NBA Playoffs Value Picks: Can Lillard Put Trail Blazers on His Back Again?
With the 2022-23 NBA regular season approaching in just a few weeks, now is the ideal moment to start exploring the NBA futures markets for potential value. In this analysis, we will be highlighting three value bets on teams that could potentially contend for a playoff spot.
Last year’s NBA Finals featured the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics representing their conferences. The Warriors emerged victorious, securing their fourth championship in eight years.
We have pinpointed three teams that have the potential to make a significant impact during the 2022-23 regular season and secure a spot in the playoffs.
Below are my selections and forecasts for three NBA teams that offer favorable odds for bettors looking to make the playoffs (odds sourced from FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet).
Which Teams’ Postseason Odds Provide Best Value?
Trail Blazers (+154 via FanDuel)
For eight straight years, from 2013 to 2021, the Portland Trail Blazers were a consistent presence in the Western Conference playoffs, firmly establishing themselves as contenders.
But last season told a different tale. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum had been hailed as one of the top backcourt duos in the NBA over the previous six seasons. However, the Trail Blazers made the decision to trade McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans in an effort to lower their salary cap and acquire some assets.
Portland only managed to win 27 games last season, marking their lowest total since the 2010-11 season when they finished with a 28-38 record due to a lockout-shortened season.
While Lillard is capable of having explosive performances, his statistics of 24.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists may not be sufficient to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
What makes this bet intriguing is that FanDuel considers the Trail Blazers one of the top contenders to make the play-in tournament (-140). If Portland does secure a spot in the play-in tournament, Lillard has the potential to lead his team to the playoffs.
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Bulls (-125 via DraftKings)
The Chicago Bulls had failed to make the playoffs for four consecutive seasons prior to last year. However, following changes in the front office and strategic offseason signings such as DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso, the Bulls were able to break their playoff drought.
Caruso lived up to expectations as a strong defender, while Ball had a strong performance until a knee injury sidelined him for most of the second half of the season. DeRozan had a standout season in the NBA, averaging 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
DeRozan last scored over 27 points per game in the 2016-17 season while playing for the Toronto Raptors. Judging by his performance in his first year with the team, there is every indication that he will continue to be a valuable asset in the upcoming season.
Regrettably, Ball is not anticipated to be back before the season begins following a recent surgery on his left knee. There is currently no set timeline for his recovery.
Fortunately, the Bulls managed to perform well last season despite Ball being absent from the rotation for a significant portion of it. With DeRozan, Lavine, and Vucevic leading the charge and maintaining their high level of play, the team has the necessary firepower to secure a playoff spot once again.
Pelicans (-155 via PointsBet)
The New Orleans Pelicans have not been consistent playoff contenders in their history. Since the 2010-11 season, they have only made the postseason four times. Given this track record, some may wonder why the team is being considered early favorites to make the playoffs.
One major factor is the belief that Zion Williamson is back to full health. After playing only 24 games in 2019-20 and missing the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury, he has shown improved conditioning during the offseason and appears poised to make a strong comeback.
In his first year in the league, he scored an average of 22.5 points and grabbed 6.3 rebounds per game. The following season, he improved his stats to 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 2020-21. He also maintained an impressive field goal percentage of 60.4%.
New Orleans is on the rise with their recent acquisition of McCollum from the Trail Blazers. The Pelicans secured the No. 8 seed in the conference playoffs and put up a strong fight against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns, taking the series to six games.
The Pelicans will be happy to have Williamson back on the court alongside McCollum and the other up-and-coming players on their team. With their talented roster, they are expected to compete for a spot in the playoffs once more.
Where to Bet on NBA Futures Picks
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NBA playoffs value picks as of 9/30/2022 at 6:10 p.m. ET
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