Best prop bets for 1st episode of 'The Last Dance'
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I was already planning on treating myself to ESPN's "The Last Dance," a documentary miniseries profiling the Chicago Bulls' dynasty that has its first episode slated for Sunday. Now you're telling me we can bet on it?
In the words of Adam Sandler a la "Billy Madison," now you're all in big, big trouble.
Interested in sweating a bit while indulging in the start of the 10-part series this weekend? My friend, you've come to the right place.
Here are the best betting props for the first episode - because that's a sentence I thought I'd be typing out a month ago.
Will 'gambling' be said? (Yes -200/No +150)
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He also loved to gamble. Who knew we had so much in common?
We've been treated to legendary betting stories regarding Jordan before, whether it be the friendly wager with former Chicago Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick or the multitude of recreational bets Jordan made with friends and teammates.
The betting aspect doesn't figure to be a huge part of the documentary, but it's certainly intriguing, and it's the type of lax, recreational hobby that the producers can fit in to show Jordan's lighter side.
Pick: Yes -200
Will Kobe Bryant be seen? (Yes -300/No +200)
Although Jordan's prime was before Kobe's, there was a short overlap where both stars shared the same league. They were great friends prior to Bryant's passing in January, and Jordan viewed the late legend as a little brother. It makes sense for the production team to pay tribute to Kobe.
Pick: Yes -300
Will the Yankees' World Series Championship be shown or mentioned? (Yes +100/No -140)
This is a total reach, in my opinion.
The Yankees set the standard for dominance on the diamond around the end of the Jordan era in Chicago, winning titles in 1996, '98, '99, and 2000. That's some unparalleled success, but it feels like we're trying too hard here, right?
No offense to the Yankees, but their dynastic run through the late '90s into the new millennium is rather irrelevant to the documentary. I'm not biting.
Pick: No -140
First person to be shown
| Person | Odds |
|---|---|
| Phil Jackson | +300 |
| Scottie Pippen | +350 |
| Kobe Bryant | +400 |
| Magic Johnson | +500 |
| Dennis Rodman | +500 |
| Deloris Jordan | +800 |
| Barack Obama | +1000 |
| Steve Kerr | +1000 |
| Bob Costas | +1200 |
| Charles Barkley | +1400 |
| Justin Timberlake | +1400 |
| Jerry Seinfeld | +2000 |
| Pat Riley | +2000 |
| Adam Silver | +2500 |
Phil Jackson deserves to lead the pack at +350. After all, this is a team documentary, and Jackson was calling the shots for those title-winning Bulls squads.
I also think Kobe at 4-1 is a decent price to take. Opening up the feature by introducing Bryant right away would be a perfect lede, sure to get the viewers emotionally invested.
Picks: Jackson +350, Kobe +400
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.