Steph Curry and the Warriors have covered 11 of their first 16 games. (Photo credit: Keith Allison / Foter / CC BY-SA)
Canadian basketball fans all know the Raptors have started well, but they haven’t been the best team to bet on this year.
Despite winning 13 of its first 17 games, Toronto was just 10-7 against the spread going into Tuesday, Dec. 2 action. Oddsmakers have caught on to the Raptors’ success, making them bigger and bigger favourites until they can’t cover point spreads that often.
But don’t worry, there are still ways to make money in NBA betting. Like wagering on these 3 teams that have been money-making machines so far this year (stats current as of Monday, Dec. 1):
1. Warriors (11-5 ATS)
Steve Kerr has been a good fit in Golden State, as the Warriors have started 14-2 overall and 11-15 ATS under their new coach. Much of their damage has been done on the road, where they are 9-1 straight up and 7-3 ATS.
Golden State can still score the ball as well as anyone, ranking third in points per game. But the Warriors’ greatest strides this season have come on the defensive end of the court, where they are eighth in points against and first in field goal percentage allowed.
It’s getting tougher to find value with Golden State these days. The team was favoured by 7.5 points or more in each of its last six games on the road, and has been underdogged just twice in 16 games.
2. Trail Blazers (11-5-1 ATS)
Portland has enjoyed the opportunity to play 11 of its first 17 games at home. The Trail Blazers are always tough at the Rose Garden, so it’s no surprise they are 7-3-1 ATS at home.
Despite their success this year, the Blazers have been favoured by double digits only twice and are 0-1-1 ATS in that scenario. Portland’s been a strong play as an underdog, however, going 3-0 ATS in that scenario.
3. Bucks (12-6 ATS)
Low expectations have made the Bucks a bettors’ dream this season. The team has been favoured just six times this year, yet has a winning record overall (10-8) and is 12-6 ATS.
An interesting thing about the Bucks is that they seem to win the games they’re supposed to. Milwaukee covered its first five games this season as a favourite.
The Bucks are also 7-3 ATS in 10 road games.