nets.
The Sixers remain the East team I have the most faith in.
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) April 18, 2021
So, let’s look at some reasons why the Nets should still be favored, beyond the obvious reason that they have three of the most talented players in the NBA right now.
Stop sleeping on Brooklyn!