The NBA Central Division is one featuring plenty of tradition, from the dynasty of the Chicago Bulls to the success that the Milwaukee Bucks have had. All year long, we will keep our eye on the futures betting odds for this division, to help bettors make their NBA predictions when betting on the action in the Central. Be sure to check back often for updated thoughts on each team and the latest odds.
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NBA Central Division Odds
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are in first place in the Central Division standings this season. Trading for Damian Lillard has made the Bucks incredibly dangerous offensively, even if their defense is not quite as stout as it was when they had Jrue Holiday. The Bucks have made a coaching change this season, ditching Adrian Griffin and bringing in Doc Rivers. But that move has not paid dividends just yet, even if the Bucks finished in third place in the Eastern Conference for the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
It was an impressive year for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, as they made a huge leap in the Eastern Conference. They finished fourth in the East, with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland turning into an elite guard duo for the Cavs. This year, the Cavs are in second place in the Central Division and once again the fourth seed in the East going into the postseason. This Cavs team is better than their record suggests, as injuries to key players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley have held them back, something they hope to put past them in time for the postseason.
Indiana Pacers
It has been a fun year for the Indiana Pacers. They made the final of the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament, while Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a star in this league. While the Pacers finished in the top-six in the Eastern Conference, avoiding the play-in tournament, there are some concerns for this team on the defensive end of the floor going into the playoffs where everyone can score just like the Pacers can.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls ran it back this season with the group that was so disappointing a season ago. The trio of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic are clearly not good enough to lead a team to a deep playoff run, but the Bulls tried again anyway. LaVine has missed most of this season due to injury, but the Bulls are in the play-in tournament nonetheless, which is about as good as this team could have expected as currently constructed.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons’ goal going into this past season was to tank, and they did a masterful job of it. But this year might be an even better tank job from the Pistons, as they already have a 28-game losing streak under their belt in 2023 and few wins after it. Detroit has the worst record in the league and there is no reason to believe that they will play much better in the near future.