NBA 2024-25 Odds: Phoenix Suns top playoff pick
The NBA he had a strange season, with Cavs leading the Celtics in the East by a staggering amount of games and the top three teams in the West — based on record — are OKC, Houston and Memphis.
Yeah, weird. But it’s about to get even weirder.
Apparently, The sun are on the threshold of trade for Jimmy Butler from Miami. It’s a complicated deal that can involve four or five teams. At this point, you just have to assume that it will be done.
It’s unclear what all the picks are and which players go where, but it looks like the Suns will lose Bradley Beal and acquiring Butler.
what does that lead to? Of course, a betting opportunity.
The Suns are 10th in the West since Jan. 23, at 22-21. Phoenix has a negative point difference, and nobody seems to be impressed with this team. He lacks interior defense, leadership, and Beal (who has a no-trade clause) has been a disaster.
Lastly, Phoenix is 24th in defensive efficiency; he was 12th last year.
But remember, the Suns are trading for Butler, a sharp small forward who can defend multiple positions.
And Playoff Jimmy? It’s the real thing.
While we don’t know who will move forward in the Butler trade, all signs point to Phoenix landing Jimmy Buckets, and we can assume Devin Booker and Kevin Durant it won’t go anywhere.
How good would that trio be?
On Monday, the Suns were +100 to make the playoffs.
After trading with Utah to get more draft picks, the Suns moved to -105.
As of January 23rd, they are -110 to make the playoffs.
With half a season left, there’s only one way the Suns can miss the playoffs, and that’s if they have multiple injuries to their stars. And then look at what’s happening to potential playoff teams in the West. The Mavs were beaten, who knows when Luka Dončić will return, and Warriors are one Steph Curry injury from having to work to get back into combat.
All of this being considered, the Suns entering the playoffs look like a lock.
PICK: Suns (-110) to make the playoffs
Jason McIntire is a betting analyst for FOX Sports who also writes about the NFL and NBA draft. Before arriving at FOX, he created The Big Lead website. Follow him on Twitter @JasonRMcIntire.
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2025-01-23 19:22:00
