As the 2020-21 season gets underway tomorrow, it is always fun to look at the multi-way futures markets sportsbooks offer regarding CBB title odds and conference championships.
Personally, I’m not one who advocates wagering on futures, as there is a lot of uncertainty about having outstanding bets for several months. Also, the hold percentage sportsbooks have on future markets usually makes them a -EV proposition.
Considering the uncertainty of the 2020-21 season, I’d advise not putting too much down on any one future wager. Regardless, let’s take a look at a few conference title wagers that do spark my interest.
All odds via Draftkings Sportsbook
Odds to win the Big Ten
Rutgers (+3000)
The fighting Steve Pikell’s certainly got a shot to win the parity filled Big Ten in 2021. At 30/1 (implied probability 3.23%), if you believe the Scarlet Knights have a >3.23% chance to win the conference, fire away. Backcourt duo Geo Baker and Ron Harper will be able to carry the load and forward Myles Johnson is a budding star. I’m not really a math model guy but if I had one that simmed the Big Ten season, I would bet the Scarlet Knights win it more than their current odds suggest.
Odds to win the Big 12
West Virginia (+525)
Bob Huggins and co. have got a real shot to win the Big 12. With a majority of their core rotation returning, as long as they show improvements at the charity stripe, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the Mountaineers atop the Big 12.
Odds to win the Big East
Providence (+900)
The Friars ended 2019-20 as hot as anyone in the country. Winners of their last six Big East contests, the Friars were riding high heading into the conference tournament. Alpha Diallo and Luwane Pipkins are gone, but David Duke and Syracuse transfer Brycen Goodine are more than capable of picking up for the lost production.
Odds to win the Pac-12
Oregon (+435)
I raved about Dana Altman’s ability to revamp a roster in our Pac-12 preview. One could make a case the Ducks should be the odds on favorite, and at +435 (implied probability 19.05%) placing a small wager on the Ducks isn’t the worst investment for one’s bankroll.