The beginning of September is an exciting time for NBA fans given that it is the first time they can really begin to get excited about the approaching season. Indeed, there are always a few signs to look out for and one of the main ones is the NBA Summer League wrapping up in Las Vegas as well as the fixture list for the upcoming season being set out.
When this happens, the first set of NBA odds for the season are released and the whispering amongst punters begins to get louder. It is of course a time to dream again and hope that a new season ultimately brings with it a chance to finally win an NBA Championship, or at least defend the title.
So, without any further ado, what are the latest NBA predictions saying about the upcoming season in terms of who will make the playoffs and who could be crowned eventual champions?
The Chicago Bulls
It does just feel like the Chicago Bulls have finally found what they have been looking for in the shape of Lonzo Ball at starting point guard. It has been five years since the Bulls had this position filled with any real quality after former MVP Derrick Rose left Chicago at the conclusion of the 2015/2016 season. With Ball now tied down to a four-year contract worth $85 million, the Bulls look like genuine playoff candidates and their odds of -155 to do so back that up.
Lonzo Ball has agreed to a four-year, $85M deal with the Bulls, per @ShamsCharania
From B/R x @AmericanExpress pic.twitter.com/xx1vk3ogiQ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 2, 2021
Having said that, the value bet may be on the Bulls not making the playoffs for the fifth year in a row at odds of evens. It all depends on how quickly you feel their new squad will settle.
The Washington Wizards
The Wizards have entered a period of transition with Russell Westbrook having left for Los Angeles which makes them undeniably weaker. Another point to also factor in is that the Wizards will have a new coach this season in the form of Wes Unseld Jr who was appointed in July.
"It's gonna be crazy. It's gonna be dope." @russwest44 x #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/6ON9nOziWu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 19, 2021
With all of this in mind, it does feel like it would be a stretch for the Wizards to make the playoffs for the second season in a row but at odds of +400 to finish in the top eight, you’re tempted to back them to hit the ground running.
Potential NBA winners?
As things stand, the Brooklyn Nets are the tipped team to go all the way in the 2022 Championship with pundits not convinced that the Milwaukee Bucks can defend their 2021 NBA title.
Do the Nets represent good value I hear you ask? The truth is that at +240 you can’t be certain even if all the NBA markets have opened with them as the outright favorite. Crucially, however, with James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving all set to play a lot more minutes together this season, you can see why the Nets have been forecast as the potential pacesetters. Should they begin to light it up once the season gets underway then those odds will naturally drop which perhaps makes a more compelling case to put an early bet on them.
