The 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year Award race is narrowing down to two top candidates: Sacramento Kings’ Mike Brown and Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla.
Not many would have predicted that scenario back in October, but as the regular season heads toward a thrilling conclusion on April 9, it’s now a stunning reality.
Sacramento has missed the playoffs in 16 straight seasons. But through Feb. 27, they have surged their way to the No. 3 seed out West. Though players like De’Aaron Fox want the spotlight to focus elsewhere, the media discussion is rampant on Brown’s candidacy to lift the award in his first season guiding the team.
Boston, on the other hand, endured a turbulent start to the campaign after Ime Udoka’s sudden suspension, so the franchise turned to Mazzulla to lead them back to the NBA Finals. But as the Celtics have consistently remained the top dog out East, Mazzulla recently earned a contract extension along with the removal of the “interim” tag on his position.
But what do the odds say? Let’s take a look:
Who are the favorites to win 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year?
At the moment, it’s a close two-horse race between Brown and Mazzulla, with the former gaining the upper hand. But there are other candidates not too far behind.
Here are the top 10 favorites to win Coach of the Year in 2022-23, courtesy of our betting partner, PointsBet:
- Mike Brown, Sacramento Kings: +100
- Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics: +180
- Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets: +500
- Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies: +1000
- Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks: +1100
- JB Bickerstaff, Cleveland Cavaliers: +1200
- Doc Rivers, Philadelphia 76ers: +1400
- Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn Nets: +1500
- Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder: +2000
- Will Hardy, Utah Jazz: +2500
Who won NBA Coach of the Year in 2021-22?
Golden State Warriors
Monty Williams won the award in 2021-22 after leading the Phoenix Suns to a franchise-best 64-18 record in the regular season.
But this year, he’s a longshot to repeat – his odds are +15000.
Editor's note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.