NBA TANK WATCH
While previous three NBA seasons featured same teams in the NBA Finals, it’s more of a packed up race this year. Even if you want to cut the line of challengers to the top three or four elite teams, there’s still a whole lot of teams separated by just a couple of games. But what about those who are not dancing? With only about 20 games left, the cellar-dwelling teams are ready to call it quits.
March and April have traditionally been a minefield for those persistent to bet on the tanking NBA teams. Have you ever had that feeling that you’d lose your wager no matter which side you take? That some teams are simply not worth the hassle? Welcome to the tanking zone.
This is the second edition of our new weekly column, where we monitor what the lottery teams are doing and if they’re taking the winning and the competition with any seriousness.
It’s designed to save you time and money, but also give a green light to continue betting on certain teams games for as long as it’s worthwhile.
Watch List
In the previous week, we’ve identified the group of teams that have no realistic chance of coming back into the playoff picture, drawing a line at the 10th place for each conference. The Charlotte Hornets and the Detroit Pistons are still off of this list despite having marginal chance to join the party.
Eastern Conference tank watch will focus on the Knicks, Bulls, Nets, Hawks, and Magic.
Western Conference tank watch keeps an eye on the Lakers, Mavericks, Suns, Grizzlies, and Kings.
New York Knicks (24-41) – BLACKLISTED
The New York Knicks have lost all three games since our last review, losing by an average of 17 points on their three stops along the Pacific coast. That brings them to five consecutive losses and 13 out of 14. Since they’ve covered in just one of their past dozen, stretching to the start of February, it’s safe to say that they’re off our board. We’re blacklisting them – meaning that we’d need at least double the normal value to consider a spread bet on their side.
Chicago Bulls (22-42)
Easy schedule and inexperience in tanking properly led the Chicago Bulls to go 2-1 SU in the past week. They were smashed against the Celtics, but since they’ve won and covered against Dallas and Memphis, they are still safe to consider, especially against non-playoff teams.
Brooklyn Nets (21-45)
A 1-3 week for the Nets and no improvement in the NBA standings is welcomed by the Cavaliers, but the Brooklyn Nets have actually done a good job for their backers. We’ve already said it last week, but there’s no harm in repeating it – the Nets are safe to bet on. They are not a great team but will fight for your money. Going 4-1 ATS in the tough five road trip certainly passes our criteria.
Atlanta Hawks (20-45)
Even with winning one of the previous three games, the Atlanta Hawks are now tied for the last place in the East (with Orlando), and have a tied-third worst record in the NBA, thanks to failing to lose to Suns. The losses came at hands of the Warriors and Raptors and weren’t embarrassing, so we’re keeping their status for now. Still, they’re close to being taken off our betting list.
Orlando Magic (20-45)
The Orlando Magic are ok. They have won two and were upset not to win the game in Los Angeles when the clock malfunction robbed them of the opportunity to take the last shot. Not sure what their plans are, but they aren’t in full tank mode yet.
L.A. Lakers (29-35)
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, winning games and leaving an impression that they care. They’re too far back to re-enter the playoff consideration, but they certainly ain’t tanking. Bet with confidence.
Sacramento Kings (20-45)
Two wins this past week have pushed the Sacramento Kings past three tanking rivals in the West, so they quickly followed up with a lackluster performance against the New Orleans Hornets. They close the homestand with a game against the Magic before making trips to Denver and Oklahoma City, so we’ll keep our eyes open to see if they are waving the white flag with more tenacity to make up for the winning.
Dallas Mavericks (20-45)
The Dallas Mavericks have cooled off after a strong post All-Star period, going 1-2 SU and ATS since our last Tank Watch edition. Despite the comeback win against Denver (that might have been inadvertent), they are inching towards full tanking alert judged by their on-court performances.
Phoenix Suns (19-48)
The Phoenix Suns have gone 0-4 the past week, losing twice to the Thunder, and only covering as a 1.5 point underdog in the one-point loss to Atlanta. The Suns are 4-9 ATS over the past month, so while not blacklisted just yet, they shouldn’t be your priority.
Memphis Grizzlies (18-46) – BLACKLISTED
The Memphis Grizzlies were already at the brink of being blacklisted last week, but another 0-4 week extended their losing streak to 15 games. Yes, they lost by single digits in each game, showing some masterfully masked tanking expertise, but we’re not going to bite the bait. They are number one candidate to finish with the worst record in the league with this approach, and we’re not prepared to lose our money by putting a trust into a team that knows what they’re doing.
