Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks.
The Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks won’t sneak up on anyone this season in the NBA, and bettors are optimistic both teams can build off last year’s success.
The Suns, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, have a win total of 51.5 at BetMGM. The Hawks made noise in the postseason with a first-round series win over the New York Knicks and have seen their total rise from 46.5 to 47.5. Both teams are among the most-bet overs this year.
Phoenix has seen over 90% of bets and dollars come in on the over, while the Hawks are at 88% of bets and over 90% of handle also on the over, according to data released by BetMGM.
Both teams have the benefit of MVP candidates leading the way. Atlanta’s Trae Young is +1600 to win the award, trailing just seven players on the oddsboard. Phoenix’s Devin Booker is right behind him at +2000. Chris Paul is +10000.
The other team seeing the most action on the over is Portland as pressure increases to put a winning team around star Damian Lillard. Lillard, who is +1100 to win the MVP, leads a Trail Blazers roster that enters the season with a win total at 44.5.
Bettors aren’t so sure about the Los Angeles Clippers, who will be without Kawhi Leonard as he recovers from a torn ACL. With Paul George leading the way, under 45.5 wins is getting hammered early.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (34.5) and Houston Rockets (27.5) are the other teams seeing the most action so far on the under.
With a few weeks still to go before the NBA regular season begins, the win total market isn’t flush with bets just yet but early bettors have clearly made their mark. Someone didn’t hesitate to buy in on the Utah Jazz, placing $22,000 on over 51.5 wins. That has since moved to 52.5.
