Draftkings Sportsbook is full of Wizards “haters,” and likely realists.
In the movie “All the President’s Men,” Deep Throat told Bob Woodward, a young reporter at The Washington Post to “follow the money” at a dingy location.
The movie is based on the Watergate scandal which ultimately forced then U.S. President Richard Nixon to resign. And in real life, Deep Throat (later to be revealed as then-FBI Deputy Director Mark Felt) said something familiar to Woodward in an Arlington, Va garage. But it probably wasn’t as dramatic.
I’m not writing about modern day scandals. But I am going to write that sportsbooks are like Deep Throat in the movie and in real life. They are often … right on the money. After all, they predicted that the Washington Wizards would be the worst team in the NBA in the 2023-24 season. And they were really close to it in real life.
This year? The Sportsbooks are also telling us to bet on the Wizards staying as one of the NBA’s worst teams. In fact the Wizards are predicted to be the second worst team next season.
How many wins are the Wizards projected to win in 2024-25?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Wizards are expected to get 22.5 wins (+105 over/-125 under). This total is better than just one team, the Nets at 19.5 wins (-110 over and under). The Trail Blazers also are predicted to win 22.5 games, but they have slightly better odds at +100 over and -120 under. So in short, the Wizards are predicted to be the second worst NBA team in the 2024-25 season.
If the Wizards win just 22 or 23 games, it will be a significant improvement over their franchise-worst 15-67 season in 2023-24, but they would have some breathing room over the Nets if everything holds.
The Wizards’ have the lowest odds of being the 2024-25 NBA champions with multiple teams
I know writing that sub headline is blasphemy, but the chances of the Wizards winning the championship aren’t zero when no games are played yet. And in the world of sports gambling, there will always be a chance until the team is eliminated from contention.
So, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, Wizards have +100000 odds of winning the title, tied for last in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bills, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets. The Boston Celtics are the favorites at +295.
The odds are NOT in the Wizards favor for making the 2025 NBA Playoffs, but they are better than some other teams
The bookies tied the Wizards with seven other teams for the lowest odds of winning the championship, but there is some differentiation on the chances the Wizards have of making the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Wizards’ odds of making the NBA Playoffs at +2200, and missing them at -8000. While you’ll get a lot of money if the Wizards make the playoffs, it’s not as high as the Nets (+3000) and Trail Blazers (+3000).
In short, 2024-25 will be another looong season. But at least 22 wins is a lot better than 15. And again, if you want predictions on how good teams will really be next season. Do what Deep Throat said.
Follow the money.
DraftKings Sportsbook is an SB Nation/Vox Media partner. Please gamble responsibly.
And don’t just follow the money, follow your money.