Filip Tomic
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The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics will tip us off into the 2022-23 NBA season on Tuesday, October 18. The preseason is in full swing, so it’s the perfect time for us to go division by division and predict who will finish with the best record in each of them.
Along with these NBA divisional predictions, be sure to check out all of our NBA analysis for the 2022-2023 season.
Without further ado, let’s dive into it!
Atlantic Division: Brooklyn Nets (+220)
Many NBA analysts have struggled to predict the outcome of the Atlantic Division, including myself, but in the end I have to give the edge to the Brooklyn Nets over the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. People forget just how good the Nets were before Kevin Durant went down with his injury. The fact that his team got swept in the playoffs by the eventual finalists Boston Celtics only adds fuel to the fire. KD is on a mission this season to once again prove that he belongs among the elite, especially after ESPN ranked him only as the 8th best player coming into this season. The addition of Ben Simmons gives them another elite ballhandler and defender, something they really lacked during the Celtics series. It is also worth noting that Kyrie Irving is in a contract year, so don’t expect him to miss too many games this season as he tries to secure another bag. So even if both the Celtics and 76ers got better this offseason, I am really liking the Nets to take home the Atlantic Division.
Central Division: Milwaukee Bucks (-260)
The biggest offseason move in this division was made by the Cleveland Cavaliers who traded for Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, but even with him on the team I still cannot look past the Milwaukee Bucks for the Central Division. Last season was a big disappointment for Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. as they went out against the Celtics in 7 games. Not having Khris Middleton was a big blow to their ambitions and it was quite evident in the way they played the Celtics. That all should change after Middleton recovers from wrist surgery he underwent at the start of July. A highly motivated Giannis could be a scary sight for the rest of the league as the 2-time MVP tries to win his 2nd championship. Aside from the Cavaliers, I don’t see anyone else presenting a threat for the Bucks who have won this division four season in a row. Barring any injury disaster, it’s Milwaukee’s division to lose.
Northwest Division: Denver Nuggets (-160)
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is finally getting much needed help this season as Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. finally return from long lay-offs due to injury. This means the Nuggets are the odds-on favorites to win their division, but also among the top candidates to go all the way this season. Although there are some worries surrounding the health of Porter Jr. who is coming back from a back injury, I think when those three players are healthy the Nuggets can beat almost everyone. We all still remember their remarkable performance in the bubble where Denver made it all the way to the Conference Finals. I expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to challenge them for the division, but until I see how the Rudy Gobert trade plays out I am not trusting Minnesota just yet.
Check out our NBA Western Conference predictions, including +330 and +2400 bets.
Pacific Division: LA Clippers (+195)
Along with the Atlantic Division, the Pacific Division is probably the toughest one to predict this season. You have 3 main contenders in Golden State, the Clipper and Phoenix, plus you have a dark horse in the LA Lakers who still have LeBron James on their roster. Both the Warriors and Suns have had their offseason issues, so I’m ready for someone else to step in and take the crown in this division. The LA Clippers are finally getting their best player Kawhi Leonard back from injury, together with Paul George they have the potential to be the highest scoring duo in the NBA, plus each of them plays well on both ends of the floor which is rare these days. They also added John Wall at the point-guard position and so far in the preseason he has looked very motivated to show everyone there is still something left in his tank. I would argue the Clippers have the best depth in the entire NBA and together with one of the best young coaches in the NBA I think they have all the necessary ingredients for a successful season. It all starts and finishes with Leonard though. If he is fully healthy and committed to play 70+ games the Clippers are going to rack up a ton of wins.
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Southeast Division: Miami Heat (-150)
I have a hard time looking past the Miami Heat for the Southeast Division, simply because they only have one threat and that is the Atlanta Hawks. Miami finished last season as the 4th best defense holding opponents to just 44.7% shooting from the field and 33.9% from three, if they can sustain that they will have no issues finishing with home court advantage at the end of the regular season. P.J. Tucker is no longer there, but they have ascending players like Max Struss to fill the void, plus I am expecting another solid season from both Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro off the bench. Jimmy Butler’s health is the only thing that could deter them this season. Over the past 2 regular seasons he has suited up for just 109 games, which is concerning, but on the other hand he always shows up when the team needs him the most in the postseason. All in all, I am expecting another solid season from Miami. Yes, Atlanta did add Dejounte Murray, but until I see how him and Trae Young co-exist for longer stretches of the season, I am not ready to pull the trigger on the Hawks. Back Miami to win the Southeast Division.
Southwest Division: Dallas Mavericks (+145)
Is it time for Luka Doncic to finally have a breakout season? Entering his 5th year with the Mavs, big things are expected from Luka as many people are tipping him for MVP honors. In order for that to happen, his team needs to rack up some wins and after finishing last year with a 52-30 record and a Western Conference finals berth, Doncic is as motivated as ever to take the next step in his development. He will need help though, as the Mavs have lost Jalen Brunson in free agency. Guys like Spencer Dinwiddie and Christian Wood are expected to step up, while role players Dorian Finney-Smith, Reggie Bullock and Maxi Kleber all have an extra year under their belt which should do them well. The biggest threat to the Mavs for the division will be the Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, but after exceeding expectations last year I think the Grizzlies will take a step back this year after losing a couple of rotational players and replacing them with rookies. Go with Dallas to win the Southwest Division.
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