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Odds Say Nikola Vucevic Staying in Orlando for 2019-20 NBA Season

Cole Shelton

by Cole Shelton in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 13, 2020 · 4:01 PM PDT

Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018-19. Photo by Keith Allison (flickr) [CC License].
  • Nikola Vucevic was a first-time All-Star in 2019 
  • The veteran center helped lead the Magic to the NBA Playoffs
  • Will he return to Orlando for the 2019-20 season?

The 2019 NBA Finals are currently underway which means the offseason is nearly here. This summer could be even more exciting than the regular season with players like Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving all hitting free agency, and Anthony Davis expected to switch teams.

There are a ton of other solid players available as well, including Nikola Vucevic of the Magic. The 28-year-old had a breakout season with Orlando and, according to sportsbooks, they’re the favorites to re-sign the center.

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Nikola Vucevic Free Agency Odds

Which Team Will Nikola Vucevic Be on for Game 1 of the 2019-20 Season? Odds
Orlando Magic +100
Dallas Mavericks +250
Sacramento Kings +300
Los Angeles Lakers +500
Atlanta Hawks +800

*Odds taken 06/04/19

Are the Magic Worth Betting?

When the Orlando Magic took on the Toronto Raptors in the first-round of the NBA Playoffs, many thought this was very similar to the Raptors team that took on the Brooklyn Nets years before. There, Toronto was making their first playoff appearance in quite some time, just like the Magic, who also have a young team. At the forefront of that was Vucevic, who was key to their success all season long.

Vucevic averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists – all career highs – while shooting 51.8% from the field.

The big man averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists – all career highs – while shooting 51.8% from the field. He was dominant throughout the season, which is why the Magic want him back.

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“Bringing Vooch back is a priority,” Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said in an interview. “That being said, Vooch is going to have a lot of teams who will make him a priority for them, too. We will meet with his representatives at the appropriate time. Hopefully we can get something done.”

So, there is value on betting the Magic as it seems likely he re-signs there, and at plus odds, you can still make decent money off the bet.

Who’s the Best Bet?

I think the Magic at +100 is a very good bet as I am rather certain he will re-sign there and look to build off the success he had last season. Vucevic has made it clear he wants to remain in Orlando as well.

“I wish I knew what would happen,” he said. “I wish I had a contract in hand. It would be all over right now.”

Pick: Orlando Magic (+100)

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