Indeed, the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans are long shots for the NBA championship. In fact, it is reasonable to say that these teams have no NBA betting chance of making the playoffs, let alone winning a championship. But before gamblers give up on them, they should look again. The Hornets, Jazz, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers are all in the black despite being at or near the bottom of their respective conferences.
Specifically, Charlotte, Portland, Utah, and New Orleans are classic examples of value betting. In the investment world, these teams would be known as the Dogs of the Dow, possessing hidden value that amateur investors often overlook. Such teams are profound reminders that when the squares ignore a team, it often delivers surprise profits. Especially for those with the courage and wisdom to take a measured chance.
Oddsmakers have to sweeten the pot on such teams to draw betting action to them and chase off an overload of money flooding in for popular favorites. Thus, bad teams often get enhanced prices and good betting value.
New Orleans Pelicans
Of course, the Pelicans are best known for having one of the biggest draft busts in sports history: Zion Williamson. Williamson went first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke and was proclaimed the savior of the franchise. Instead, he has flopped spectacularly, eating himself out of the league with that fine New Orleans cuisine.
Williamson signed for nearly $200,00,000, all of it guaranteed. However, in his NBA career, he has missed 169 games. New Orleans has a 69-100 record with Williamson. But what is interesting is that they are only 57-57 with Williamson. So far this sports betting season, New Orleans is 3-14 without Zion but 5-14 with him.
Despite being cleaned out by Williamson with a horrible return on investment, New Orleans has not been good to gamblers betting against it. The Pelicans are 8-28 straight up but 18-16-2 against the spread.
The NBA betting oddsmakers have caught up to New Orleans, which has failed to cover its last six games. But the fact that New Orleans is still in the black is a testament to its long-term betting value.
Initially, the bad stretch has occurred with Williamson back in the lineup. That is a key indicator of how the Williamson brand continues to attract squares. Thus, Wise Guys get the most value out of the Pels when Williamson is not on the hardwood, forcing an enhanced price from the oddsmakers.
This week, the Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, play the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, the Washington Wizards on Friday, and the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz owns a record of 12-22 straight up but are 20-14 against the spread. Late on, the Jazz got the money in eight of their last 11 games. Why is the Jazz dominating the cashier’s cage? Utah is one of the better offensive teams in the NBA, ranking 9th for scoring. Additionally, the Jazz don’t waste opportunities from the charity stripe. Utah ranks 7th for free-throw percentage, which is another favorable tell.
Utah is led by Lauri Markkanen, the 7th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft out of Arizona. The native of Finland is averaging 27.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Additionally, help comes from Keyonte George, the 16th overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft by Utah out of Baylor. George is averaging 24.6 points and 6.8 assists per contest. George is on his way to a career year after averaging 16.8 points per game last year.
Utah opens the week with a Monday night road game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Next is a road game against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Utah opens a 2-game homestand on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, followed by a Saturday game against the Charlotte Hornets.