NBA Futures Betting Opportunities
As the NBA season resumes following the All-Star Break, bettors have a window of opportunity in the futures market that promises significant returns without tying up their capital for an extended period. Here are a few strategic futures bets worth considering at this juncture.
Key Futures Bets
Lakers’ Win Total Under 48.5
The Los Angeles Lakers face a tough road ahead with one of the most challenging remaining schedules in the league. Currently sitting with a particularly demanding slate of opponents, the Lakers are projected to finish with 47 wins, just shy of the 48.5 figure set by the bookmakers. Key players like LeBron James are at risk of missing games, especially on back-to-back matchups, while Luka Dončić is still recovering from injury and Austin Reaves is likely to see limited action due to calf issues. Thus, betting on the Lakers to finish under 48.5 wins appears to be a prudent choice given the circumstances.
Clippers’ Win Total Under 41.5
Applying similar analysis to the Los Angeles Clippers reveals a projected win total of 41, close to the betting line of 41.5. The team’s recent trades, notably those involving James Harden and Ivica Zubac, have left the roster in a state of flux as they move towards rebuilding for the future. With a diminished squad, both offensively and defensively, the burden falls heavily on Kawhi Leonard. Any potential absences for him could severely impact the team’s performance, making a bet on the Clippers to go under 41.5 wins a sound option as they seem unlikely to compete effectively this season.
Cavaliers to Secure Eastern Conference Title and NBA Championship
The Cleveland Cavaliers are an intriguing pick in the futures market, particularly following their acquisition of James Harden and the expected return of injured players Evan Mobley and Max Strus. The Cavaliers boast some of the top shooting talent in the Eastern Conference and appear poised to be strong favorites as the playoffs approach. Unlike the Detroit Pistons, who seem to have opted for a longer-term strategy, the Cavaliers are clearly in win-now mode. Harden’s presence could significantly enhance their defense, allowing Donovan Mitchell to return to more favorable matchups. Wagering on the Cavaliers at +300 to win the Eastern Conference and +1200 for the NBA Finals could yield substantial returns.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP
In the realm of MVP betting, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as a compelling choice at odds below -200 due to the current dynamic around game appearances. Meeting the necessary threshold of 65 games played is critical, and with Gilgeous-Alexander having missed seven games thus far, he can only afford a few more absences without jeopardizing his candidacy. Following an abdominal injury that caused him to sit out going into the All-Star break, timing is crucial. It is anticipated that while he may miss the game against the Brooklyn Nets, he could be back for the matchup against the Cavaliers. If he is announced as missing for Friday, there is a strategic opportunity to place a bet before the odds shift again when he returns. Thanks to insights about this scheduling nuance from Joe Dellera of Action Network, this positioning could lead to a favorable wager.
