NBA Futures Odds: Favorites to Win the Eastern Conference

Article By John Ryan

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John Ryan founded a cutting-edge sports technology company more than 25 years ago. John has utilized many of the machine learning tools that have applications in other industries to successfully build simulation models, neural networks, and many types of algorithms that have earned strong predictive results. To identify a betting opportunity the fundamental research must support the mathematical projections. John has a proven track record of success as shown in his season records and numerous Top-10 finishes in all Major Sports.

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Last Updated: Mar 14^th, 2024

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NBA futures are increasingly popular on NBA betting platforms. Futures are bets on an event happening in the future, such as the conference finals champion, as we’re discussing here.

The Big Trade that Changed the East

The blockbuster trade involving Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond and Seth Curry being sent to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden will have a major impact on the Eastern Conference.

I strongly believe that the Nets got the better end of the deal by a significant margin, getting those three players and two first round draft picks.

Both teams should be improved, but the chemistry and locker room cohesiveness should be better for the Nets with Harden’s departure.

Breaking Down the Eastern Conference Records

Looking at the Eastern Conference, my predictive models are calling for the Miami Heat to be the No. 1 seed with a 53-29 record.

Chicago Bulls projects to be second — before the season, I bet them on the Over 41.5 wins — they are now projected to get 49 or 50.

The models have Philadelphia and Milwaukee to finish the season tied for third at 48-34 record. The Boston Celtics at 47-34 round out the Top-5.

Odds to win the Eastern Conference

How about the Nets?

The Brooklyn Nets are the most intriguing team when you start to look at the futures. My projections have them finishing with a 43-39 record, which I think is conservative. Regardless of how they finish, there is a 99% probability that the Nets will make the playoffs by a comfortable margin.

The Nets are tied with the Bucks at +280 to win the East. The 76ers are next at +350, followed by the Heat at +500, the Celtics at +1200 and the Bulls at +400. The Cavaliers, Raptors and the rest are on the outside looking in to be a legitimate contender.

If you believe my projections, Miami will be the No. 1 seed to start the playoffs. Using the futures market to bet them at + 500 is quite attractive. However, when they go up against any of the teams like the Nets, the Bucks or the 76ers, they could find themselves installed as an underdog, even in the home games.

So, How Should You Bet?

After the research, I am going to bet the Brooklyn Nets at +280 to win the Eastern Conference.

Check out how I pick the Western Conference futures.

Odds to win NBA Finals

Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook

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John Ryan founded a cutting-edge sports technology company more than 25 years ago. John has utilized many of the machine learning tools that have applications in other industries to successfully build simulation models, neural networks, and many types of algorithms that have earned strong predictive results. To identify a betting opportunity the fundamental research must support the mathematical projections. John has a proven track record of success as shown in his season records and numerous Top-10 finishes in all Major Sports.

Read Full Bio

John Ryan

Last Updated:   Mar 14^th, 2024

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