NBA Power Rankings Based on Championship Odds (Warriors Odds Climbing as Preseason Begins)
By Peter Dewey
Two weeks to go!
The NBA preseason kicked off this week, and we are exactly two weeks away from the start of the 2022-23 regular season.
Outside of the Phoenix Suns losing to the Adelaide 36ers (yikes), we haven't seen much to overreact to in the preseason. The Golden State Warriors looked good in their opener, especially youngster James Wiseman, who could be the big move that Golden State adds to the roster this season.
Where does each team stand with preseason underway? Here are out latest NBA Power Rankings:
1. Golden State Warriors (+600)
The Warriors are fresh off an NBA title, and now they get the ultra-talented James Wiseman to join their rotation. This team could be dangerous if its lottery picks from the last two seasons are the real deal.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
The Bucks were the NBA GM's pick to win the title in the latest league survey. There's a lot to like about this team, especially having Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way.
3. Boston Celtics (+500)
Boston's odds have bounced back in the wake of the Ime Udoka suspension. This team has a ton of talent, but an improved East could make its road back to the Finals tougher.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+700)
Kawhi Leonard is back on the court, and the Clippers are back in the NBA title conversation.
5. Brooklyn Nets (+700)
The Nets are the ultimate wild card team, but on talent alone they should be a contender this season.
6. Denver Nuggets (+1800)
The return of Jamal Murray should help Denver compete for a top-3 spot in the West this season.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (+1400)
The Sixers have a ton of talent, but which James Harden will show up in the 2022-23 season?
8. Miami Heat (+1600)
The big hole on Miami's roster is at forward, but the team did lock up Tyler Herro to a long-term deal to solidify its core.
9. Phoenix Suns (+1000)
I mean, you can't lose to an NBL team and not expect some backlash. The Suns are a risky team to bet at +1000.
10. Dallas Mavericks (+2500)
If you think Luka Doncic has na MVP-caliber season, the Mavericks are likely going to be in the conversation for a top seed in the West.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (+2000)
The Grizzlies won't have Jaren Jackson Jr. to start the season, so we're going to see just how deep this team is.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers (+3000)
Evan Mobley hurt his ankle in camp, which could put his status for the start of the season in jeopardy, but it doesn't seem too serious.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (+3500)
Rudy Gobert should help the Wolves make a move for a playoff spot outside of the play-in this season.
14. Los Angeles Lakers (+1800)
I can't stress this enough, do not bet the Lakers at this number with such a questionable rotation, and Russell Westbrook's future still up in the air.
15. New Orleans Pelicans (+4000)
A weaker division in the 2022-23 season could propel the Pelicans and Zion Williamson to a higher seed in the West.
16. Atlanta Hawks (+5000)
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray should be enough for the Hawks to make the playoffs this season.
17. Toronto Raptors (+4000)
The Raptors didn't lose anyone key from last season's team, but they also make any major moves in an Eastern Conference that saw a ton of teams get better.
18. Portland Trail Blazers (+8000)
Dame Time returns!
The Blazers should be back in at least the play-in conversation with Damian Lillard healthy.
19. Chicago Bulls (+4000)
I just can't get behind this Bulls team with the injury to Lonzo Ball. Chicago was about .500 without him last season.
20. New York Knicks (+6600)
These odds seem a little high for the Knicks, who arguably have the toughest division in the NBA to go through in a loaded East.
21. Charlotte Hornets (+15000)
The Hornets will need some of their young guys to take a step after losing Miles Bridges this offseason.
22. Washington Wizards (+25000)
The Wizards should be better if Bradley Beal is healthy for the full season, but this still doesn't look like a playoff team.
23. Sacramento Kings (+50000)
Too high for the Kings? Not if Keegan Murray (second in the NBA Rookie of the Year odds) is the real deal...
24. Detroit Pistons (+50000)
The Pistons could be frisky in the East, and the addition of Bojan Bogdanovic shows they are trying to win in the 2022-23 season.
25. Orlando Magic (+50000)
Orlando needs to figure out which young players are part of the team's long-term plan, as the Magic have a log jam at guard and forward with unproven young talent.
26. Utah Jazz (+50000)
The Jazz are entering a rebuild, and it will be interesting to see where they ship some of their veterans this season.
27. Indiana Pacers (+50000)
The Pacers have yet to deal Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, but if the season starts slow, one would think they'd both be on the trade block.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)
The Thunder have lost Chet Holmgren for the season and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort are hurt. Sam Presti is loving another chance to tank.
29. San Antonio Spurs (+50000)
The tank is on in San Antonio, especially if Keldon Johnson is hurt to start the season...
30. Houston Rockets (+50000)
Houston has some nice young talent, and it will be interesting to see how it meshes this season.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.