Bets are pouring in on Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA title and Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic to claim the MVP award as the 2021/22 season tips off.
The Lakers are the second favorite at most books, behind Brooklyn Nets, but several books are taking far more handle on Los Angeles.
Brooklyn opens the season at Milwaukee, with the Nets prohibitive NBA championship favourites.
Golden State Warriors tied as third favourites, with defending champions Milwaukee Bucks.
"Kyrie Irving's absence has dominated the lead-up to the new NBA season, but Brooklyn Nets nonetheless remain one of the most popular bets to win the title," said Mattias Stetz, chief operating officer of Rush Street Interactive, which owns and operates BetRivers.
"Only the Lakers have garnered more interest from bettors in terms of overall tickets.
"In terms of futures liability, the Bulls are at the top of the list, ranking third in handle behind the Lakers and Clippers at a current price of 60-1.
"The lion's share of that action has come from our Illinois clients, who clearly like the offseason additions of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, as well as the long-shot value in a team they believe could make some noise in the East."
The largest bet placed at Westgate Superbook in the NBA title futures market was on the Lakers, a US$100,000 wager at 7-2 odds.
Reuters
