NBA Power Rankings Based on Championship Odds (Who Has Preseason Value to Win NBA Finals?)
By Peter Dewey
NBA training camp is here, and were less than a month away from the start of the 2022-23 regular season.
There have been some key injuries that have already come out, with Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Robert Williams III (Boston Celtics) all banged up entering the season. Williams is expected to miss 8-12 weeks, the most of any of the three players.
In addition to that, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball offered a concerning update on the knee injury he suffered last season, and it looks like he's still a long way away from returning.
As each NBA team rounds in form, and as the status of more players gets revealed, we will be able to have a better grasp on the futures market ahead of the 2022-23 season. I already explained why the Denver Nuggets are a sneaky bet to win it all this season at +2000 odds.
But now, it's time for our weekly Power Rankings. Where does each team stand as camp opens? Here's the latest:
1. Golden State Warriors (+700)
The Warriors deserve the top spot after winning the NBA title last season.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
The Bucks could take advantage of the Boston Celtics' messy offseason and move to favorites in the East.
3. Boston Celtics (+550)
Boston's odds dropped from +500 to +550 following Ime Udoka's season-long suspension.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+700)
The addition of John Wall, if healthy, could push the Clippers over the top in the Western Conference.
5. Brooklyn Nets (+700)
Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant is about as good of a trio as you can ask for. Can they all stay on the court when it counts is the question.
6. Denver Nuggets (+2000)
My early value pick to win the NBA Finals, the Nuggets finally have a formidable supporting cast around Nikola Jokic again.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (+1600)
The Sixers have the talent to make a playoff run, but Doc Rivers, James Harden and Joel Embiid all have a history of coming up short in the postseason...
8. Miami Heat (+1800)
The Heat didn't make many changes this offseason, but Jimmy Butler made a big change in his hairstyle.
9. Phoenix Suns (+1000)
The Suns reportedly are looking to trade Jae Crowder, and Deandre Ayton sounded less-than thrilled to be back in Phoenix at media day.
10. Dallas Mavericks (+2700)
The Mavs would be much higher had they kept, or replaced, Jalen Brunson, but the team is relying on its internal guards to improve in the 2022-23 season.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers (+3300)
There's a lot to like about this young Cavs team, and they could leap from play-in to playoff lock this season.
12. Memphis Grizzlies (+2400)
Ja Morant and company are looking to duplicating a great 2021-22 season, but the West certainly has improved with the Clippers, Lakers, Pelicans and Nuggets getting healthy.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (+3300)
The Rudy Gobert move was a gamble for the future, but it should make the Wolves much better defensively in present.
14. Los Angeles Lakers (+2500)
Whenever you have LeBron James, you're going to be a threat to win the title. It's that simple.
15. New Orleans Pelicans (+5000)
Zion Williamson looks in great shape, and that's a great sign for the Pelicans, who are looking to make the leap from play-in to playoff lock in the 2022-23 season.
16. Atlanta Hawks (+5000)
I love the addition of Dejounte Murray for Atlanta, and it certainly is in the playoff conversation in the East.
17. Toronto Raptors (+4200)
The Raptors may be young, but Vegas believes in them, moving their odds from +4500 to +4200 in the last week.
18. Portland Trail Blazers (+16000)
Damian Lillard's return should make the Blazers much more fun to watch this season.
19. Chicago Bulls (+5000)
The Bulls may be in trouble, as they were 24-23 last year without Lonzo Ball, and he apparently still can't run or jump in his recovery from a knee injury.
20. New York Knicks (+16000)
RJ Barrett thinks the Knicks are going to shock the world this season. Knicks fans would settle with a play-in berth.
21. Charlotte Hornets (+17000)
The more I look at this Hornets team, the more I wonder if they're going to regress to a top-five pick. Even head coach Steve Clifford is concerned...
22. Washington Wizards (+24000)
Can I interest you in a full season of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis? No? OK, moving on...
23. Sacramento Kings (+49000)
The Kings could make a push for a play-in spot with the Spurs and Jazz both in tank mode.
24. Detroit Pistons (+50000)
It's probably in Detroit's better interest to get a top pick, but Cade Cunningham may be too good for the Pistons to land there this season.
25. Orlando Magic (+50000)
The Paolo Banchero era is underway in Orlando, and time will tell if he's the superstar this franchise desperately needs.
26. Utah Jazz (+50000)
The Jazz are about as far from contending as you could be, and they likely will trade more vets by the end of the 2022-23 season.
27. Indiana Pacers (+50000)
Maybe the Pacers get out to a hot start and keep Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, but I'm not counting on it.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)
If SGA's injury lingers into the season, we're going to see another full-blown tank from OKC.
29. San Antonio Spurs (+50000)
I think we all should just take Gregg Popovich's advice ahead of the 2022-23 season.
30. Houston Rockets (+50000)
I don't want to knock the Rockets by putting them here, but there is just so much youth and a lot of unknowns on this roster.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.