Married to the Market - NBA Futures Betting and Strategy

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Right after we bet OKC to make the play-in tournament, they decided Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was “hurt.” Darn you, Presti.

Each section might not yield a bet every week, but ideally there’s actionable info in there to help readers gauge the market.

Something Old

MVP Jokic

This section will be a stagnant market due for a shake-up or a situation we’re tired of seeing.

The Joker is up to -350 in most spots. Seems like he’ll hold off Joel Embiid and lock up the three-peat.

Not mad or anything, he’s deserving. Was just hoping for more of a back-and-forth race.

Reaction – Tempted to take some Embiid shots now that he’s back to being more of a longshot, but don’t think it’s worth it.

Something New

Line Shopping for 6th Man

This section will highlight risers/fallers. Could be a team, player, entire market, etc.

Alright let’s pull up the 6th Man of the Year odds, yep Brogdon up top, Westbrook out of contention … OMG LOOK AT THAT MAXEY PRICE.

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Maxey’s 6th man campaign got a late jump. He started the first 15 games, missed six weeks with an injury, then returned in largely a bench role (seven starts in 25 games).

Reaction – Maxey isn’t even technically eligible to win yet since he hasn’t come off the bench in more games than he’s started. But that will change by the end of the season. I mean +1500 is worth a sprinkle right?!

Something Measured

Four Losses Separate 4th Place and 13th Place in the West

This section will be an interesting/unique/fun futures-related stat or trend.

We’ve looked at the parity in the West a couple times and this stat has been making the rounds on Twitter.

This section focused on making the play-in tournament last week, but how about some teams to miss the playoffs? It’s gonna get weird.

Reaction – The Pelicans are facing a make-or-break stretch.

Blazers/Warriors/Kings/Mavericks/Thunder/Blazers/Lakers the next two weeks. -104 on FanDuel to miss the playoffs if you think they get buried (I do). Even money to make the playoffs on PointsBet if you think they can get hot.

Something Eww

Coach of the Year Odds

This section will be a market that’s uncertain, mispriced or just generally one to avoid.

My gripe with this award is similar to the Most Improved Player thing. It should represent the highest degree of growth, not the highest peak reached.

Caesars has Mike Brown as the favorite. Perfect! The Kings are already over their preseason win total and should end their 16-season playoff drought.

But Joe Mazzulla and Mike Malone at 2nd and 3rd in terms of COY odds? I hate it. You should be excluded if your team was already a title favorite.

Reaction – Terrified that the Kings tumble down the standings in the West since it’s so tightly bunched. But Brown is such an obvious choice barring a collapse. -110 might be a little light.

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About the Author

cawright95
Charlie Wright (cawright95)

Charlie Wright (aka cawright95) is a former journalist who left the news world to pursue a career in the gambling industry. He writes weekly content for the NFL, NBA, and MLB while also contributing betting picks for ScoresAndOdds. Charlie has held a variety of roles for Better Collective. He currently leads the Marketing team for RotoGrinders, ScoresAndOdds, and FantasyLabs. Follow Charlie on Twitter – @Chuck_Wright5