The NBA is almost back, and the Eastern Conference yet again is a force to be reckoned with.
Like last season, it’s hard to bet against the Brooklyn Nets no matter how the situation plays out with Kyrie Irving. At the end of the day, Kevin Durant still is the best player in the world and James Harden isn’t a bad sidekick.
But the reality is, the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks probably make sure anyone trying to make it to the Finals has to go through them first. And with the offseason the Miami Heat just had, the competition is fierce.
Here is the outlook for the East, with betting odds from DraftKings SportsBook:
EASTERN CONFERENCE WINNER
Brooklyn Nets +100
Milwaukee Bucks +390
Philadelphia 76ers +750
Miami Heat +900
Atlanta Hawks +1500
Boston Celtics +1800
Chicago Bulls +2800
New York Knicks +4000
Indiana Pacers +4000
Charlotte Hornets +8000
Toronto Raptors +10000
Washington Wizards +10000
Detroit Pistons +30000
Cleveland Cavaliers +30000
Orlando Magic +30000
REGULAR SEASON MVP
Kevin Durant +600
Giannis Antetokounmpo +800
Joel Embiid +800
James Harden +2000
Trae Young +2000
Jayson Tatum +3000
Jimmy Butler +5500
Bradley Beal +6000
REGULAR SEASON WINS
Atlanta Hawks over/under 46.5 (-120)
Brooklyn Nets over/under 55.5 (-115)
Boston Celtics over/under 46.5 (-115)
Charlotte Hornets over/under 38.5 (-115)
Chicago Bulls over/under 43.5 (-120)
Cleveland Cavaliers over/under 27.5 (-115)
Detroit Pistons over/under 25.5 (-110)
Indiana Pacers over/under 42.5 (-115)
Miami Heat over/under 48.5 (-115)
Milwaukee Bucks over/under (-115)
New York Knicks over/under 42.5 (-110)
Orlando Magic over/under 22.5 (-120)
Philadelphia 76ers over/under 50.5 (-115)
Toronto Raptors over/under 35.5 (-130)
Washington Wizards over/under 33.5 (-125)
PICK: Chicago Bulls OVER 43.5 wins
The Bulls’ win total stands out to us after the incredibly productive free agency, draft and offseason they had. Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Zach Lavine make for a really balanced team when looking at their inside, outside and midrange shooting, athleticism, and potential post play. After a successful rookie season, Pat Williams should continue to make strides. A $120 bet on Chicago to win more than 43.5 games this season would pay out $100. You could say we’re bullish.
