Another exciting 7 days in the NBA has resulted in a ton of changes from a betting perspective. Milwaukee now finds themselves comfortably atop the East after a crucial road win in Toronto. A home loss to Philadelphia took Golden State behind Denver out West. Ben Simmons is the first Aussie to make an All-Star game, whilst another fantastic week from the Beard sees him firm even further for MVP. Let’s break down all the latest action.
Milwaukee Gaining Control Out East
Off wins in 9 of their last 10 games, the Bucks now find themselves 2 games ahead of the Raptors and atop the Eastern Conference. A win in Toronto on Friday gave them the tie-breaker as well, making it very likely that they end up the #1 seed out East. Giannis has put up phenomenal averages of 26.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season, whilst swingman Khris Middleton earned himself an All-Star game appearance. Currently $4.50 to win the Conference, this looks over the odds for the likely #1 seed.
Denver Take First Place Out West
Off an impressive 8 wins in their last 10 games, Denver actually find themselves atop the Western Conference. They’re tied with Golden State at 37-15 but have the tie-breaker by way of a better Conference record. This means that Coach Mike Malone will lead LeBron’s All-Star team in the big show, a well-earned achievement. Based off phenomenal averages of 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, Nikola Jokic also will make a well-deserved All-Star appearance. Even if Denver don’t hold on to the #1 seed, they do appear somewhat over the odds to win the West at $17.
Ben Simmons Makes His First All-Star Game
Aussie Ben Simmons will become the first player raised in Australia to participate in the NBA All-Star game. The Sixers All-Star has put up very solid averages of 16.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, giving him a well-deserved reserve role. There was some controversy over him not making the game last season, however his numbers in 2018/19 have been too good to ignore. If Ben can keep putting elite performances like he did against Golden State on Friday, Philadelphia could have every chance in the Atlantic division at $6.
Harden Continues to Firm for MVP
Punters are all but handing James Harden the MVP trophy. After yet another stellar week of performances, he now finds himself $1.30 for the award. The reigning MVP finds himself with very stellar season averages of 36.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.8 rebounds. We’ve been on the Harden hype train for a while now, but the value seems to have gone here. If the Bucks can hang on to 1st place in the Eastern Conference, Giannis himself appears better value at $4.75.
Charlotte Ahead in the Southeast
7 wins in their last 10 games has seen the Charlotte Hornets take a 1.5 game lead in the Southeast division. The rival Miami Heat seemed comfortably ahead a fortnight ago, but 3 wins in their last 10 have seen them falter. Kemba Walker has been the star man for Charlotte all season, earning an All-Star starter spot for his averages of 24.6 points and 5.6 assists. If Kemba can keep up this fine form, the Hornets don’t look too bad of a bet to claim the division title at $3.