NBA Best Bets: 2022-23 Division Winner Staff Picks
See which teams the BetQL staff is targeting to win their respective divisions next season
Brad Pinkerton - Jul 22, 2022, 9:17am EDT2022-23 NBA Division Winner Staff Picks
Dan Karpuc: Warriors To Win Pacific (+175, BetMGM)
The Suns (+150) are the favorites and the Clippers (+250) and Lakers (+650) are also considered in the general mix, but this is mispriced to me. With the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all coming back to defend their NBA championship along with Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, this team is poised for another incredible year. Not only that, but the Warriors signed Donte DiVincenzo this offseason and will benefit from a healthy James Wiseman. Heck, I’m even high on rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. Now that the dynasty is back on track, this team is going to be driven, hungry and able to dominate opponents all year long. I expect them to be the No. 1 seed in the West and to therefore win their division. At +175, this is an incredible discount right now.
Lucy Burdge: Timberwolves to Win Northwest (+185, BetMGM)
The Timberwolves could be a force to be reckoned with this season after adding Rudy Gobert from the Jazz and Anthony Edwards taking another step forward. Their title odds improved greatly after they added Gobert, so expectations are rising for them. Minnesota also just added Austin Rivers to the team, as well as A.J. Lawson, who had a stellar Summer League. Things are looking up for this team and it’s not out of the question that they could take the division this season.
Brad Pinkerton: Nets to Win Atlantic (+600 at Caesars)
There is so much drama and uncertainty around the Nets right now that it has driven down their odds to win the division low enough for me to consider. What if Kevin Durant stays? What if Kyrie Irving not only stays, but plays a full season? What if Ben Simmons finally plays, or they flip him for talent around Durant and Irving? What if it all clicks? It's unlikely that all happens, but if Kevin and Kyrie are on the court for the season-opener, it's safe to say these odds will be much shorter before they even play a game.
