NBA Southeast Division Tips & Betting Update

NBA Southeast Division Tips & Betting Update

In the third of our NBA division betting updates, we break down one of the most competitive divisions in the NBA, the Southeast. Without a dominant team that has a commanding lead, 4 of the 5 teams remain in strong contention to take out the title. Charlotte currently leads the way; however they’ve only won 15 of their first 30 games. If any team can put together a consistently solid run, they’ve got a very solid chance of claiming both the division and a high playoff seed. In one of the more intriguing NBA division races, let’s take a look at our 2 best bets. 

Charlotte Hornets at $2.25 

The only division that currently doesn’t have any team with a winning record, Charlotte lead the way in the Southeast at 15-15. Point Guard Kemba Walker has undoubtedly been the Hornets best player through 30 games. The 28-year-old is currently putting up outstanding averages of 24.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Shooting Guard Jeremy Lamb has been a very solid complement in the backcourt, averaging 15 points and 5.6 boards of his own. Currently 1 game up on the Magic in second place, I think the Hornets have a very solid shot at holding on to the division title here. They’ve got the best player in the Southeast and a versatile backcourt that should keep them competitive all year.

Orlando Magic at $5.50 

Against most people’s expectations, the Magic are still right in the thick of the Southeast title race. They currently sit at 14-16, a solitary game back of the Hornets in 1st. Center Nikola Vucevic has led the way with an outstanding season, averaging 20.6 points and 11.7 rebounds whilst shooting over 40% from 3. Aaron Gordon is also looking like a very solid long-term contributor, averaging 15.7 points and 7.2 boards of his own. With one of the bettor coaches in the NBA in Steve Clifford, I expect Orlando to hang around in this title race all season. As long as they don’t make any negative moves at the trade deadline, they look very solid value at $5.50. 

Miami Heat at $3.75 

Miami currently sit 1.5 games back on Charlotte at a relatively disappointing 13-16. With Goran Dragic having missed the majority of the season, the Heat have struggled mightily to create consistent offence. Shooting Guard Josh Richardson has been the team’s best player this season, averaging 18.6 points, 3.8 boards, and 3.5 assists so far. Center Hassan Whiteside has been an efficient presence on the interior, averaging 13.4 points, 13.3 boards, and 2.9 blocks this season. Given that Dragic is now out for another 2 months, I just don’t think the Heat have what it takes to claim the Southeast division. At $3.75, they really shouldn’t be this far below Orlando.  

Washington Wizards at $3.75 

Despite an absolute disaster of a season so far, the Wizards only find themselves 4 games back in the Southeast. Although they’ve only won 12 of their first 32 games, both of their Guards have had very solid seasons. Bradley Beal in particular has been excellent, averaging 23.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He has been complemented nicely by John Wall, who’s averaging 21.3 points and 8.8 assists of his own. The recent acquisition of Trevor Ariza also suggests that this team hasn’t given up on competing this season. That said, the dysfunction of this team’s locker room makes it difficult to see them putting a huge run together. At $3.75, I think they’re just too short to take the Southeast.

Atlanta Hawks at $501 

The Hawks are all but out of contention for the Southeast, having won just 7 of their first 30 games. This is despite the very solid performances of big man John Collins, who is averaging 18.6 points and 9.5 rebounds so far. Rookie Point Guard Trae Young has also shown some promising flashes, averaging 15.5 points and 7.1 assists of his own. Taurean Prince rounds out the trio of promising young stars, averaging 15 points and 4 rebounds of his own. Whilst I don’t think this team is worth a punt this year, they look like one to watch in future. 

Best bet: Charlotte at $2.25 

The Hornets look like the likely winner of the 2018/19 Southeast division. In Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb, they have a very capable backcourt capable of carrying this team. They also possess one of the deeper and more versatile rosters in this division. Whilst they haven’t quite lived up to their contract status, wing players like Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are more than capable. Cody Zeller is a quality option at Centre, whilst Tony Parker and Malik Monk provide solid backcourt depth. I think $2.25 is overs for Charlotte and I’d put their likelihood of winning this division above 50%. 

Value Bet: Orlando at $5.50 

Currently sitting second place in the division, I think Orlando are also well worth a play at $5.50. In Vucevic, Gordon, and Jonathan Isaac they have a very solid frontcourt that can compete on both ends. The backcourt rotation of Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier, Terrence Ross, and D.J. Augustin have surpassed all expectations and currently average 39 points between them. Mo “Best Song of 2018” Bamba and Jonathon Simmons also provide capable depth off the bench. With the struggles faced by both Washington and Miami, Orlando are well over the odds here at $5.50.