At the beginning of the NBA betting season, the Chicago Bulls drew interest from gamblers after a promising start. But the good times did not last, and the Bulls went back to factory settings. To their credit, Chicago climbed off the floor and is back in contention for a playoff spot, perhaps avoiding the play-in round.
Even when successful, the Toronto Raptors are among the most obscure teams in the NBA. Toronto had quietly emerged as a serious Eastern Conference playoff contender with a shot at the Atlantic Division championship. Toronto is one of the top defensive teams in the Association, and that has covered for the lack of a marquee man.
Also hanging in there as one of the most profitable teams in the NBA are the Philadelphia 76ers. If the season ended today, the 76ers would be right behind the Raptors as a playoff team while avoiding the play-in round. Philadelphia has had a good recent run, making gamblers happy. Most important of all, the 76ers have learned how to win without Joel Embiid, who remains plagued by injuries.
In the Western Conference, three teams don’t draw gamblers’ attention, which is helping enhance their betting value. Namely, the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets are holding value. All three teams are in playoff position. Correlate that Portland and Phoenix are fighting to escape the play-in round.
Chicago Bulls
Since his arrival for the 2020-21 season, head coach Billy Donovan has learned that he is not as smart as he used to be without elite talent. Donovan had loaded rosters and major online betting success as head coach of the University of Florida Gators and the Oklahoma City Thunder. By contrast, the Bulls have not provided Donovan with enough quality players and depth.
Still, Chicago is 18-20 straight up, 18-19 against the spread, and 17-21 under the total. However, the Bulls have covered eight of their last 13 games. Chicago went under the total in seven of their last ten games. Thus, the Bulls are in a play-in spot and just three games out of a regular playoff slot.
Of great concern is a hamstring injury to Josh Giddey, who leads Chicago with 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Coby White is picking up the slack with 18.6 points per game. Nikola Vucevic is averaging 16.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest.
This week, the Bulls have a January 13 road game against the Houston Rockets. Next is an NBA betting home matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Bulls then have consecutive games against the Brooklyn Nets on January 16 (road) and January 18 (home).
Portland Trail Blazers
Despite a MASH unit list of injuries, the Portland Trail Blazers are making Wise Guy gamblers quietly pleased. Late on the Portland Trail Blazers are printing money. Portland covered the spread in nine of its last 11 games. Portland went under the total in ten of its last 12 games. As a result, the Trail Blazers are 19-20 straight up, 23-16 against the spread, and 20-19 over the total. Portland holds the ninth seed in the Western Conference play-in and is five games out of the sixth and final playoff spot.
Deni Avdija is a relatively obscure name, but not for long. He leads the Trail Blazers with 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per contest. Additionally, Shaedon Sharpe brings 21.5 points per contest. However, Jerami Grant is suffering from an Achilles injury. His 20.0 points per game are missed. Of major concern is that Portland ranks 24th for fewest points allowed.
Special credit must go to head coach Tiago Splitter, who is keeping Portland competitive without an elite roster. Splitter is filling in for the suspended Chauncey Billups and has many fans demanding a permanent change.
Portland has an away game on January 13 against the Golden State Warriors. On January 15, the Trail Blazers host the Atlanta Hawks. Portland hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on January 17. And then on January 18, the Blazers have a road game against the Sacramento Kings.