Mitchell becomes seventh player with 70+ points in an NBA game
On a week when sports betting started in Ohio, those who bet on Donovan Mitchell over his points prop on Monday night have a little bit of extra money in their accounts. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar scored 71 points in the Cavs’ 145-134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. His points over/under prop was 29.5. The Cavs also won and covered as a four-point favorite.
Mitchell joined some illustrious company, as the others with 70 or more points in a game are Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson and Devin Booker. Mitchell is the first player to have at least 70 points with 10 or more assists, as he had a hand in 99 of Cleveland’s 145 points.
Mitchell had the game-tying layup on a free throw putback as two of his 55 points in the second half and overtime. The Cavs were down by as many as 24, but improved to 24-14 with the win.
NBA MVP odds (DraftKings)
- Luka Doncic +275
- Jayson Tatum +350
- Nikola Jokic +400
- Giannis Antetokounmpo +450
- Kevin Durant +700
- Joel Embiid +1100
- Ja Morant +2800
- Donovan Mitchell +2800
- All others +3000 or higher
This is the type of game that will vault a player firmly into the NBA MVP discussion. Based on the odds, Mitchell has a lot of ground to make up, but he’s averaging 29.3 points per game on one of the NBA’s most surprising teams and one very much in the thick of it in the Eastern Conference with teams like the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
It may just be a tough year for Mitchell because six players are averaging at least 30 points per game. If he happens to hang another one like this, bettors and voters may take note, given the lack of a consistent supporting cast.
NBA Championship odds (DraftKings)
- Boston Celtics +360
- Brooklyn Nets +600
- Milwaukee Bucks +650
- Golden State Warriors +800
- Los Angeles Clippers +850
- Denver Nuggets +1200
- Memphis Grizzlies +1200
- Phoenix Suns +1500
- Philadelphia 76ers +1800
- New Orleans Pelicans +1800
- Cleveland Cavaliers +2200
- All others +3000 or higher
The Cavs sit tied for third in the Eastern Conference right now, but they would have a tough path to the Finals in a stacked field. They host the Suns on Wednesday before starting up a five-game road trip with stops in Denver and Phoenix to round out the week.
Mitchell’s performance will certainly open some eyes and the Cavs look like a team that will be in the hunt for the long run as the season moves along.
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