This week, the NBA finally returns for a new season. The offseason was filled with drama, so it’s anyone’s guess what will happen over the next few weeks, but we’re certain it’s going to be great entertainment for the fans. Can the Warriors retain the Championship? Who will be this season’s stand-out performer, and which rookie will surprise us? Anything can happen, and it’s all available to bet on here at Boom Casino.
The season’s opening games take place on Tuesday, October 18, with the Celtics taking on the 76ers and the Warriors playing the Lakers. Two big games start the season, and it only gets better with more games on Wednesday too. You can find the best odds for these games here at Boom Casino, and we’ve also got odds on NBA futures for this season.
If you want to have the most fun while betting on the NBA, you should first know a bit more about the best teams and their chances. In this NBA betting preview, we’ll share some tips on teams expected to compete for the Championship, as well as more info on player award bets.
2022-23 NBA Championship Odds
This season, the Warriors are our favourites to win the Championship after a strong performance last season. The Boston Celtics came very close last season and are highly rated once more as second favourites, while the Bucks are third down the list. Other teams in the top ten favourites include the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns.
Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are joint favourites to win the NBA Championship at 6.8. Warriors had an unbelievable season in 2021-22, with Steph Curry showing why he’s the best in the game. Most people overlooked them on their route to the finals, but they showed why they were the best team in the league, winning six games against the Celtics. Aside from Curry, they also have an excellent young talent in Jordan Poole and the return of Klay Thompson from injury.
The Celtics were the big favourites to win last year’s Championship but lost out in the Finals to the Warriors. You can back up the Celtics, the co-favourites with the same odds as the Warriors at 6.8. With some extra experience and some smart off-season trades, they could easily go all the way this time. They should also have better luck with injuries, with both Robert Williams and Marcus Smart returning.
Although they’re rated as third favourites, just ahead of the LA Clippers at 7.25, it would be unwise to rule out the Bucks. They’re also favourites to win the East Conference, and most fans would anticipate them making a deep playoffs run. The major reason for the Bucks being rated so highly is thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP and current reining playoff MVP is in the form of his life and will be looking to help the Bucks secure another Championship.
2022-23 MVP Odds
Aside from betting on the Championship, it’s also worth checking the odds for the season’s MVP and the Rookie of the Year awards. This season, Luka Donic is the favourite to win the regular season MVP award at 5.3, but Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo aren’t far behind at 6.75 and 6.95.
This makes the third consecutive year that Donic has been a favourite for the MVP award. Although he didn’t win the last two times, that seemingly hasn’t affected his odds. The Dallas Mavericks points guard is among the best in the league and has put up some seriously impressive performances. At just 23 years old, he’s still getting better too, and this could definitely be his year.
Sixers’ star Joel Embiid is another big favourite, and he definitely has all the tools to be one of the best in the league. He was incredibly dominant towards the end of last season, and there’s no reason why he won’t have another strong season this year. He puts up impressive numbers, and he’s been remarkably durable so far. He could definitely be a smart bet for the regular season MVP award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was last season’s MVP of the regular season and has previously won the playoffs MVP award too. He’s been a monster on the court for the past few seasons and has shown no signs of slowing down. If the Bucks have a great run, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be MVP once more.