Online betting NBA fans saw the Boston Celtics lose Paul Pierce to retirement this year, but even with the loss of one of their legends the Celts haven’t missed a beat. Boston’s 37-20 record ranks them second in the Eastern Conference, just two games behind the Cavaliers, and it also ranks them 1st in the Atlantic Division. In fact, most sportsbooks believe that Boston is just one big trade from becoming title contenders.
Most basketball betting sites expect the Celtics to make a push for an All-Star in the coming days. The right addition could propel Boston deep through the playoffs, but the latest news make it very clear that the Celtics will not be pursuing one person in particular.
“[Boston] talked intermittently with the Clippers about Blake Griffin in recent weeks, per several league sources, but a deal is extremely unlikely,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe wrote. “Griffin will be a free agent this summer, and Boston would probably need official permission to talk to him about his future.”
Because Boston would need Los Angeles’ permission, the Clippers would likely ask for a bounty in return. Because of this, the Celtics have lost interest and the latest reports indicate that the Griffin talks have dialed down. However, online betting NBA fans can still expect Boston to make a move, particularly for Chicago Bulls’ guard Jimmy Butler.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the talks have been ongoing and that Chicago is looking for a bundle of pick in the top five, a starter, as well as a top prospect in exchange for Butler. While that might seem like a hefty price to pay, Butler is a three-time NBA All-Star. His addition would certainly force online sportsbooks to give the Celts more favorable odds and as it turns out, the Celtics have just the right card to play.
“Butler’s current deal – signed in the summer of 2015 before maximum salaries increased – is even more favorable to his team,’ ESPN’s Kevin Pelton expressed his opinion on the matter. “Including the remainder of this season, I estimate Butler’s value above and beyond his salary at $57.4 million, making him one of the NBA’s most valuable players in trade – and far more valuable than the Nets’ pick alone.”
Currently Boston is averaging 108.4 points per game and is led in points by Isaiah Thomas who is averaging 29.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Second in points for the Celtics is Avery Bradley who is putting up 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. To put things in perspective; take a look at the online betting NBA numbers Butler is putting up.
Butler is not currently beating Boston’s own All-Star’s (Thomas) numbers, but there’s no doubt his averages are impressive. Butler is currently putting up 24.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. With these digits in mind, it’s safe to say that Butler is much more valuable than a potential high draft pick. If Boston can secure another 20-point scorer, the Celtics might just become the new sportsbook favorite in the East.
