We are deep into the 2021/22 NBA Season. Most sides have played at least 25 times, so we now have a clearer idea of who is looking in good shape, as well as which teams look like they are going to continue to struggle over the next few months. It also means the betting odds are becoming more and more accurate, as we can start to see trends in each side’s performances.
Looking for odds and betting on basketball is a pastime that millions of fans worldwide take part in each game week. Some fans search for free NBA picks, and make the big decision as to who to bet on for each game. There are also a huge number of inplay betting markets within basketball, so you don’t just have to bet on the outright winner.
As we are now over a quarter of the way through this NBA campaign, we thought we’d review how some of the leading pack have been doing, and look at their betting stats for some of the upcoming fixtures. So read on to find out some more NBA news,
Nets leading the way in the Eastern
15 teams make up the Eastern Conference in the NBA, and at the time of writing it is the Brooklyn Nets who lead the way, with 20 wins from their 28 games so far. They are one of the current franchises without a NBA championship to their name (with just 2 finals appearances, in 2002 and 2003, which both ended in losses) so will be as motivated as anyone to keep this momentum going.
Recent results have been good, as they are currently on a 3 game winning streak. The first win came against the Atlanta Hawks, which ended 113-105 to the Nets. The following game saw them take on the Detroit Pistons, who are currently rock bottom of the Eastern. The Nets were the overwhelming oddsmakers favourite for this one, so it was no surprise to see them win 116-104. Then their most recent fixture was against the Toronto Raptors. This was a much closer affair, with the Raptors pushing the Nets all the way. It ended 131-120 to Brooklyn, keeping their good momentum going.
Next up for the Nets is the Philadelphia 76ers. Some sportsbooks have them as the 2.5 point favourite against the 76ers, so it would make sense for bettors to seriously consider these odds.
Warriors in formidable form
Over on the other side of the country , there is a team who are looking even more imposing than the Nets. It is the Golden State Warriors, who don’t forget were the NBA champions in 2015, 2017 and 2018. Many of their star players from this era, such as Stephen Curry, are still with the team, and he will be doing everything he can to help them make it into the playoffs come the end of the regular season.
Given their form, they have been the bookmakers favourite in a majority of their recent matches. While they did lose to the 76ers 102-93 on the 12th of December, a result which did upset the odds, they have recorded a number of great results recently, such as the 126-95 smashing of the Orlando Magic, and in their most recent game, where they took the New York Knicks apart, with the final score 105-96 to the team from California.
In their upcoming game, the Warriors travel over to the east coast, to take on the Boston Celtics, in what should be a fantastic game to watch and bet on. Unsurprisingly, the Warriors are the clear favourites, with some sportsbooks having them as -109. Tune in on Saturday to see if that is how it plays out.
Best of the rest
Elsewhere in the Western Division, and the Phoenix Suns are also looking like they mean business this year. They were, of course, the losing finalists in the 2020/21 NBA season, just being edged out by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns haven’t let this defeat get them down, as they are currently 22-5, winning their most recent match against the Portland Trail Blazers 111-107. They face the Washington Wizards next, and are -8 favourites to triumph.
The Bucks have also picked up where they left off, with an overall record of 19-11 so far this term, which puts them in 2nd behind the Nets in the Easten Division. They are also fresh from a win against the Indiana Pacers, where Jrue Holiday was the leading points scorer, getting 26 in the 114-99 win. For the Bucks next is a trip to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans, with the team from Wisconsin the clear favourite in the spread at -9. This is one that sports betting fans should certainly be paying attention to.
