The Boston Celtics are currently favored to win the Eastern Conference and their player, Payton Pritchard, is the favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award. However, there might be better betting opportunities as the regular NBA season approaches its conclusion.
Fade: Celtics to Win the Eastern Conference
Despite having the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics trail the Cleveland Cavaliers by five games with only ten games left. It`s highly likely the Cavaliers will secure the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. While Boston performs well on the road, Cleveland boasts the best home record in the league, a significant advantage in the playoffs.
Statistically, the Cavaliers have outperformed the Celtics in key metrics this season, including scoring differential and the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI). The Cavaliers` superior BPI suggests a higher probability of advancing further in the playoffs compared to the Celtics.
Cleveland`s balanced offense, featuring elite playmakers and efficient scoring, is particularly suited for playoff basketball, which tends to be more half-court oriented. Furthermore, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers has historically performed exceptionally well against the Celtics.
Considering these factors, betting against the Celtics winning the Eastern Conference and instead backing the Cavaliers might offer better value.
Fade: Payton Pritchard for Sixth Man of the Year
Payton Pritchard`s extremely short odds to win Sixth Man of the Year make betting on him unattractive from a value perspective. While Pritchard is a strong player specializing in three-point shooting and perimeter defense off the bench, his competitors are statistically comparable.
De`Andre Hunter and Malik Beasley, also bench players known for floor spacing and defense, have similar or even better statistics in some categories. Hunter, in particular, outscores Pritchard with comparable shooting efficiency and offers greater defensive versatility due to his size.
While Pritchard has played more games, Hunter is on pace to meet eligibility requirements for awards. Considering Hunter`s strong performance, especially in points per game and advanced metrics, and his significantly longer odds, he presents a more compelling betting option for Sixth Man of the Year.
