We are at the halfway point of the NBA season and there are some eye catching top gambling trends for the first half of the campaign. In this post I will discuss the best gambling trends of the first half of the season.
Best Teams ATS
| Team | Record | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | 27-9 | 75% |
| Phoenix Suns | 24-11 | 68.6% |
| Philadelphia Sixers | 24-12 | 66.7% |
| Brooklyn Nets | 24-13 | 64.9% |
| LA Lakers | 24-13 | 64.9% |
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are by far the biggest surprise of the first half of the season. As a matter of fact, the Jazz posted the best record against the spread. As a result, the Utah Jazz currently are the best team in the Western Conference, posting a record of 25 wins and 11 losses.
Furthermore, the Utah Jazz are the best team against the spread in home games. The biggest surprise this season is the three-point shooting for the Jazz, which is the key to their success in the first half of the season. Utah is the #1 team in three point makes per game and are top three in attempts and percentage thus far. Lastly, the Jazz had an incredible 19-1 ATS run in the first half of the season.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns currently are the #2 seed in the Western Conference. When the season started, I predicted the Suns would have a great season. However, I did not think they would have this much success early in the season. In fact, the Suns are the second-best team against the spread (24-11) in the league.
Furthermore, the Suns are tops in the league against the spread at home and on the road. The success should continue in the second half of the season. Chris Paul and Devin Booker are leading this team so far and will be a tough out during the playoffs.
Worst Teams ATS
| Teams | ATS Record | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 7-29 | 19.4% |
| Detroit Pistons | 10-26 | 27.8% |
| Houston Rockets | 11-23 | 32.4% |
| Orlando Magic | 13-23 | 36.1% |
| Sacramento Kings | 14-22 | 38.9% |
Houston Rockets
Unfortunately for the Houston Rockets they were forced to trade their franchise superstars Russell Westbrook and James Harden. As a result, the Rockets are the worst team against the spread (11-23). In addition, the Rockets are dealing with a slew of injuries.
Christian Wood has been sidelined for weeks with a severe ankle injury, Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo have been in and out of the lineup. The Rockets will also be sellers during the trade deadline, which may force them to run a G-League lineup. I look for the Rockets to continue their struggles in the second half of the year. Continue to fade this team as a big gambling trend.
Minnesota Timberwolves
To no one’s surprise the Minnesota Timberwolves continue their struggling ways this season. Currently, the Timberwolves are the second worst team against the spread. As a result, the Timberwolves are ranked amongst the bottom in offensive and defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves also fired their former head coach Ryan Saunders and hired Chris Finch from the Toronto Raptors. Despite drafting Anthony Edwards first overall in last year’s draft the Wolves continue to struggle. This gambling trend should continue in the second half of the season – look to continue to fade this team.
Best Over Team
| Team | Over Record | Winning % |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 26-10 | 72.2% |
| Sacramento Kings | 25-11 | 69.4% |
| Brooklyn Nets | 25-12 | 67.6% |
| Denver Nuggets | 23-13 | 63.9% |
| LA Clippers | 22-15-1 | 59.5% |
New Orleans Pelicans
There is no secret the New Orleans Pelicans are one of the best Over teams in the entire league. The Pelicans are 26-10 to the Over this season. In fact, the first five games this season for the Pelicans all went Under the total. Since that time, the Over is cashing at rate of 84%. An Over bettor dream team! The Pelicans are #6 in offensive efficiency and #29 in defensive efficiency – that is a successful recipe for Overs to cash!
Best Under Team
| Team | Record | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 23-14 | 62.2% |
| LA Lakers | 23-14 | 62.2% |
| Houston Rockets | 20-13-1 | 60.6% |
| Golden State Warriors | 22-15 | 59.5% |
| Cleveland Cavailers | 20-15-1 | 57.1% |
New York Knicks
The Knicks are one of the most surprising teams this season. Currently they are #5 in the Eastern Conference and it is in large part due to their defense. Tom Thibodeau has the Knicks rated as the #2 defensive efficient team in the league. Furthermore, the Knicks are the #1 team in opponent points allowed per game.
