Sports video games have taken on a life of their own. The athletes themselves are keen on seeing how their skills are rated in the games — and being on video game covers has been seen as both honor and potential bad omen.
With the NBA 2K24 video game now out, IllinoisBet.com took a break from our Bulls Odds coverage to check out the game’s player ratings, in this case with a focus on the Chicago Bulls. We consulted 2Kratings.com to see which teams have the most star power, with players that have an 85 or better overall rating in the latest rendition of the popular series. Here are our findings:
Players With 85+ Overall Ratings In NBA 2K24
Looking to the video game for validation, Bulls fans will find that Chicago finished in a pack of 11 NBA teams who all had two players each with a rating of 85 or better. Those wishing to place a futures wager on the Bulls for the 2023-24 season can find the best Illinois sports betting promos here at IllinoisBet.com.
DeRozan, LaVine Have 85+ NBA 2K24 Player Ratings
The Bulls stars who rate at 85 or better are guard-forward DeMar DeRozan and shooting guard Zach LaVine. Last season, the 34-year old DeRozan averaged 24.5 points a game on 50.4% shooting from the field and 4.6 rebounds. LaVine, 27, averaged 24.8 points a game on 48.5% shooting and 4.5 rebounds.
Last season, the Bulls finished 40-42, good for third in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference and 10th place in the conference. The Bulls made it into the play-in tournament but were eliminated by Miami in the second round. Illinois sportsbook apps offer odds anywhere from +13000 to +17000 on Chicago to win the 2024 NBA Finals.
Six Teams Have Three Players In Elite Class
Six NBA teams had three players each with a rating of 85 or higher. Those teams were: The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
Along with Chicago, nine other teams had two players each with ratings of 85 or better: The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings.
As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook has the Bulls Odds to win the NBA Finals at +13000.
Eight NBA teams had just one player with a rating of 85 or better and five teams had none.