Bet On These Big-Name NBA Teams To Miss The Playoffs

Believe it or not, the 2022-2023 NBA season tips off Tuesday, Oct. 18.

It will also be the start of teams eyeing the Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes. Aka ‘The Tanking Seasons’ – at least for some teams. We’re looking at you, Utah and Oklahoma City.

So don’t even think about taking a flyer on those two to make the postseason. Absolutely not happening. The same goes for the Rockets and Spurs.

But which two teams offer the most reasonable odds and best value to also go on summer vacation following the end of the regular season?

Let’s take a look–and I’ll make my single best call from each conference. The current (Oct. 14) odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. If you're looking for a sportsbook promotion, check out the best offer in the USA: DraftKings Bet $5, Win $200.

But don’t forget about all the other great gambling options available in your state including BetMGM, FanDuel and more.

Also, be sure to check out our guide to online casinos, from Michigan to New Jersey. You can place all your NBA future bets there, including these picks for total wins in the 2022-2023 season.

My two picks include the price of these two storied franchises sitting out next year’s playoffs. Remember, this does not include games in the play-in tournaments. Basically, I”m saying both of these teams will not be among the eight from each conference following the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament.

Chicago Bulls (+110)

The Bulls went 46-36 last season, despite an array of injuries (to Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams and more). They were then eliminated by the Bucks 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

Now, heading into a much deeper Eastern Conference, Ball is injured again and expected to miss at least the first three months of the season, if not more.

DeMar DeRozan had a career year last season and he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. However, he turned 33 in August and few expect him to duplicate his sensational 2021-22 campaign.

Chicago needs an outstanding season from Zach LaVine if they’re to reach the postseason, but I’m betting the Bulls make it just to the Play-In Tournament and that’s where their season ends. In a fight for the seventh and eighth seeds, I believe it will be the Cavaliers and Hawks to take those slots.

The statistical gurus at FiveThirtyEight.com give the Bulls just a 20 percent chance of making the playoffs and predict a 35-47 record, 11 fewer wins than a season ago. But DraftKings has them at -130 to make the postseason. Not buying it. Take the +110 on NO.

Los Angeles Lakers (+210)

Are you surprised by this?

Don’t be.

Remember, the Lakers were a lousy 33-49 last season, finishing 11th in the West and missing the playoffs.

Sure, new coach Darvin Ham should add new energy, and LeBron is still LeBron. But I’m not convinced they can turn this around. The West is still chock full of talented teams, although, for the first time in a while, the Utah Jazz won’t be one of them, so that certainly helps their chances.

Speaking of which, FiveThirty gives the Lakers only an 18 percent chance of making the playoffs (and predicts another 33-49 season) and yet L.A. is a staggering -265 to reach the postseason.

I’m saying they’ll reach the Play-In Tournament but even that’s not a gimme.

There are just too many question marks with this squad: Can they stay healthy? Particularly Anthony Davis, but also perhaps James (about to start his 20th season) and Russell Westbrook, who’s already causing a stir before the season has started. He may not even be in a Lakers uniform by the time you read this.

Plus, the Lakers are kinda old and don’t shoot the ball very well.

They’re hoping to recapture the glory of the 2019-2020 bubble season where they won the championship, but that seems like a long time ago.

LeBron’s record-breaking night as the league’s all-time leading scorer – likely sometime in January or February – will be the highlight of L.A.’s season.