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NBA bad beats: 5 worst win totals for the 2019-20 season

Zach Beeker / National Basketball Association / Getty

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Often when a game I've bet on goes south early, I quip "hey, maybe the lights will go out and they'll cancel the game and I'll get a refund."

Well, that sort of happened for futures market bettors.

While house rules differ at each shop, the majority of bettors who placed NBA futures wagers will see their action voided due to the season suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic. That turned winners into losers (and vice versa) real fast.

As we march on during another day without sports, let's revisit the worst bad beats in the NBA win totals market.

Oklahoma City Thunder over

Win total: 32.5
Record: 40-24

Considering the circumstances, there's no point in lying. When the NBA win totals opened, the Oklahoma City over was the one gut-feeling play I wanted to make, but I passed.

The Thunder looked like a team ready to rebuild when they traded away both Russell Westbrook and Paul George during the offseason. Instead, they entered the league suspension tied for the fourth-best record in the Western Conference with the Mavericks and Rockets. Oklahoma City's win total wound up being the second-earliest to cash.

Golden State Warriors under

Win total: 47.5
Record: 15-50

My heart goes out to anyone who spent their money on the Warriors' futures. Golden State was the first team to the finish line in the 2019-20 win totals, losing its 35th game on Jan. 20.

With Kevin Durant leaving for Brooklyn, Klay Thompson sidelined due to the injury he suffered in last year's Finals, and Steph Curry missing a chunk of the season, the Dubs trotted out Mychal Mulder, Damion Lee, Marquese Chriss, Andrew Wiggins, and Juan Toscano-Anderson in their final game before the hiatus.

They've won 15 games. 15!

Memphis Grizzlies over

Win total: 26.5
Record: 32-33

The Grizzlies were one of the biggest surprises of the season, becoming the third-earliest team to hit their win total. With would-be Rookie of the Year Ja Morant leading the way, Memphis held a 3.5-game lead on the Trail Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West before the suspension.

I would donate every cent in my bank account right now just for a chance at betting on a Lakers-Grizzlies' first-round series.

Los Angeles Lakers over

Win total: 51.5
Record: 49-14

Considering the market, I can only imagine how many Lakers lifers guaranteed a championship following Anthony Davis joining forces with LeBron James.

That chapter will remain unwritten for now, but there's no denying the Lakers were on pace to soar past their win total, needing only three more victories during the final 19 games of the season. Davis and James put L.A. atop the West, priming the team for a deep run in a crowded conference. For the time being, we're left with only a bunch of what-ifs.

Minnesota Timberwolves under

Win total: 35.5
Record: 19-45

Of all the irrelevant teams, I'm going to miss the Timberwolves the most during the break. I'll miss seeing opponents' team total in the mid-120s, the amount of fast-break points allowed per game, and the attempt - and utter failure - to play defense.

The Timberwolves amazingly won their first three games of the season, and then they completely forgot how to play basketball. If you took the under, you dodged one of the worst outcomes of the year.

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.

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