The NBA Central Division is one featuring plenty of tradition, from the dynasty of the Chicago Bulls to the success that teams like the Bucks and Pacers have had. All year long, we will keep our eye on the futures betting odds for this division, to help bettors make their NBA predictions when betting on the action in the Central. Be sure to check back often for updated thoughts on each team and the latest odds.
NBA Central Division Odds
Odds for this division are off the board for this season, as the Detroit Pistons have clinched the Central Division for the 2025-26 season.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have taken some huge leaps forward this season once again. The Pistons have gone from a 14-win team two seasons ago, to a playoff team last season, to a legitimate title contender this season. Cade Cunningham’s rise to being one of the most effective playmakers in the league has certainly had a lot to do with their move up the standings. But the Pistons could still have room to grow, which is the scariest thing for their opponents in the Central Division and elsewhere. The Pistons have locked up the division title this year and could be the top seed in the East as well.
Cleveland Cavaliers
It was an impressive year for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, as they made a huge leap in the Eastern Conference. But health concerns have prevented them from making a similar progression again this year. When the Cavs are healthy and at their best, they are one of the toughest teams to beat in all of basketball. The Cavs are the second-place finishers behind the Pistons in the Central this season, but they are in a good place come playoff time.
Cleveland has done a nice job of trying to address some of their roster concerns at the trade deadline. They moved on from Darius Garland and brought in James Harden, who is healthier and a better pure passer. The combination of Harden and Donovan Mitchell has brought out the best in both players so far. And with the Cavs’ frontcourt being so dominant, the Cavs could make a deep playoff run.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have seen things fall apart this season. They aren’t winning games consistently, their star player has decided he no longer wants to be in Milwaukee, and it looks like a rebuild is on the horizon. Of course, it’s better to rebuild after a championship run than it is to rebuild without one. But the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Wisconsin ending with just one championship feels like a bit of a disappointment for them.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls made some pretty dramatic changes over the last year or so, letting DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine go and bringing in Josh Giddey as their new top player. They are still a mediocre basketball team for the most part, but different has felt good for the Bulls this season, and they at least have some sort of direction that isn’t the same as it had been for years prior. This team has a ton of draft capital in the near future and will try to turn that into a contender over the next year or two.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were one win away from winning the NBA Finals last season. But Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 against the OKC Thunder, and the Pacers have struggled without him this season. Indiana isn’t going back to the playoffs this season. But if Haliburton can recover and play at a high level next season, we could see them in the mix to win the Central and make the Finals again.
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