The mobile sports betting industry is set to launch in Massachusetts this Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m. Among the platforms slated to go live is BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts.
Massachusetts sports fans have been able to place bets with BetMGM in person for over a month at MGM Springfield Casino. However, the upcoming launch of the BetMGM Massachusetts mobile app will give bettors the ability to place bets from the comfort of their own homes.
BetMGM gives users plenty of betting markets to choose from, but when it launches in Massachusetts later this week, expect a rush of action on the NBA and Boston Celtics odds.
Once MA mobile sports betting apps are live, here are five NBA and Celtics bets to consider placing on BetMGM MA on launch day.
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1. Celtics to win the NBA Finals (+300)
At the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, the Celtics were the odds-on favorite to win the NBA Finals with odds of +600. The NBA season is now into March, and Boston has remained the title favorites for most of the season. It is now +300 to go all the way on BetMGM MA.
Jayson Tatum leads the way, averaging over 30 points per game. Jaylen Brown is not far behind, averaging just over 26 points per game. Malcolm Brogdon has also chipped in on a regular basis, and he is in the discussion for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
The Celtics have not won the NBA Finals since 2008, so this group is aiming to bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy back to anxious Boston basketball fans.
Their live odds may be shorter than the preseason odds. But with the way they have played, a Celtics title run at +300 odds is still worth backing.
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2. Celtics to win the Eastern Conference (+135)
If you’re going to bet on the Celtics to win the NBA Finals, it makes sense to look into their Eastern Conference odds as well.
Right now, it seems that the main threat to Boston’s title hopes is the Phoenix Suns. They are in the Western Conference, meaning Boston wouldn’t see them until the Finals.
The Milwaukee Bucks have the second-best odds to win the East at +185. The Celtics were able to defeat the Bucks in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, and a rematch at some points in the NBA Playoffs seems likely.
While this year’s playoff matchups aren’t set, if you think the Celtics can run the table in the East again, then this may be the bet for you. Boston is currently +135 to win the East on BetMGM MA, and those odds are favorable.
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3. Celtics vs. Hawks
The first Celtics game after Friday’s mobile launch is on Saturday on the road against the Atlanta Hawks. The odds for the game are not yet available, but they should be posted on launch day. Once they are up, consider backing Boston.
As of Wednesday, Boston boasts a record of 45-21 overall, while Atlanta is under the .500 mark with a record of 32-33.
The Celtics are 20-12 on the road this season, and they have already beat the Hawks in their own building. Boston walked out of Atlanta with a 126-101 win at State Farm Arena back in November.
It’s also worth noting that the Hawks will be playing the second game of a back-to-back. They play the Wizards in Washington, DC, on Friday night.
4. NBA Finals – no new champion (-175)
This bet is a little more unique. Under the NBA futures tab on BetMGM Massachusetts, there are “groupings” bets. One that stands out is that you can bet on whether or not there will be a first-time Finals winner.
The biggest threat to this bet is the Suns, who are favorites to win the Western Conference (+210). They are +450 to win the Finals.
The only other team in shouting distance is the Nuggets at +700. After that, the field drops off a bit:
- Clippers +1100
- Grizzlies +1600
- Pelicans +5000
- Nets +15000
- Timberwolves +25000
- Jazz +50000
- Pacers, Hornets, Magic +100000
Needless to say, these are long shots. So, if you don’t think the Suns or Nuggets have what it takes to go all the way, this might be the bet for you.
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5. Cavaliers vs. Heat
One of the first NBA games that you will be able to bet on with the BetMGM MA mobile betting app is Cavaliers vs. Heat on Friday night. The app will launch at 10 a.m. and the game tips off later that day at 8 p.m.
The Cavaliers have been a different team away from Cleveland. They are an impressive 28-7 at home, but just 13-19 on the road. On the other side, the Heat are great at home. They 21-12 at home, compared to 14-19 on the road.
In this matchup, it may be advantageous to back the home team. Consider taking the Heat. You’ll probably get some good odds on that.
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