NBA Win Total Odds
We are less than two weeks away from the official start of the NBA season. Many changes took place in the offseason, which has changed the NBA’s landscape. Some teams went up a level, while others fell down a few rungs. That leads us to team win totals.
Win totals are hard to predict due to variables at large. There can be injuries throughout the season that can cause a team to slide. There can also be in-season acquisitions to help bolster a roster. We truly never know what the outcome of the NBA season will be, but that is what makes betting on it so much fun. Despite the unpredictability of the NBA, I was able to find three win totals that caught my wandering eye.
San Antonio Spurs Over 35.5 Wins (-122)
The second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama is ready to take charge of the San Antonio Spurs franchise and make that next leap. Last season was another dismal year for the Spurs when you look at their 22-60 record, but there was hope in the form of Wemby and his growth on the court. The generational talent took home Rookie of the Year honors (unanimously) and finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year award behind his fellow Frenchman, Rudy Gobert.
Wemby has the chance to be even better in his second season, but now he has a little more help this year with the addition of future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul. For decades, Paul has been one of the best point guards we have ever seen. He is a pick-and-roll maestro and would be sure to throw the most perfect lobs to Wemby.
Furthermore, they added veteran Harrison Barnes to the fold, while drafting Stephon Castle out of UConn with the 4th overall pick. They added veterans and a young defensive guard to a talented roster. LeBron James in his second season took the Cleveland Cavaliers from a losing record to a winning record. If Wemby is a true generational talent, I think he can lead this team to 40 wins. I love this total and would smash the over button repeatedly.
Charlotte Hornets Under 30.5 Wins (-124)
The Charlotte Hornets are an odd team to figure out. You see the talent on the roster, but it feels like wishful thinking for them to put it together as a unit. Last season was another losing season with them only winning 21 games. Despite the awful campaign, Brandon Miller proved why he was a top 3 pick in his draft. However, injuries have hindered this franchise the last couple of seasons and have already begun for the upcoming season.
Mark Williams has shown flashes at the center position, but injuries have kept him out for long stretches. He was only able to play 19 games last year and is already dealing with a tendon strain in his foot. Then there is the face of their franchise, LaMelo Ball. After his first two seasons in the NBA, the public looked at LaMelo as the next great guard in this league. He was an All-Star. He was marketable. The Hornets had the makings of a true franchise guy. Then the next two years came and went with LaMelo only playing 58 games within those two years.
The team doesn’t gel together. They have talent but have guys that play basketball in a selfish manner at times. I don’t see them winning a lot of games even under a new head coach. The injuries and mindset of this franchise want me to fade them at all costs.
Los Angeles Lakers Over 42.5 Wins (-114)
LeBron James is entering his 21st season in the NBA and will also be turning 40 years old in December. One would think he is ready to retire and does not have the same greatness he once had. However, the Olympics happened this summer and LeBron proved he is still one of the best after leading Team USA to the gold medal.
LeBron is a cyborg at this point with no end in sight it seems. He also has Anthony Davis by his side, who had a phenomenal season last year. Those two have a case for being the best 1-2 punch in the NBA. The rest of the roster is solid at best, but have shown they are capable of playing big minutes in high-leverage games.
I believe the replacement of Darvin Ham with JJ Redick will give this team a much-needed boost from last year. Despite the turmoil, they finished with 47 wins. Until it happens, I cannot envision LeBron only winning 42 games.
Noel is from Philadelphia, PA. He went to West Chester University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications in Media & Culture.
