
The NBA Cup adds an exciting element to the regular season just before the holiday period, offering bettors a chance to enjoy and potentially profit from the tournament. However, due to the single-elimination format in the playoff stage, it can be difficult to predict outcomes for parlays and other bets. With that in mind, we’ve compiled some solid futures bets that provide opportunities for big wins, while maintaining a level of safety.
At the moment, the NBA Cup is still in its group stage, and this provides some valuable insight into how teams are performing. Last year, LeBron James and the Lakers took home the Cup, even though they weren’t the top team in the league. This shows that an underdog team can make a strong push and win it all. The same can be expected this year, with several potential underdogs making a bid for the trophy.
NBA Cup Winner Predictions
If there’s one team to bet on, the Golden State Warriors are looking like a great pick. While their starting lineup isn’t the strongest, their depth and bench strength give them a competitive edge. The Boston Celtics remain the strongest team overall, but the Warriors have something the Celtics don’t: Steph Curry.
Curry’s ability to dominate the game, especially with his three-point shooting, creates opportunities for his teammates in the paint, and opposing teams have yet to find an effective strategy to shut down the Warriors’ offense. As the Cup is early in the season, the Warriors will likely remain a formidable force throughout the tournament.
NBA Cup Futures Odds:
- Boston Celtics: +500
- Golden State Warriors: +650
- New York Knicks: +700
- Dallas Mavericks: +750
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +750
- Houston Rockets: +750
- Milwaukee Bucks: +1000
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +1100
- Phoenix Suns: +1200
- Orlando Magic: +1400
The Warriors currently sit at +650 to win the Cup, while the Celtics are favorites at +500. If the Warriors continue to impress, these odds may shorten, so now is a good time to place your bet.
NBA Cup Winner Spread Bets
If you prefer to play it safe, consider hedging your bet by spreading it across multiple teams. This tactic covers a variety of likely outcomes, ensuring that you make a profit no matter who wins the tournament.
The following five teams are the most realistic contenders:
- Celtics: +500
- Warriors: +650
- Knicks: +700
- Mavericks: +750
- Cavaliers: +750
Hedging Strategies for NBA Cup Futures 2024
Different Returns Hedging Strategy
The first strategy involves placing the same stake on all the teams. For instance, placing $10 on each team would result in different returns based on the team that wins. If the Celtics win, you’ll make your money back plus a small return, whereas the Mavericks or Cavaliers would give you a much larger profit.
Same Returns Hedging Strategy
This method ensures that you make the same amount of profit no matter which team wins. By calculating the stake based on the odds, you can place different amounts on each team to ensure equal returns.
Quick Calculation Example:
In the “Same Returns” strategy, we first convert the odds to decimal format. For example, the Celtics’ odds of +500 convert to 6.00. We then divide the nominal stake by the decimal odds, allowing you to determine how much to bet on each outcome to guarantee equal returns.
While this calculation involves some detailed math, it can easily be done with online calculators. Using the same formula with our odds calculators can help you tailor your strategy further.
Team Analysis for Futures Bets
The New York Knicks might be a team to avoid in the NBA Cup. While they have a solid roster, they don’t have enough players who can consistently perform under pressure. Karl-Anthony Towns, in particular, has been lackluster defensively, which could hinder the Knicks against stronger teams like the Warriors and Celtics.
You may also want to reconsider the Mavericks, and instead focus on a combination of the Celtics, Warriors, and Cavaliers. These teams are the top performers this season, with stars like Donovan Mitchell, Steph Curry, and Jayson Tatum leading the way.
NBA Cup MVP Prediction
As for the MVP of the NBA Cup, there’s only one clear answer: Steph Curry. Despite a new team dynamic without Klay Thompson and the addition of Buddy Hield, Curry continues to carry the Warriors. Without him, the team wouldn’t be as competitive in the Western Conference.
When comparing Curry to other MVP candidates like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, it’s clear that Curry’s impact is far more significant. Both Tatum and Doncic have strong teams around them, making their absence less impactful.
NBA Cup MVP Odds:
- Stephen Curry: +700
- Luka Doncic: +950
- Jayson Tatum: +1000
- Donovan Mitchell: +1000
- Alperen Sengun: +1200
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: +1400
- Jalen Brunson: +1400
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: +1500
- Jaylen Brown: +1500
- Franz Wagner: +1500
The MVP award is decided by a vote, and while Curry is the logical choice, there’s a chance the award could go to someone else, like Jayson Tatum. If you’re looking for a value bet, Donovan Mitchell at +1000 is a great option, especially if the Cavaliers make a deep run in the Cup.
Best NBA Futures Betting Sites
To take advantage of these odds, it’s important to use top sportsbooks that offer competitive lines on futures bets. Platforms like DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and bet365 are ideal for betting on NBA futures, as they offer good odds and excellent promotions for new users.
When placing bets on futures, always shop around for the best lines, as even a small difference in odds can impact your potential return.