Not a subject which most media organizations want to push too hard. It's not good for their brand, and it's not helpful when they want an interview with a coach in a press conference either. It's the elephant in the room.
It's all about one issue this season, everyone wanting to pick up Cooper Flagg, the prodigy from Duke.
The acid test here in terms of how the Sportsbooks are pricing up any potential tanking scenarios, are projected regular season wins odds. But don't forget, if we suspect tanking might happen, the market knew a month before us!
Here the best odds and lines for the eight teams with the most to gain from tanking in 2024/25:
LA Clippers: Over 40.5 wins - 2.20. Under - 1.62
Chicago Bulls: Over 27.5 wins - 1.68. Under - 2.10
Charlotte Hornets: Over 29.5 wins - 1.83. Under 1.91
Utah Jazz: Over 29.5 wins - 1.94. Under 1.80
Detroit Pistons: Over 25.5 wins - 1.87. Under 1.87
Portland Trail Blazers: Over 22.5 wins - 2.00. Under 1.77
Brooklyn Nets: Over 19.5 wins - 1.85. Under 1.90
Washington Wizards: Over 20.5 wins - 1.97. Under 1.80
The Nets managed 12 wins in the 2009/10 season, a fair way 'behind' Charlotte (the Bobcats as they were known then) who strolled to an impressive 7-59 record in 2011/12. And then promptly changed their name to the Hornets.
Suffice to say, it's going to be an interesting market to follow. Who loses, wins, it appears to be. When Cooper Flagg is involved.
