Coach of the Year Award betting: It’s a ‘Heat Check’

Prior to the start of the season, I asked a member of the Miami Heat organization his expectations for the team. I got a quick, one-word response: Lottery 

The media and oddsmakers weren’t high on them either. ESPNBET had the over/under win total at 38.5, while ESPN projected 40.3 wins. 

But head coach Erik Spoelsta had a little trick up his sleeve. He instituted a new unconventional, up-tempo system that relies on relentless drives to the basket, spacing, and quick ball movement to create open shots, often eschewing traditional pick-and-roll sets. 

And despite playing so far without their leading scorer from last season, Tyler Herro, who is close to returning from offseason foot surgery, the Heat shockingly lead the NBA in scoring at 124.1 points per game. 

They’ve also dealt with injuries to Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo, who have missed three and two games, respectively, but are atop the Southeast Division with a 7-4 mark. 

I think Spoelstra and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan have done the most impressive job so far. Donovan’s Bulls won their first five games and are currently 6-4. 

If I’m handicapping the field for the NBA Coach of the Year Award, they would be the top two betting favorites. 

Fanduel has Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs as the favorite at +410, followed by Donovan at +550. The oddsmakers aren’t nearly as impressed with “Spo”, who is a long shot at +1500. 

In the general manager survey before the season, league executives tabbed Spoelstra as the best coach.

Surprisingly, he’s never won the Coach of the Year Award. That fact could be something that works in his favor and he’s the best value on the board.

Andy Roth has covered the NBA for various outlets since 1979. Follow him @arhooptalk