Tanking Season Starts Early

If you spend anytime reading about NBA prospects you've undoubtedly heard of Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, the Thompson Twins and really the overall potential of the upcoming 2023 NBA draft class. Picks this year will carry an added level of value, especially for the franchises that are racing to the bottom of the standings. Let's take a look at some of the worst records in the association and what teams have a shot at a franchise-changing piece 🤞

😵‍💫 The NBA's Worst (by record)

• Charlotte Hornets: (7-21)

• Detroit Pistons: (8-22)

• Orlando Magic: (9-20)

• San Antonio Spurs: (9-19)

• Houston Rockets: (9-19)

• Washington Wizards: (11-18)

While there are a few teams close to this group of six, like the Thunder (11-17) and Lakers (11-16), I don't see either of them sliding into No. 1 overall territory. Wembanyama might be the prize, but don't forget about Scoot 👇

Obligatory Thompson Twin post as well. Ausar is actually lock down 🔒

I'm excited to see how the next few weeks play out before many players become eligible to be traded. Top contenders like the Bucks, Suns, Celtics and many more might be able to get a few players on tanking teams at a solid discount 👏

Stink Fest

Two teams that are poised to earn a 14% chance (the three worst teams by record get this percentage for the top pick) of drafting first overall will likely be Charlotte and Detroit. The Hornets entered the season without LaMelo Ball, who was recovering from an ankle injury that was re-aggravated in November after rolling it on a fan's foot, while the Pistons lost Cade to season-ending shin surgery earlier this week 😏

Ball played in only his fourth game of the season on Wednesday — he fouled out, but still notched a double-double (23 pts, 11 ast). The Pistons will most likely look to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, which should be right before the All-Star break in early February 🔄

• Expect players like Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and potentially Bojan Bogdanovich to become available, as Detroit looks to extract value out of a core that won't be with the franchise long-term

• The same line of thinking can be applied to Charlotte's host of quality role players like Kelly Oubre, PJ Washington and Gordon Hayward

All of the players above have been mentioned at some point by Shams as trade targets — but keep in mind that doesn't mean a deal has been close, and in his latest report, Shams noted that Bogdanovich was unlikely to be moved barring a favorable return. Either way, getting off rotation players will help the Pistons and Hornets continue to lose games, which ultimately helps secure greater lottery odds 👀

With both of these squads in action tonight, let's take a look at their odds. I'm not saying these teams should be faded just yet, but it's definitely a betting strategy to keep an eye on as the season progresses 🧢

Hawks vs. Hornets Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: Hawks -1

• Moneyline: Hawks EVEN (bet $100, win $100), Hornets -118 (bet$118, win $100)

• O/U: 233.5

Kings vs. Pistons Betting Preview

• Spread: Kings -5

• Moneyline: Kings -200, Pistons +168

• O/U: 239

For My Parlay Gurus

I expect the Hawks and Hornets game to be a mess, considering Atlanta is dealing with a slew of their own injuries, so I'm taking the under on the game total. Meanwhile, I like the Kings to take care of the Pistons, and will play it safe by taking them straight up. Check out my parlay 👇

• Hawks vs. Hornets Under 232.5 Total Points: -110

• Kings ML @ Pistons: -200

$100 on this bet would win you $186 — if we hit, make sure you email justin.schnell@itsovertime.com for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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