Milwaukee Bucks Futures: Has the Lillard Trade Taken Away All Value?

by

Sep 28, 2023

Following a seismic shift in the NBA landscape, the Milwaukee Bucks are now front and center in the championship futures discussion. With the recent roster changes and the ripple effects of free agency, the Bucks’ odds have witnessed a considerable surge.

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They currently stand under 4 to 1 to clinch the championship title. It’s a drastic shift, and as any seasoned bettor would advise, this might not be the best value you’ll find, especially given the volatility of early-season predictions. Their odds to emerge as victors in the East are now at +150, which screams “heavy favorite.” While their Central odds might not entice many wagers, what’s intriguing is the leap in their projected win total – it’s jumped to a whopping 55.5.

Irrespective of the roster’s firepower, 55.5 wins are a ton. The Bucks have undoubtedly strengthened their lineup, but achieving that win total is no walk in the park. For a while, it seemed like Boston was the undisputed kingpin of the East. The Celtics were the go-to choice primarily due to a lack of competition. However, with Milwaukee making significant moves, the dynamics have shifted.

Adding a player of Damian Lillard’s caliber, who impressively averaged over 30 points per game last season, is monumental. But integrating a new star, especially with seasoned players, requires time and chemistry. Swapping a 33-year-old for another 33-year-old, in this case, Lillard, means the Bucks are heavily reliant on veteran prowess. While experience is invaluable, especially during the crunch playoff moments, the rigors of an entire NBA season can’t be underestimated.

Another variable in the mix is the new head coach, Adrian Griffin. There are bound to be growing pains with a revamped roster and a fresh coaching perspective.

So, it’s worth scanning the horizon for those looking for value bets. The recent Bucks’ shakeup might indirectly benefit teams like the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, or Miami Heat. Now playing catch-up, these teams might make strategic moves to counter Milwaukee’s strengthened roster.

While the spotlight is firmly on the Bucks, the broader implications of their moves on the Eastern Conference are profound. As bettors and fans, it might be wise to hold the reins on our excitement and observe how the early season unfolds. The NBA, after all, is a marathon, not a sprint.

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Thumbnail photo via Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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