The National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason is important in a number of ways. For example, it keeps the players fit and prepares them for the upcoming season, and managers can try certain new tactics.
It also gives everyone interested in the sport a glimpse of what’s to come when the regular season gets underway. Here is a closer look at what we have learned so far from the 2023 NBA preseason.
Things we have learned from the 2023 NBA preseason
Several things were learned from the 2023 NBA preseason. For example, despite losing their last three preseason games, the Memphis Grizzlies are likely to get off to a good start to the season.
They play the Pelicans on October 26th, the Nuggets on October 28th, the Wizards on October 29th, and the Mavericks on October 31st. They also go on to play Utah Jazz on November 2nd and then the Portland Trail Blazers on November 4th and 6th.
Today’s most trusted online sports betting sites like 10bet, which many people refer to as the best bookmaker in South Africa, currently have the Memphis Grizzlies as the odds-on favourite team to win the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.
They are currently priced at around 2.50 in the decimal odds format, meaning there’s a 40.00% implied probability rate (IPR) of them winning the division outright.
In fractional odds, 2.50 works out to 6/4, and in American/moneyline odds, it’s +150. Several key players to watch are Ja Morant (Point Guard), Derrick Rose (PG), Marcus Smart (PG), and Kenneth Loftin Jr. (Power Forward).
James Harden’s relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers is still rocky
We also learned that James Harden’s relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers is still on thin ice. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Although he did turn up to training camp, he made a swift exit, citing a personal matter for leaving.
In the latest turn of events, he skipped practice entirely and didn’t give a reason. There’s a good chance we will see Harden forcing through a transfer, just like he did at the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets.
Uncertainty about Chris Paul
Preseason games also showed us that there are still uncertainties about the Golden State Warriors Point Guard, Chris Paul. The Golden State Warriors play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.
While some have said he is the perfect fit to replace Draymond Green, who’s currently not 100% due to an ankle injury, others aren’t quite sure. It may take a few months of regular season games until we know how much of a fit he can be.
Victor Wembanyama didn’t disappoint in the preseason
French professional basketball player Victor Wembanyama, the Centre/Power Forward for the San Antonio Spurs, who play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference, had an impressive preseason and gave everyone a glimpse of what’s to come this season.
He’s an incredibly skilful player, and the Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich, has already expressed his delight at being able to extend Wembanyama’s contract last summer.
Upcoming fixtures
In the opening game of the new 2023/24 NBA season on October 25th, the Denver Nuggets will take on the LA Lakers at the Ball Arena, and the Golden State Warriors play the Phoenix Suns at the Chase Centre.
The following day, the bulk of opening fixtures take place. They include the following hotly anticipated games:
● Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks at the Spectrum Center
● Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
● Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets at the Amway Center
● New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden
● Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center
● Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Other fixtures on October 26th include Heat vs. Pistons, Grizzlies vs. Pelicans, Bulls vs. Thunder, Jazz vs. Kings, Spurs vs. Mavericks, and Clippers vs. Trail Blazers. On Friday, October 27th, the Bucks play the 76ers, and the Lakers play the Suns.
Which team will most likely win the 2023/24 NBA Championship outright?
The current odds-on favourite to win the 2023/24 NBA Championship title outright are the Milwaukee Bucks. They are currently priced, on average, at around 4.50 in the decimal odds format. In terms of IPR (implied probability rate), it means they have a 22.20% chance of winning.
4.5 in the decimal odds format works out to +350 in the American/moneyline odds format or 7/2 in fractional odds. In comparison, the Boston Celtics are the second odds-on favourite team to win the NBA Championship outright this year at 5.00 (4/1, or +400) with a 20% IPR.
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