Jason McIntyre
Co-host of THE HERD and FOX sports activities betting analyst
The NBA has had an odd season, with the Cavs main the Celtics within the East for a formidable variety of video games and the highest three groups within the West – based mostly on data – being OKC, Houston and Memphis.
Yes, unusual. But it is about to get even weirder.
By all accounts, the Suns are on the verge of buying and selling for Jimmy Butler from Miami. It’s a convoluted affair that would contain 4 or 5 groups. At this level you simply need to assume that it’ll get finished.
It’s unclear what all of the picks are and which gamers will go the place, nevertheless it seems the Suns will lose Bradley Beal and purchase Butler.
What does this result in? Of course, a betting alternative.
The Suns are tenth within the West as of Jan. 23, sitting at 22-21. Phoenix has a destructive level differential and nobody appears impressed with this group. They lack inside protection, management, and Beal (who has a no-trade clause) has been a catastrophe.
Finally, Phoenix is twenty fourth in defensive effectivity; he was twelfth final 12 months.
But bear in mind, the Suns are buying and selling for Butler, a feisty small ahead who can guard a number of positions.
And Jimmy within the playoffs? This is an actual factor.
While we do not know who will transfer ahead within the Butler commerce, all indicators level to Phoenix touchdown Jimmy Buckets and we are able to assume Devin Booker and Kevin Durant aren’t going anyplace.
How cool would that threesome be?
The Suns have been +100 to succeed in the playoffs on Monday.
After buying and selling with Utah to amass extra draft picks, the Suns fell to -105.
As of January 23, they’re -110 to make the playoffs.
With half a season left, there’s actually just one means the Suns miss the playoffs and that is if they’ve extra accidents to their stars. And then take a look at what’s occurring with potential playoff groups within the West. The Mavs are beat up, who is aware of when Luka Doncic might be again, and the Warriors are one Steph Curry damage away from having to work to get again into rivalry.
Considering all of this, the Suns making the playoffs looks like a lock.
CHOICE: Suns (-110) to make the playoffs
Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst who additionally writes concerning the NFL and NBA Draft. Before arriving at FOX, he created the web site The Big Lead. Follow him on Twitter @JasonRMcIntyre.
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