Media by Associated Press – Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) stands on the court in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
There are no real juggernaut teams emerging during the early part of the 2022-23 NBA season. Only three games separate first and 10th place in the Western Conference. While Boston and Milwaukee have separated themselves from the Eastern Conference, there is a lot of time left in the schedule for things to change.
Here’s a look at three teams you can get good odds on to win the NBA title.
Memphis Grizzlies +1800
The Grizzlies have stayed narrowly about .500 for the early portion of the season and are still trying to figure out their defense. Memphis scores 114.4 points per game but also allows 114 per contest. The Grizzlies have been average away from home, compiling a 4-6 record through their first ten road contests.
However, Memphis’ offensive potential makes them a team that everyone will have to be worried about as the season rolls along. Ja Morant is the spark plug, putting up 28.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. Desmond Bane also averages 24.7 points per game and shoots 45.1 percent from the 3-point line. The Grizzlies are also worth a look after the experience they gained last year.
Memphis went into the playoffs with a high seed but couldn’t finish the job against more experienced opponents. The Grizzlies will have some of that veteran savvy now.
Brooklyn Nets +2000
The Nets are once again showing flashes of being a mess early in the season. Brooklyn has seen Kyrie Irving creating controversy off the court, and the Nets are off to a mediocre 8-9 start. However, the Nets still have a chance to make waves in the Eastern Conference if they can get into the playoffs.
Kevin Durant is averaging over 30 points per game on the season this year. Irving is putting up 25.4 points per game when he’s available. The Nets are shooting 36.9 percent from beyond the 3-point line but would like to see that tick up throughout the year.
New Orleans Pelicans, +3000
The Pelicans are an energetic team that is fun to watch and have decent numbers on both sides of the ball. However, finding consistency when playing defense may be what New Orleans truly needs to contend. The Pelicans do allow their opponents to shoot 46.9 percent from the field, which ranks 20th in the league.
But getting into a shootout with New Orleans may not be the best idea. The Pelicans have seven players who average in double figures scoring. Zion Williamson leads the team at 23.5 points per game but has already shown he has injury issues. Brandon Ingram is also another top scorer that has missed time.
New Orleans has plenty of players who can put the ball in the basket. The Pelicans are a sleeper look because they have the type of roster that could heat up and challenge any of the other Western Conference contenders.
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