It is time for a new NBA season and the excitement is palpable. NBA is not just the premier Basketball tournament, but also one of the most followed. NBA players are almost household names around the globe and that adds to the glamour of the tournament. This season it got better, thanks largely to the off-season player movement. Some of the big names went hopping around, which meant the balance of the sides has changed overnight. Players like Russel Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard have changed homes. The usual suspects like Stephen Curry have stayed put, embarking on a new challenge with the old teams. All through the season, we will make it a point to preview the matches. As can be seen in this bet365 bonus review by Sportytrader, there is a lot on the plate from our side. For now, we will talk about the teams that are most likely to tip the scales in the coming season.
When you talk about Los Angeles, the first name that comes to mind is LA Lakers. This is precisely what the Los Angeles Clippers (LA Clippers) are out to change. The perception around the club being second fiddle to their more glamorous city neighbours has been an albatross for the Clippers. The off-season shopping spree is probably spurred by this ambition of overpowering these inhibitions. The MVP of last season Kawhi Leonard was signed and so was Paul George. Together, the duo represent one of the best dynamic tag-team going around. Concerns, however, remain over the availability of George. Having gone for a shoulder surgery in the summer, George will be out of contention for a bit of time. That said, there is enough depth in the Clippers’ squad to take care of his absence. There is so much of excitement around the squad and that is sure to give the fans a boost. It will be interesting to see how they perform deep in the tournament, but for now the Clippers look all set to challenge for the title. They are the favourites to win the NBA Championship at odds of 4.25 (bet365).
Milwaukee Bucks surprised everyone last season with 60 wins and will look to improve upon their playoff performance. Losing Malcolm Brogdon in the off-season is sure to be a blow, but that should not lower their season hopes. Giannis Antetokounmpo will once again lead the Bucks and his performances will be pivotal for their chances. Expecting them to repeat 60 wins could be a bit too much, but the Bucks should be a good contender to go deep. A lot will depend on how well the Bucks can adjust to the challenges of the playoffs, but at odds of 6.0 (bet365) they are not far behind the Clippers.
Kevin Durant or KD as he is affectionately called will be the star name for Brooklyn Nets. Even though he will miss most part of the season – if not all – because of an injury, KD will lift the spirits around the Nets. Expecting them to be a front runner for the title will be a bit harsh. Kyle Irving also joins the squad but he will have to shoulder the initial responsibility by leading some of the youngsters. And when KD comes, the Nets will become a top side. Odds of 23.00 (bet365) on the Nets winning the title look long and they might not beat the odds this season. But, keep an eye on the side!
The Nets’ gain is Golden State Warriors’ loss, as KD’s departure leaves the Warriors light on the squad. Three titles in five years and two other final appearances now look like a thing of the distant past. Klay Thompson is out of action due to injury and that puts extra pressure on Curry. Don’t expect the Warriors to go all the way, and if they do, it will be a huge achievement. They are backed at odds of 11.00 (bet365) to win the Championship, but those look far from ideal.
Talking of ideal, Houston Rockets have made what is probably the most aggressive pairing. Russell Westbrook has been traded in the off-season and is paired with James Harden at the Rockets. Numbers don’t lie and the duo averages 31.9 points (Harden) and 26.8 points (Westbrook) over the last three seasons. With a high number of assists and rebounds that they bring to the table, the Rockets are looking every much a side capable of going the distance.
Far from the hustle that the Clippers created, but not far off from their base – the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to restore old glory. The evergreen LeBron James and a revitalised Anthony Davis make the Lakers a very strong outfit. Add the excellent Danny Green to the equation and you have a perfect squad! Demarcus Cousins didn’t have the same impact because of injuries and should be itching to prove his worth. A new season gives so much hope for the Lakers, but is that enough to drive them to the dizzying heights of the past? Odds of 5.0 (bet365) suggest that the Lakers are not far behind their crosstown rivals Clippers.
Defending Champions Toronto Raptors have seen their chances diminish even before the season started. Leonard and Green have both departed during the off-season and that is reason enough to rule them out. It is a huge challenge for the Raptors to remain in the playoff contention and if they go beyond – it will be nothing short of a miracle. Even the odds – 34.00 (bet365) suggest the same on their chances of winning the Championship.
There are many more exciting teams around like the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets. Both have made some interesting choices over the summer and can be the dark horse picks for the title.
TIPS
LA Clippers to win the Championship @ 4.25 (bet365).
