Central Division Predictions, Odds: Projected Standings 2024-25

The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated the Central Division since LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.

Milwaukee has finished atop this division for six straight seasons, including a narrow victory last year. The Bucks bested the Cleveland Cavaliers by one game and the Indiana Pacers by two wins.

Will the Bucks continue their run in the Central Division with the race heating up? Here’s a look at the latest NBA betting odds and my best bet for the Central Division:

Central Division Winner Odds 2024-25

• Milwaukee Bucks -120
• Cleveland Cavaliers +200
• Indiana Pacers +400
• Chicago Bulls +15000
• Detroit Pistons +30000

Central Division Win Totals & Projected Standings

Central Division Betting Prediction

Prediction: Cavaliers to Win Central (+225)

This line has moved down to +200 since I suggested making this bet, but that’s OK. The Cavaliers should have won this division last year.

Cleveland rested key players in the regular-season finale, ensuring a more favorable first-round opponent in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The plan worked, with the Cavs netting a postseason victory over the Orlando Magic.

I don’t expect the Cavs to make the same decision this year, though it shouldn’t even come to that. Cleveland is built to be a better regular-season team than Milwaukee, thanks to having a younger core.

Strong defenses usually win more regular-season games, and the Cavs ranked sixth in defensive rating last year. They went 11-5 against their divisional opponents, marking the best record in the Central.

Cleveland also has upside under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who might get more out of this team on the offensive end.

The Cavaliers opened at +350 to win the division, indicating the market has been on them to win the Central. This bet is worth making at +200 or better.

Central Division Team Previews & Predictions