In the second of our NBA division betting updates, we take a look at the Western Conference’s Pacific division. Home to the reigning champion Golden State Warriors, this division has been relatively uncompetitive in recent years. That said, the arrival of LeBron James has added a lot of intrigue. The Clippers and Kings have both also surprised this season, racing off to winning records through their first 30 games. Unfortunately for Phoenix, they already find themselves well adrift in this race. Let’s take a look at our 2 best bets on the board in the Pacific division futures market.
Golden State Warriors at $1.04
The Warriors sit at a respectable 21-10, good enough for pole position in the Pacific division. Undoubtedly the most talented team in the NBA, they boast an excellent starting lineup based entirely of All-Stars. Point Guard Stephen Curry is having an outstanding season, averaging 29.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds so far. Kevin Durant has been arguably even better, averaging 29 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists of his own. With Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and DeMarcus Cousins rounding out this starting five, it’s tough to see anyone stopping the Dubs here. Even at $1.04, it beats the return you’d get with bank interest.
Los Angeles Lakers at $9
Despite a poor start to the season, the Lakers sit just 2.5 games behind the Warriors at 18-12. LeBron James has shown no signs of wearing down, averaging 27.7 points, 7.7 boards, and 7 assists per contest. Kyle Kuzma has been an excellent complementary scorer, averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 rebounds of his own. In Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart, the Lakers have 3 key young players that could go a long way towards deciding the team’s future. Currently at 18-12, I think the Lakers end up with around 48-51 wins. Given the strength of this Warriors team, that’s probably not enough to earn the Pacific crown.
Los Angeles Clippers at $13
After an excellent start to the campaign, the Clippers appear to have regressed of late. They currently sit at 17-13 and look in danger of potentially missing the playoffs. Forward Tobias Harris has been the key man for LA this season, averaging 21 points and 8 boards so far. He is capably supported in the frontcourt by Danilo Gallinari, who’s averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds of his own. Shooting Guard Lou Williams is looking like a strong 6th man of the year candidate and it’s no surprise that his injury has coincided with the Clippers dip in form. Currently 3.5 games behind Golden State, I just don’t see them catching up the rest of the way. I expect them to finish around 43-45 wins, right on the edge of the playoff race.
Sacramento Kings at $251
The Kings have surpassed all expectations this season and currently sit at 16-14 after 30 games. A primary reason for this has been the stellar play of their young backcourt. Shooting Guard Buddy Hield is currently leading the team with 19.2 points per game, whilst Point Guard De’Aaron Fox is sporting impressive averages of 18.5 points and 7.5 assists. Big man Willie Cauley-Stein is also in line to get paid, averaging 14.2 points and 8.5 rebounds of his own. A mere 1 game behind the Clippers, Sacramento do appear to be slightly over the odds here. Whilst I don’t see them winning the division, it’s definitely possible they end up with a better record than the Clippers.
Phoenix Suns at $501
At long last there is some room for optimism in Phoenix, with 3 straight wins seeing them reach the heights of 7-24. Shooting Guard Devin Booker has been solid when in the lineup, averaging 23.8 points and 6.8 assists this season. Rookie big man Deandre Ayton has also provided a nice interior presence, averaging 15.6 points and 10.1 boards per game. Even Forward T.J Warren has emerged as a solid scoring option, averaging over 18 points per game so far. Whilst they don’t have a shot at the Pacific division this season, I can see the building blocks forming in Phoenix. With a solid coach and a young core featuring Booker, Ayton, and this season’s 1st rounder, they could be a team to watch in the next 2-3 years.
Best Bet: Warriors at $1.04
Ultimately, it’s tough to see a circumstance where the Warriors don’t win the Pacific division. They had a dreadful second half to last season and still finished with 58 wins. Their huge talent advantage gives them a margin for error that other teams just can’t enjoy. In Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, they also have what I’d consider to be two of the top 3 players in the NBA. Buoyed by an excellent home crowd, I can see Golden State at least matching the 58 wins of last year. Even the best case for the Lakers doesn’t appear that high. Assuming good health, this is Golden State’s division to lose.
Value Bet: Lakers at $9
If injuries or internal conflict derail Golden State’s season, the Lakers are the only other team I can see winning this division. They appear to be playing much better of late, going through a stretch of 18 wins in 25 games. In LeBron James, they have the best player on the court on almost every single night. A promising young core also plays with consistent energy and effort. With plenty of assets to use in a trade, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers improve their roster at the trade deadline. If everything goes right for them I can see a ceiling around 55 wins, which may just prove enough if Golden State implodes.