How Does Ime Udoka Suspension Affect Boston Celtics' Odds?
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The Boston Celtics are the preseason NBA odds title favorites, but the team will be without coach Ime Udoka for the 2022-23 season.
Can this something that makes you want to change how you bet on them?
Ime Udoka Suspended for 2022-23 NBA Season
The team announced Udoka has been suspended for a violation of team policies. ESPN is reporting Udoka’s relationship with a female member of the team’s staff is the reason for the suspension.
"I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down," Udoka said in a statement to ESPN. "I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
The Athletic is reporting some within the organization were aware of the relationship in July. At that time, the relationship was considered to be consensual before sources say the woman accused Udoka of making unwanted comments toward her.
Udoka was set to begin his second season with the Celtics after leading the team to a 51-31 record in the regular season and a berth in the NBA Finals. Boston fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games but was considered one of the preseason title favorites for 2022-23 with the addition of guard Malcolm Brogdon through a trade.
Boston Has Suffered Series of Setbacks
But the Udoka suspension is the final event in what has been a dizzying offseason for Boston. First, there were the Kevin Durant trade rumors, which included possibly sending out top backcourt talents Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.
Boston added Danilo Gallinari, only for him to tear his ACL during international play, forcing him to miss the upcoming season. Then, starting center Robert Williams had a setback with his surgically repaired knee and will need to undergo a second operation that will force him to miss the start of the regular season. The Celtics also announced Udoka’s long-term future with the team will be decided at a later time.
Assistant Joe Mazzulla will serve as the team’s interim coach. Mazzulla interviewed for the Utah Jazz coaching position and has been a member of Boston’s coaching staff since 2019.
Udoka’s top assistant from last year’s team, Will Hardy, left Boston to become the new head coach of the Jazz.
Celtics' NBA Championship Odds Movement
Even with the Udoka news, there has been little movement on the Celtics title odds.
FanDuel and DraftKings both still have Boston as the preseason title favorites at +550.
The Celtics have even shorter odds at BetMGM where they are favored at +500.
The only reported line movement on the Celtics after the suspension comes from SuperBook. Jeff Sherman, the SuperBook VP of Risk Management, announced the Celtics moved from +600 to +750 following the suspension, while the Brooklyn Nets moved from +1000 to +800.
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