by ASA, Inc.
Sunday, Feb 25, 2024LA Clippers (+500)
The value on the Clippers has dissipated as the once +2300 has dropped to +500. Yet, LAC may still be worth an investment. They have been on a tear since December going 29-8 allowing Kawhi Leonard to sneak into the MVP conversation (+7000). Leonard is having the best shooting season of his career currently at 45% from three and 53% from the field. He ranks 9th in overall player efficiency rating and if the Clippers can capture the one seed in the West, Leonard may have the upper hand on MVP over Jokic (+200) and Gilgeous-Alexander (+350). Kawhi has his own case for MVP, but a main reason the Clippers still have value is the overall team efficiency they are playing with. George, Harden, and Powell are all shooting 40% or better from three. Combined with Russell Westbrook and Terance Mann, LAC seems to have unlimited offensive options. In a seven game series all that firepower will be tough to suppress, the one determining factor may come down to team chemistry and the willingness for the Clippers superstars to make unselfish plays for a chance at the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Cleveland Cavaliers (+2500)
The Cavs take pride on defense boasting the second best Defensive Rating in the NBA behind the Timberwolves. On offense Donovan Mitchell (+2000) is in the MVP discussion, a true number one scorer carrying Cleveland to second in the East behind Boston. Behind Mitchell is some quality depth with five other players averaging 12+ ppg. Darius Garland (18.3 ppg) and Evan Mobley (15.5 ppg) will be the key to how far Cleveland can go. In a star studded league, Mitchell will need offensive help in order to compete with the likes of Boston and Milwaukee in the East. However, we saw both of those supposed juggernauts lose to the eighth seeded Heat last year showing that neither are world-beaters by any means. If young role players can step up behind their established stud in Mitchell, Cleveland provides some solid value in the less competitive East.
Longshot - Miami Heat (+4200)
Miami has made the NBA finals two of the past four years. The East is once again wide open and the Heat seem to take the regular season a bit less seriously than other teams. In the past seven years, the number one seed in the East has failed to make the NBA Finals. In fact, only three times since 2003 has the one seed in the East made the Finals. History tells us that Boston is in a precarious situation. Miami ranks seventh in Defensive Rating and neither the Celtics nor Bucks want to see Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler again this spring.
