No dominant favourite sets up a thrilling spring in the gym
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The NBA’s second half promises to provide pivots galore as the Celtics, Bucks and Sixers jostle for eastern conference supremacy and the Nuggets and Grizzlies battle out west. The Warriors’ recent move into playoff contention also launches “could they again?” chatter across the airwaves.
As we‘ve passed the 50-game mark, here’s a look at the current favourites to win the 2023 NBA Championship.
Boston Celtics (+370 to win NBA Championship)
After a sluggish three-game losing streak, the 37-15 Celtics destroyed the Nets 139-96 this week to show they deserve their reputation as the league’s best team. They will tip off against the Sixers and Bucks before the All-Star break, two excellent opportunities to showcase how star Jayson Tatum and defensive wizard Marcus Smart can take over a game against the league’s top teams. Should they lose, look for a new team at the top.
Milwaukee Bucks (+680)
The 34-17 Bucks are on a five-game winning streak with no signs of slowing down. Khris Middleton is back from injury, laying down 18 points in 20 minutes against a good Charlotte team. Giannis Antetokounmpo was cranking too, scoring 50 points. The Bucks’ February schedule, including two games against the Heat and the Celtics, should tell us plenty about spring seedings.
Brooklyn Nets (+680)
The 31-20 Nets are in the zone, shooting a historic best 58.4 per cent from the floor prior to the Celtics debacle. Kyrie Irving averaged 29.5 points per game in January. Challenges remain, however. The Nets don’t take nearly as many shots as opponents, can be weak on the offensive boards and are not great with defensive rebounds either.
Denver Nuggets (+700)
The 35-16 Nuggets came off a tough week against Philly, where they blew a large second-half lead again, and in Milwaukee, where they were understandably uncompetitive given four starters sat the game out. Second-half scoring woes remain a concern, but the Nuggets’ strong home play (11-5 against conference opponents) bodes well for a top finish in the west.
Golden State Warriors (+840)
Wait for it. The 26-25 Warriors have clawed back into the playoff race, a movie the champs have starred in before. With a famous core that is almost back to full health, they’ve returned to winning close games. Importantly for the aging stars, eastern road trips are pretty much finished for the year. They’ll face off against other .500 western teams several times this month, contests that will show whether the Warriors can will themselves back into the playoffs where, as we all know, anything can happen.
Memphis Grizzlies (+1000)
The 32-19 Grizzlies have come out of hibernation, thanks to stellar defensive play by Jaren Jackson Jr. If only they could always play in their own den. They lead the league with a 21-4 home record but recently went 0-5 on the road. However, they did snap their winless road streak against the Pacers on Sunday, only to lose at home against the Trail Blazers this week. If Ja Morant and Jackson Jr. can stay healthy to win games with play like their combined 55-point, 18-rebound effort against Indianapolis, when Steven Adams returns from injury, the Grizzlies will contend for top spot in the west.
*All odds from Bet99 Sportsbook at time of writing & are subject to change.
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