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As we scour betting websites and listen to podcasts about sports gambling and see odds scrolling at the bottom of our TV screens more and more often these days, we all are looking for that edge. We all are seeking that key piece of information before we place a bet.
Where can we gain greater insight into projected line movement whether it be about a game, a player prop, or a futures play?
Knowing the value of that insight, PointsBet Director of Trading Content & Media Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) has agreed to make an appearance now and again when he sees a market preparing to adjust BUT has not yet adjusted. Bettors seek value. This is value.
Croucher’s NBA Book Report:
“Heading into the season, Cleveland’s win total over/under was 26.5 - the Cavs are currently winning at a pace that would exceed that total by over 20 games. Through 29 games, the Cavs, widely expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, are somehow 4th in the NBA in net rating, best in the East. While this award typically goes to teams that win 55+ games - which is why Monty Williams and Steve Kerr have been the two favorites - Bickerstaff is a serious threat to win, in similar fashion to how Tom Thibodeau won last year, where the over-performance versus pre-season expectations is too insane for voters to ignore. Billy Donovan and Erik Spoelstra were among the favorites at the start of the season but have been cruelled by player absences. Donovan is live as an outside threat but will need a top 4 seed to be in the mix - the bar is higher for Spoelstra, likely too high with Bam Adebayo out for an extended period.”
A Response from EDGE Experts:
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
Not only are the Cavs surpassing expectations, but they are rewarding bettors with a 23-6 ATS mark (79.3%) and $1,491 of winnings for the $100 bettor, per NBC’s Edge Finder.
How many games will the Cavs need to win for this award to be J.B. Bickerstaff‘s? Which playoff seed? The Hawks, Celtics, Knicks, Pacers and Raptors are all on the outside looking in right now. Let’s not forget, the Cavs are five games above .500, but a subpar road trip can change this conversation quickly.
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If Chicago wins 50-plus games, it will be hard to turn Billy Donovan down as the Bulls are living up to expectations. Like Jay, I believe Erik Spoelstra and the Heat are out on this award. Miami will attempt to win enough games for a top-four seed, but the focus will be staying healthy long-term.
Cleveland and Chicago have a lot to prove and lean Donovan over Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year as I expect the Cavs to regress after the New Year and the Bulls to get stronger as they get healthier.
Corey Parson (@TheFantasyExec):
Perfect timing on this piece by Jay. I was watching the Cavaliers just last night and thought to myself, J.B. Bickerstaff should win NBA Coach of the Year.
The Interesting yet ironic thing is, would anyone on this Cavalier team make the Eastern Conference All-Star team? Likely not, but that’s what’s so great about the job Bickerstaff has done. So many squads are a collection of individuals. Bickerstaff has actually made Cleveland a team.
The Cavs are currently the fourth seed in the East a mere three games behind the all-world Brooklyn Nets. They have the best point differential in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have 22 ATS wins on the season. The next closet team has 18.
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