The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a blazing start in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Thirteen games in, they’re still undefeated, making them the hottest team in not just the Eastern Conference but the entire league. Unlike other teams that are still figuring out chemistry with new additions, the Cavs have an edge—they brought back nearly their entire roster from last season, letting them hit the ground running.
The one big change? Their head coach. Kenny Atkinson stepped in after J.B. Bickerstaff was let go following a disappointing playoff exi last seasont. So far, Atkinson’s approach has been a game-changer. The Cavs have not only refined their offensive scheme but have picked up the pace significantly. With Atkinson at the helm, Cleveland now ranks second in the league in Offensive Rating (120.9) and Net Rating (11.0), plus they’ve climbed to 6th in Defensive Rating (109.9). Most noticeable is the speed: they’re now 10th in pace, a big jump from last season’s 24th.
The Cavaliers’ undefeated start has propelled Atkinson straight to the front of the Coach of the Year race. His odds on BetMGM opened at +3000, but they’ve now surged to +140. He’s commanding 32.0% of the handle and 12.3% of the total money in this market, a massive lead over the second-highest handle (13.0%) on Suns HC Mike Budenholzer.
However, betting on Atkinson at this stage might not be the best play. The Cavs are riding high right now, but as impressive as their start has been, it’s likely unsustainable at this level of efficiency. With a few losses, Atkinson’s Coach of the Year odds should settle, making it a much better value later in the season.
If you’re looking for other options, there are a few names to consider. Steve Kerr, at +900, stands out as a strong candidate. The Warriors’ roster has shifted from its dynasty days, now featuring a mix of veterans and young talent. Even with Curry missing three games, Kerr has led Golden State to a 9-2 start, second in the Western Conference, proving his knack for adapting to a different team dynamic.
For a long-shot pick, there’s former Cavs coach and now Pistons coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, at +3000. Detroit has struggled in recent seasons, but they’re looking improved this year. If Bickerstaff can sneak them into the playoffs, he could be a dark horse in the Coach of the Year conversation.
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