It’s not surprising to see that the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing extremely well this NBA season. However, few thought they’d kick off the campaign with a 15-game win streak and boast the NBA’s best record (27-4) ahead of the new year. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has helped propel the team toward excellence since vacating his assistant coaching role with the Golden State Warriors.
BetMGM currently lists him as the odds-on favorite to win Coach of the Year at -175.
What’s so special about this year’s Cavaliers in comparison to last year’s, though? They’re an impressive 22-9 against the spread and their improvement on offense has a lot to do with that. Cleveland has jumped from averaging 112.6 points per game in 2023-24 to 122.7 points per game this season. Atkinson’s decision to take some ball-handling responsibilities from the team’s usual lead guards and emphasis on off-ball movement has led to better shots and higher shooting percentages for a Cavs team that hasn’t added any big-time movers and shakers since the last go around. Cleveland has gotten a lot more productive when it comes to scoring and still has a sturdy defense. It’ll be hard for others to challenge Atkinson in the COY race, but him winning isn’t a foregone conclusion.
Other Contenders: Jamahl Mosley (+700) & Ime Udoka (+800)
Mosley has the second-best odds at BetMGM. The Orlando Magic are 20-14 and rank fourth in the Eastern Conference standings despite enduring major injuries to both their young stars. Orlando has the league’s second-best scoring defense and can raise its ceiling when everyone is healthy. Overcoming major adversity could help Mosely climb back into the race over time.
Udoka has the fourth-best odds at BetMGM and has made some progress in his first season with the Houston Rockets. The former Boston Celtics coach has transformed a team that missed the play-in tournament in 2023-24 into a competitive unit that ranks third in the Western Conference with a 21-11 record. The Rockets’ have the league’s third-best scoring defense. Udoka’s presence has swiftly helped Houston turn the tides after years of underwhelming performances with quality young talent.
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