nba players_NBA Betting_NBA futures post-All-Star Weekend.
NBA Finals
Let’s start at the top with NBA Finals futures odds. It should come as no surprise to anybody that the Boston Celtics — who have been favorites virtually all season long — have the best odds to win the NBA Finals (+325).
Behind Boston is the big winner at the trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns (+450), who acquired superstar Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Despite Phoenix currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings, oddsmakers believe there is enough firepower with Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Durant to make a run to the Finals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are the only other team with 5-to-1 odds or better at +475.
The race for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award is the tightest at the top among any individual awards. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen (+115) and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+125) are the leaders in the clubhouse. All eyes are focused on that finish, but don’t count out New York’s Jalen Brunson, who is lagging just behind at +275 odds to win the award.
Lastly, there are plenty of great options for the Coach of the Year Award. Boston’s Joe Mazzulla (+180) is the current favorite coming out of the All-Star Break. Sacramento’s Mike Brown (+225), Denver’s Michael Malone (+275), Memphis’ Taylor Jenkins (+600), Brooklyn’s Jacque Vaughn (+750) and Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers (+900) all have better than 10-to-1 odds.
