NBA Eastern Conference Betting Preview: Division Breakdown

Quick Tips:
- Bet Pacers to win the Central Division at +170 with Ladbrokes.
- Bet Celtics to win the Atlantic Division at 20/23 with Ladbrokes.
- Bet Heat to win the Southeast Division at 7/5 with Ladbrokes.
Two of the divisions in the Western Conference shouldn’t be much of a contest. But the same can’t be said for a wide open Eastern Conference that could see a major shake-up in the wake of LeBron James leaving for Hollywood.
Browsing some of the top sportsbooks online, let’s dive right in handicapping the three East divisions for the 2018/19 NBA season.
Betting the NBA's 2018-19 Central Division
LeBron James’ four-year run atop the Central is over, meaning we’ll have a new winner for the first time since 2014. That year the Bucks were 15-67, their worst record in franchise history, and their 19-year-old rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 6.8 points. What a difference a few years makes.
The Greek Freak is now arguably the conference’s best player and looks primed to take the Bucks to new heights with a strong supporting cast. Khris Middleton is on the verge of becoming an All-Star, Eric Bledsoe has given them stability at the point and they added Brook Lopez and Ersan Ilyasova in the offseason. All that, led by Giannis’ likely MVP push, makes them the division favorites.
Then again, no Central team had a better offseason than Indiana. Bringing in Tyreke Evans and Doug McDermott should improve their second unit, Myles Turner is due for a bounce-back year and Victor Oladipo, fresh off a Most Improved Player award and fantastic playoffs showing, will have Indiana fighting for homecourt advantage.
It’s a classic case of whether you want to bet on the best player in the division – Giannis – or the best team – Indiana. Either way, we expect this to come down to the season’s last few weeks.
And we’re going to ride with the Pacers. It might take the Bucks a little while to fully adapt to new head coach Mike Budenholzer’s schemes, while Indiana will be full-go from Day 1 under Nate McMillan. That’ll give Indiana a head start on the division crown, but if we’re being honest it’s pretty much a toss-up, and the odds reflect that. We’ll take the Pacers’ +165 odds on Ladbrokes, but we wouldn’t blame you for going with Milwaukee’s +130 there as well.
Central Division Outright Odds
- Milwaukee Bucks = +130 on Ladbrokes
- Indiana Pacers = +165 on Ladbrokes
- Detroit Pistons = +400 on 888sport
- Cleveland Cavaliers = +1600 on Ladbrokes
- Chicago Bulls = +2000 on 888sport
Betting the NBA's 2018-19 Atlantic Division
This three-team race in the Atlantic might also be the race for the top seed in the East. We’ll begin with the favorites. A team one win away from last year’s NBA Finals adds Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Their young core is a year older and more experienced, and they’ve got the best X’s and O’s coach in basketball.
The Sixers have the best young 1-2 punch in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and they sky’s the limit on how good they can eventually be. They also won 52 games and will get a full season from Markelle Fultz. And the Raptors were the division winner a year ago and swapped DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard.
This division is stacked, to say the least. And yet, the smart money is on the Celtics. They rarely take days off in the regular season and they can afford to sit starters for rest purposes and still have a chance of winning because of that deep bench. It’s even better that you can get them relatively cheaply (20/23 on Ladbrokes) because of the competition they’re up against. Our bet is the Celtics earn their second division title in three years.
Atlantic Division Outright Odds
- Boston Celtics = -115 on Ladbrokes
- Philadelphia 76ers = +260 on Ladbrokes
- Toronto Raptors = +320 on Ladbrokes
- New York Knicks = +2600 on 888sport
- Brooklyn Nets = +5000 on 888sport
Betting the NBA's 2018-19 Southwest Division
The Heat and Wizards have traded off winning this division each of the last three years. Miami was the winner by a lone game a year ago, so history would tell us it’s Washington’s turn.
The Wizards underwent a mini-overhaul this offseason, acquiring Austin Rivers and Dwight Howard. That’s not to say either player moves the needle, but it’s significant when remembering that John Wall missed half the year with a bothersome knee. A healthy Wall, plus Howard and Rivers, is certainly enough to make up the single game Washington finished behind Miami last season. Add wings Bradley Beal and Otto Porter, and it’s no surprise Scott Brooks’ squad is favored in the division.
But it’s tough to overlook the Heat. They’re going to bring back the core of their 44-win team and hopefully get more from Hassan Whiteside (54 games) and Dion Waiters (30 games). They’ve got a stellar backcourt in Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson, a frontline consisting of Whiteside, Kelly Olynyk and sophomore Bam Adebayo, and wings in James Johnson, Justise Winslow and Wayne Ellington to provide a scoring punch.
A healthy Wizards team might have the edge, but we like the balance Miami has at just about every position. Plus, Dwight Howard hasn’t exactly brought a winning culture with him the last five years in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte. Take the Heat and their solid 7/5 odds, compared with Washington’s 8/11 on Ladbrokes.
Check Out: Legal Ontario Sports Betting sites and major sports to bet on.
Southeast Division Outright Odds
- Washington Wizards = 8/11 on Ladbrokes
- Miami Heat = 7/5 on Ladbrokes
- Orlando Magic = 14/1 on Ladbrokes
- Charlotte Hornets = 20/1 on Ladbrokes
- Atlanta Hawks = 25/1 on Ladbrokes
Other Betting Tips for 2018-19 NBA Season
Recommended Betting Sites



- 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit,: £10, max £10 free bet valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets not eligible. Neteller,Skrill and Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. www.begambleaware.orgFully Mobile-Optimised InterfaceInteractive Football Match Centre‘BoostItOn’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetItOn have ex-Liverpool striker and Champions League winner Djibril Cissé as their brand ambassador and resident football expert. - Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply. - Full Terms ApplyCreate your own Multiples with Bet BuilderLive Streaming of all UK & Irish RacingDaily Price Enhancements & SpecialsGET40Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
16Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
Yes888sport offer a wide range of sports betting markets, combined with regular enhanced specials, plus an exclusive 'Acca Club' (bet £20 on Multiples or Bet Builder to get a £5 free bet - every week). - T&Cs apply. New customers on mobile only. 7 days to claim and stake £10 minimum bet at odds of 1.5 or greater to qualify. Free, void, cashed out or partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Max 3x £10 free bets credited on bet settlement. Free bets must be used on 4 or more selections with selection odds of 1.3 or greater. Free bets are non-withdrawable and stake not returned with winnings. 7 day expiry. 18+ BeGambleAware.orgWide Range of In-Play MarketsLive Streaming of UK Horse RacingBetting App for Android & iOS Devicesnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
9Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBetUK have leading National Hunt trainer Neil Mulholland and celebrity horse racing enthusiast and model Vogue Williams as brand ambassadors and betting experts. - 18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. Click to see full T&CsDual Sportsbook & Casino PlatformDistinctive ‘Moustache’ Branding‘PlayBoost’ Accumulator Boostsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
21Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoMr.Play Sports has a fun style of its very own, with a memorable handlebar 'tache wherever you look, but it boasts a serious amount of betting markets, plus Premier League & 'Euro Elite' betting battle tournaments. - Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. - Full Terms ApplyAwarded 'Sportsbook of the Year' 2018/19/20/21Live Streaming of 1000's of Events2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offernot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
31Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBet365 offer the most comprehensive online sports betting service, including live steaming of a huge range of sports, plus a unique 'Edit Bet' functionality. - The Promotion operates as a £/€20 Surprise Bet when you place a bet of at least £/€10 on any market with odds greater than or equal to 1.50 as your first bet. The Promotion runs from 09/08/2021 / 12:00 (BST) until 31/12/2021 / 12:00 (BST) (the “Promotional Period”). The Promotion is only valid to: (a) new customers; (b) customers aged 18 years or over. To qualify for the Promotion, participant must deposit and place a £/€10 bet as their first bet on any market (excluding each way) in the sportsbook with odds greater than or equal to 1.50. Only original odds count toward the promotion. Supercharged odds do not count towards the promotion. An accumulation of smaller stakes will not count. Cashed out bets do not count towards this promotion. Only available once per customer. Rewards will be credited to qualifying participants within 48 hours after placing the qualifying bet. Potential winnings from the Surprise Bet are paid in withdrawable cash, excluding the stake. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.Random Supercharged PayoutsWeekly ‘kwiff Club’ Cashback & Free Bets‘Acca Shield’ Refund (if One Leg Fails)not requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
13Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesWhen a customer places a bet with kwiff, they may find that their bet is “kwiffed” - where you receive increased odds after placing your bet. - T&Cs apply. New reg only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via "My Offers" page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. - Full Terms ApplyMobile First Betting Interface'Leo King' Sports Prediction Game24/7 Customer Servicenot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
34Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoLeo Vegas Sports is the sportsbook from this multi-award-winning casino operator, with a focus on mobile users - including a sport betting app for Android & iOS Devices. - New ‘brand’ customers that have yet to make a first deposit on the site. Must be aged 18+. Only valid on first deposit. Not valid with any other offers on the site. Offer expires after 14 days. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Rewards Points for Every BetWeekly Free Bet ClubHigh Betting LimitsSPORTS200Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
27Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
YesSportNation offer unique money back promotions and special offers, such as 'First Five' where your football bet is paid out as a winner if your team scores first in the first 5 minutes. - New customers only. Qualifying bets must be placed before midnight 31/8/21. Free bet credited when your first bet on Glory Goals settles. Qualifying min odds 1.5. Free bet min odds 1.1 and must be used in 7 days. T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.Extensive American Sports MarketsUnique 'Glory Goals' BettingRegular Enhanced Odds & SpecialsRZGG20Bonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
YesIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
12Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
NoCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoRedZone is an American-style sportbook who offer innovative markets, such as 'Glory Goals' where you can bet on two teams playing in different games - selecting who scores most. - New players only. Free Bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+. Play Responsibly www.begambleaware.org.10% Cash-Back on Various Sports'Wager Wars' Cash PrizesFull & Partial Cash-Out Optionsnot requiredBonus Code
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Live StreamingIs there live streaming of sporting events?
NoIn-Play BettingThe number of sports with in-play betting available
16Bet BuilderCan you build your own personalised bets?
YesCash OutCan you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
YesAcca InsuranceRefund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
NoBritainBet is a relatively new sportsbook and casino platform, which offers Bet Builder and Cash-Outs, plus 24/7 customer service.
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.