Sportsbooks are reassessing the NBA Coach of the Year race after unexpected first-half performances by the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns.
Celtics Exceed Pessimistic Projections
Boston opened the season with expectations closer to a rebuild than a title push. Oddsmakers placed the Celtics’ win total at 40.5, and ESPN’s Basketball Power Index projected 40.1 victories. Despite those modest forecasts—and while rehabbing forward Jayson Tatum was expected to miss significant time—head coach Joe Mazzulla has guided the club to a 22-12 record through early January. The Celtics hold the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed and trail the Atlantic Division-leading New York Knicks by just half a game.
Suns Turn Around Under New Leadership
The Western Conference has produced a similar surprise. After finishing 36-46 last season, Phoenix traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets and bought out Bradley Beal. The franchise then dismissed Mike Budenholzer and hired former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott. Despite a preseason over/under of 30.5 wins, the Suns are 21-14 following Sunday’s victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, putting them on pace for roughly 50 wins.
How the Odds Stack Up
While several coaches are in contention for the league honor, sportsbooks list other names at the top. FanDuel posts Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff as the favorite at +185, with San Antonio Spurs interim Mitch Johnson next at +340. DraftKings, however, offers longer odds on both overachievers: Mazzulla at +800 and Ott at +700—figures bettors may view as potential value plays.
Source: Hoops Wire
