Breaking down the NBA 2016-17 future odds and making sense of it all
The NBA season is officially here, so it is the perfect time to make your last second predictions and bets. So let’s say hypothetically you were to place a few bets in your trip to vegas within the next day or so, what would the lines look like?
*All lines are courtesy of bet365.com
NBA Champion
Last year, this was taken home by the preseason favorite, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, heading into the NBA Finals last season the Warriors were favored, but heading into the season the Cavs were.
Who has the best odds to take home the chip this season?
Favorite: Golden State Warriors, -125, Every $10 you bet, you win $8.
Wildcard: Cleveland Cavaliers – +325, Every $10 you bet, you win $32.5
My Pick: Golden State Warriors, -125, Every $10 you bet, you win $8.
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If you are an occasional gambler, then the best pick would probably be the Cavs. Realistically, though, Golden State is the best choice. To get almost full return per $10 on such a heavy favorite in the media’s and common consensus eyes is a great value. In all of our hearts, we want the Cavs to win, but we all know it is a long shot.
*All lines are courtesy of Bovada.com
NBA MVPs
Last year, the NBA MVP was given out to Steph Curry for the second time and the first time unanimously. With KD and Curry having slim chances, Westbrook is the obvious favorite. The problem will be what if his team doesn’t do well.
Favorite: Russell Westbrook, +200, Every $10 you bet, you win $20.
Wildcard: James Harden, +1000, Every $10 you bet, you win $100.
My Pick: Damian Lillard, +3300, Every $10 you bet, you win $330.
The wildcard pick is James Harden because he will most definitely have the stats to win the MVP, but his team or media support might not be good enough. Even if Harden pulls a line of 28/9/5, he might only be the 8th seed. The reason my pick is Lillard is for these reasons. First off, he has the highest return of all three. Second, off, his team gives him the most realistic chance to win it.
The Blazers have a realistic shot at the second or third seed, something Westbrook or Harden most likely won’t achieve. With what we have seen in the voting the last few years, your team’s success is a vital component.
Lillard also won’t be lacking in the stat department. A line of 26-27 PPG, 7-8 APG and 4-5 rebounds a night is most definitively good enough for MVP nowadays. So combined with the fact that the favorite and wildcard picks might not have good enough teams, then factor it with the fact GSW and SAS might not have a candidate, Lillard has a real good shot.
*All lines are courtesy of SportsInteraction.com
NBA COY
Favorite: Steve Kerr, +300, Bet $10 to win $
Wildcard: Tom Thibodeau, +700, Bet $10 to win $70
My Pick: Brad Stevens, +700, Bet $10 to win $70
Steve Kerr is the favorite because the Warriors will most likely have the best record in the NBA. A lot of people like the Thibs pick though because the Timberwolves realistically can go from a Top 5 pick worthy team to a 5-6 seed if all goes correctly.
My pick though is Brad Stevens. The Celtics improve every year and every year Stevens is a candidate. The Celtics have a real shot a 2 seed this upcoming season as well has 55+ wins, Steven is definitely a real possibility. So yea, Stevens is my pick for COY.
*All lines are courtesy of 5Dimes.com
NBA ROY
Favorite: Kriss Dunn, +350, Bet $10 to win $35.
Wildcard: Brandon Ingram, +550, Bet $10 to win $55.
My Pick: Joel Embiid, +600, Bet $10 to win $60.
Before his injury, Ben Simmons was the clear favorite but now things are a little skeptical. Dunn is currently the favorite, but I’m not touching that line. Thibs is a very discipline-oriented and team oriented coach so I doubt Dunn gets the numbers needed with Lavine and Rubio still there. Brandon Ingram is a solid pick but Russell will most likely take control of the team with him trying to shut doubters up.
That leaves my pick, Joel Embiid. Embiiid has looked everything we thought he would be and more in the preseason. It has been announced Simmons will miss an extended amount of time, so Embiid should carry the load for Philly. He also has become a fan favorite, so that helps his cause.
*All lines are courtesy of SportsIntercations.com
NBA DPOY
Favorite: Kawhi Leonard, +350, Bet $10 to win $35.
Wildcard: Draymond Green, +400, Bet $10 to win $40.
My Pick: Kawhi Leonard, +350, Bet $10 to win $35.
This one is pretty easy, the award is going to one of these two no matter what. I feel as if Green’s shenanigans and the Golden State alienation will not allow him to win the award, so the next in line is Kawhi. Kawhi will most likely be deserving either way so it won’t be a problem. I doubt anyone can surpass these two as the 1A and 1B defenders in the NBA.
Must Read: 2016-17 NBA Award And Season Predictions
Who are your award picks? Think anyone could swoop under the radar and win one of these? Can anyone win two of these? Let me know below or on twitter @ByNickGonzalez. I hope you enjoyed the read!