An NBA record has sparked controversy amongst bettors across America.
Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges is at the center of a gambling-related debacle over the desire to extend his active record for the most consecutive games started in an NBA game. On Wednesday, the Nets faced the Milwaukee Bucks and, ahead of tip-off, Brooklyn head coach Jacque Vaughn elected to rest his starters. However, Bridges sought to keep his record alive.
NBA bettors were notified of Vaughn’s decision to rest the starters via various social media accounts. The presumption that Bridges would play limited minutes on Wednesday caused bettors to shift their focus toward his under player prop betting markets.
The Nets are resting all their vets besides Mikal Bridges. Remember he still holds the active record for most consecutive games started. I would not be surprised if he starts and plays one quarter tonight. Something to note for the prop market ?
— DK (@DK__DFS) December 27, 2023
As a result, bettors seized a unique opportunity. One bettor on an undisclosed sportsbook pocketed $300 on a $20 wager that featured alternate unders for points, rebounds, assists, and 3-pointers made by Bridges. The bettor cruised to a win after Bridges played only 12 minutes. The Bucks would top the Nets 144-122 at the Barclays Center. Bridges would finish the contest with only six points, three rebounds, one assist, and no 3-pointers made.
The three rebounds would end up being a major factor in the ability of sportsbooks to mitigate losses due to Bridges’ limited minutes. His closing line of 2.5 rebounds would go over while many bettors who looked to take advantage of the news took the under for each prop category.
On one sportsbook, a parlay that included the closing line for the under of Bridges’ player props was at +6500 odds, which could have seen a $100 bettor win $6,5000. Bettors will now make a point of emphasis to stay ahead of the game to take advantage of similar circumstances.
