Best bets: 2022-23 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Coach of the Year awards
As we continue on through “Bet Week” on BasketballNews.com, we’re combining two awards into one breakdown, as NBA Sixth Man of the Year and Coach of the Year go under the microscope next.
Which names stand out as the best bets? And what are some potential underdog fliers that could pay huge dividends at the end of the season? Let’s dive into it with odds provided by DraftKings.
Sixth Man of the Year Best Bet: Tyler Herro, Miami Heat (+500)
Tied atop the odds leaderboard alongside Golden State Warriors breakout star Jordan Poole, Tyler Herro put together a very strong case to repeat in this category. Not only is Herro a key cog to the Heat’s well-oiled machine, but he fits within his role off the bench so well.
On his way to winning 6MOY last season, Herro averaged 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists on a 56.1% True Shooting percentage. Herro not only took the needed steps forward in his own career trajectory, but he once again is a swing element to Miami’s formula for success in 2022-23. With the Heat looking likely to run it back with the majority of their rotation, plenty of offensive burden remains on Herro’s shoulders.
If the Heat finish near the top of the Eastern Conference standings as expected, Herro’s opportunity to repeat is right there for the taking with maintained statistics.
Sixth Man of the Year Dark-Horse Bet: Cameron Johnson, Phoenix Suns (+2500)
Cameron Johnson was a finalist last season for this award, but it still seems like his impressive third-year campaign fell a little too far under the radar. Off the bench spelling Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder as Phoenix’s third wing, Johnson averaged 12.5 points while shooting 42.5% from three-point range. A valuable marksman within the Suns’ formidable rotation, Johnson enters a contract year where a lot of potential scoring possessions will be available to the most aggressive player.
Devin Booker and Chris Paul still control the offense in Phoenix, but who will step as the consistent third option? Deandre Ayton should be that focal point following a max contract, but Johnson has continuously shown he can pour in points when given the ultimate green light. Suns head coach Monty Williams values Johnson’s underrated two-way game, so expect him to hover around starter-like minutes anyways.
Kevin Durant’s looming trade saga plays a massive role here too. If Durant comes to the Valley, this is all for naught with Johnson likely off to the Brooklyn Nets. However, the longer this drags out, it feels inevitable that Phoenix runs it all back and sees what happens. If so, keep an eye on Johnson taking another step forward.
Coach of the Year Best Bet: Ime Udoka, Boston Celtics (+700)
Following a rough start, there’s no denying Ime Udoka rallied this group together for a magical NBA Finals run. Now, with an even stronger roster, Boston is poised to stay atop the East standings. For Udoka, he already has support to be an easy, shoo-in COY favorite. If the Celtics can repeat their success while avoiding any costly injuries, Udoka’s chances should be high.
And a special kudos to former Celtics head-coach-turned-executive Brad Stevens, because he made Udoka’s job so much easier with this projected rotation:
Starting Lineup: Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Robert Williams
Second Unit: Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, Danilo Gallinari, Grant Williams
Health-permitting, Udoka and the Celtics own a realistic pathway to nabbing multiple season-ending awards.
Coach of the Year Dark-Horse Bet = Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat (+1400)
Similar to the argument presented for the favorite in Udoka, don’t sleep on the Heat staying in the East’s elite tier. Even without a potential Durant acquisition, Miami’s roster is still fortified enough where 50-plus wins should be attainable.
Already known as one of the league’s best tacticians, Erik Spoelstra leading Miami to the peak of the East standings would put him in a great spot to secure yet another COY honor. Miami is always a team that can sneak up on people, especially from a betting perspective. Don’t let that happen with an underrated offseason wrapping up for the Heat, which, as shown, can propel them to multiple pole positions on awards.
Also, check out: "Best bets to win the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year award" and "Best bets to win the 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player award."