Its not even June yet and we can already bet on NBA futures for 2024-2025! DraftKings is the first sportsbook to come to market with available odds on the 2024-25 Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy winner.
From a sportsbook's perspective, this is a simple and smart idea. Being the first to open up new betting lines attracts customers who are looking to attack that market; and in this case, it also includes bettors tying up money in their account for over 12 months. From a bettor's perspective, it means betting anything now has to be a clear value grab. So, are there any value spots worth grabbing now?
DraftKings has released NBA Title Odds for NEXT SEASON.
Do you see any value? 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/Ca2oAkxJgf
— Michael Fiddle (@FiddlesPicks) May 24, 2024
To identify a value spot, I want to find a team that is preparing to be an offseason buyer. This could be in the form of projecting forward and finding a potential landing spot for a big free agent. Or, could the next disgruntled star be a fit? Does the team I am aiming to pick up now have cap space or the ability to trade assets to acquire an odds-swinging player?
If the betting lines are going to be more or less stable from now until the start of next season, then take the time to wait and evaluate the offseason and training camp. One reason to wait is possible injuries. Plenty of players will be participating in the Olympics this summer, whether with the star-studded Team USA or the plethora of international players now in the NBA. There is also training camp and summer league.
The Celtics are +350 right now, and while they are cruising toward a dance on the NBA Finals stage right now, they have some contract stuff to tie up and at least two players on the Olympic roster. Maybe Al Horford wins this year and then retires (hopefully doing something in media because he's funny).
Before I break down a few teams, I have one other thought. While this is a bet on the 2024-25 NBA title winner, I do not think you have to be self limiting to only teams you think can actually win the NBA title. These odds come at a time when we do not have other team futures available — no win total over/unders, no conference winner, no playoffs yes/no, etc. We don't even have individual awards that we can correlate!
For that reason, there may be reason to attack a ridiculous long shot, because once the rest of the markets comes online, the value may have dried up. Last year at this time I played Pacers 500:1, Rockets 500:1 and Thunder 120:1. While none of those teams are going to win, those initial positions provided flexibility to clearly profit. The best example was Indiana, which moved to 200:1 by the time its win total opened, then mid-season acquired a star, and now the Pacers find themselves in the Eastern Conference finals. DraftKings knew I got them when I also played Celtics -900 for the series before Game 1 and initiated a proper hedge.
So, which teams may have value in the 2024-25 NBA futures market? Let's make four predictions below.
San Antonio Spurs 150:1
If you are this far down in the article, you don't need to know why the future is bright in San Antonio. Aside from having an extraterrestrial on their roster, the Spurs have cap space, two top-10 picks in the draft, control future draft assets and have young talent that could be attractive in trades. They also have a legend for a coach and play in a state where there is no state income tax. It is only a matter of time before a star wants to go run with Victor Wembanyama.
This offseason could it be two top-10 picks used and bringing in Tobias Harris? Darius Garland? Brandon Ingram? Julius Randle? I'm spitballing names that would put them in the playoffs, which makes a 150:1 ticket a money maker.
Sacramento Kings 50:1
I promise this is Michael Fiddle writing the article and not Ignacio Garcia. In the NBA, offense travels and wins in the regular season, as shown by Indiana this season. We know the Kings can score, but the key now is their defense strengthening, which should be helped by another year of growth for Keon Ellis, Davion Mitchell and of course Keegan Murray.
The downside is the possibility of losing Malik Monk, but the upside is possibly going to acquire a big name player. We know Sacramento was in on trying to get Pascal Siakam, so we know they are actively looking to upgrade.
Philadelphia 76ers 12:1
Of all the teams with "shorter" odds, the home of the cheesesteak is a team that can take a big bite this offseason. The 76ers have two slots for max cap space, which they can use to bring in one player and re-sign Tyrese Maxey with Bird rights.
Philadelphia has been linked to Paul George, with rumblings he is not as stable in LA as everyone thinks. If it's not George, I know Daryl Morey has backup plans B, C, D, E and all the way to Z ready to go. Could they draft Bronny James and lure LeBron James? It's probably option G for Morey, but if I am thinking it, he is too.
Charlotte Hornets 200:1
This is the type of write up that will get you all in or all out. The stars are aligning for the Charlotte Hornets — quite literally. According to Zodiac GM, LaMelo Ball is a Leo, Brandon Miller is a Sagittarius and the partnering of those signs leads to instant chemistry.
Along with new coach Charles Lee, who is a fantastic hire, and new ownership bringing upgrades to team facilities, don't be surprised if the culture is sky high in Charlotte next season and it translates to the court. If the Hornets can be a playoff team in a weak Eastern Conference, you have yourself a valuable ticket at 200:1. Even if they make the play-in, you can probably start hedging.
Extremely compatible Zodiac Energy. A+
LaMelo Ball (leo)
Brandon Miller (sagittarius)This duo: Instant Chemistry
I wouldn't be surprised if these
two become best friends.Natural zodiac chemistry relays to positive team flow. Easier communication. Brings the best out of one… pic.twitter.com/9izkOBJfpT
— The Zodiac GM (@TheZodiacGM) June 23, 2023
