Caesars Sportsbook has slashed odds on the Brooklyn Nets title-winning chances to 60-1 from 750-1 due to the possibility of both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving returning in the wake of the announcement that the 2019/20 season is likely to restart with 22 teams on July 31.
The NBA’s Board of Governors approved a 22-team format for the resumption of the campaign in Orlando, Florida. And, with the Nets set for the playoffs at No.7 in the Eastern Conference, there’s every possibility that the aforementioned stars could return to action.
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Caesars lowered odds on the Nets significantly. Jeff Davis, the company’s director of trading, told ESPN:
“I would rather be cautious and deal 60-1 than get hurt when we hear news [of Durant and Irving returning]. I don’t want to post 150-1 odds, and the problem is you take a bet of a couple thousand and it pays $300,000 and you’re stuck if [Durant is] good.”
Kevin Durant Has Played Zero Basketball This Season
Durant hasn’t played a single minute of basketball this season, following surgery on an Achilles tendon injury suffered during last season’s NBA finals while he was with the Golden State Warriors. Irving, meanwhile, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in February.
At the moment, it’s unclear as to whether or not the pair of All-Stars will suit up when the season resumes later this year. But Caesars has decided to play it safe, which is admittedly quite sensible.
