NBA Futures Tracker, Thursday 3rd November
Western Conference
Denver Nuggets
The natural response to the opening couple of weeks of the NBA season is always an overreaction when the reality is it’s a long season with plenty to play out.
It also helps with so many games every week; the spotlight goes on the glamorous coastal teams stacked with big names. With both factors in mind, there could be some value in looking at Denver.
A recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers may have raised some eyebrows, and there have been questions about the team’s ability to find its chemistry.
The reality is Jamal Murray is still finding his groove after missing the whole season last year, and Bones Hyland is dealing with a minor case of the second-year blues. Both those players will only get better with continuity, as will Michael Porter Jr, who has been shooting well despite a minor back problem.
But the most significant factor for the Nuggets is two-time MVP Nikola Jokic who is still in his prime and is as hungry as ever for ultimate success. The Nuggets have longer odds than Golden State and the LA Clippers, who have worse records but more prominent names. Get on them to conquer the wild west before they tighten.
SUGGESTED BET:
Denver Nuggets to win the Western Conference at $10
Most Improved Player
Zion Williamson
There has never been any doubting Zion Williamson’s ability – he was considered the surest of sure things when he was drafted with pick one in 2019, but the question has always been about his body. Those questions remain with him already sitting out games with a hip injury so far this season, but when he is on, he is on, as seen in the recent obliteration of the Clippers.
After missing all of last year and significant chunks of his first two seasons, he has a low base but an extremely high ceiling, and at $21, the odds are too juicy to overlook.
SUGGESTED BET:
Zion Williamson at $21
Sixth Man Of The Year
Bennedict Mathurin
The market would have you believe this is a two-horse race, with Jordan Poole and Christian Wood paying under $3 for this award. That is astonishing, considering the early stage of the season. There is definitely value to be had outside that pair, especially considering some odd form from Poole lately and whispers about Wood’s discontent in his role.
One young star worth keeping an eye on is Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin, who has been brilliant from his cameos on the court so far. He turned heads everywhere with a 20-point half against Brooklyn, and it helps his case as a rookie that the Pacers are rebuilding and likely to put more minutes into their young star. Mathurin is on the second line for rookie of the year voting, but this could be the award he gives a natural shake.
