Only players on loosing teams would make any money betting, cause the bookies move the money line around if a team is heavily favored.
Not sure what tournament prize you are referring to, put from my understanding playoff checks are extra cash but no where near salary levels so no real incentives to go out their way to cheat to win. The fines and penalties would eat up that money quick and start cutting into game checks.
The San Antonio Spurs have only won 18 games so far, so theoretically a player on the team could only win 18 bets this season. The odds on those games beforehand weren't great because it was clear that those were games that they could possibly win.
Meanwhile the Minnesota Timberwolves have 51 wins where more than 18 of them were against playoff caliber opponents where the odds were basically 50/50. Even though they'd make less per win, I think it would still add up to be more.
I'm referring to the cash prizes awarded to NBA players for advancing in the In Season Tournament that was inaugurated this year.
"Players on two-way contracts could earn almost a 45% raise on their yearly salary by being on the winning team."
"There are cash prizes for reaching the knockout round in the tournament, and the prizes will keep growing as a team advances. Each player gets $500,000 for winning the title, $200,000 for making the final, $100,000 for reaching the semifinals and $50,000 for making the quarterfinals."
For two-way players, financial incentives add to In-Season Tournament motivation | NBA.com
The NBA will distribute about $18 million in bonus money based on results of the In-Season Tournament, with just under half of that going to the winning team.
www.nba.com
Cam Reddish averages 21 minutes per game and the prize money alone was a 23% raise for him.
"Of course, the bonus will make for a far bigger incentive for players on the end of the bench than the likes of James and Anthony Davis. That said, even star players spent the In-Season Tournament lusting after the prize money, which clearly incentivized a high level of play across the first event. "
Code:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10100563-lakers-2-way-players-nearly-double-contracts-with-nba-ist-championship-prize-money