NBA Power Rankings Based on Odds Ahead of 2022 NBA Draft (Teams Looking for Franchise-Altering Star)
By Peter Dewey
We are just a day away from the 2022 NBA Draft, and there are several NBA franchises that are hoping their draft pick will be the key to turning them form a pretender to a contender in the 2022-23 season.
The NBA Finals ended just six days ago, with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Boston Celtics, but we already have NBA Finals odds for the 2022-23 season up at WynnBET Sportsbook.
The draft may not alter these odds right away, since the top players are going to land with teams that are still in need of plenty of help to contend, but it's possible a draft-day trade or steal could help a contender next season.
Yours truly broke down the lottery in my latest 2022 NBA Mock Draft. Now, let's see how each team stacks up as the offseason gets under way:
1. Golden State Warriors (+550)
The defending champs deserve the top spot, especially since they won the title without James Wiseman. As young guys like Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga develop around Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors dynasty is going to be hard to take down.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (+750)
The Bucks' title defense was cut short with Khris Middleton getting hurt, but the trio of Middleton, Jrue Holiday and obviously Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best in the league.
3. Boston Celtics (+750)
The Celtics need to add bench depth this offseason, but the core from their run to the NBA Finals should all be back in the 2022-23 season.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+800)
The Clippers missed the playoffs in the 2021-22 season, but they'll have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back in the lineup and healthy next season. I love the Clippers' supporting cast with Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Norman Powell and Robert Covington. They'll be a tough team to beat, if healthy, next season.
5. Dallas Mavericks (+1500)
Dallas already made a big splash, trading the No. 26 pick for Christian Wood. Luka Doncic carried this team to the Western Conference Finals, and they figure to be even better next season if they can keep Jalen Brunson.
6. Phoenix Suns (+1000)
The Suns may be a bit high on this list with Deandre Ayton's future up in the air, but Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul is still a really solid core.
7. Brooklyn Nets (+750)
Kyrie Irving could end up leaving the Nets, which puts a ton of uncertainty around their futures. Kevin Durant is great, but he has won just one playoff series since leaving Golden State.
8. Denver Nuggets (+1800)
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are expected to return to give Nikola Jokic some much-deserved help next season. Denver could be a sneaky bet to win the Western Conference.
9. Miami Heat (+1200)
The Heat could make a move for Donovan Mitchell or Bradley Beal, but the bigger issue right now is health, especially with P.J. Tucker opting out of his deal.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (+1500)
The Grizzlies showed they can win with and without Ja Morant last year, and they have a chance to develop even more around him next season.
11. Los Angeles Lakers (+1800)
You can only drop a team led by LeBron James so low. But until the Lakers figure out what they're doing with Russell Westbrook, they're going to be a question mark entering the 2022-23 season.
12. Philadelphia 76ers (+1500)
James Harden and Joel Embiid flamed out in the playoffs last season, and now Harden is a year older and going to get an extension this offseason. The window is closing fast in Philly.
13. New Orleans Pelicans (+4000)
Zion Williamson is going to be back for a Pelicans team that made the playoffs in the 2021-22 campaign. If New Orleans hits it big with the No. 8 pick, the West better be on notice.
14. Toronto Raptors (+5000)
The Raptors made the playoffs last season, and now they return most of the same core again heading into this offseason.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (+4000)
Minnesota made the playoffs last season, but it's going to need to improve the supporting cast around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
16. Atlanta Hawks (+7500)
The Hawks have been rumored to be active in the trade market as they try to fix their roster around Trae Young.
17. Chicago Bulls (+5000)
The Bulls' biggest concern this offseason will be keeping Zach LaVine. If they do, they should be in the playoff mix in the 2022-23 season.
18. Charlotte Hornets (+7500)
The Hornets are still looking for a head coach, and they are trying to trade Gordon Hayward to avoid the luxury tax when they extend Miles Bridges. It's possible they part with the No. 13 or No. 15 pick to do so.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (+10000)
The Cavs are in the lottery again after losing two straight play-in games last season. Cleveland has a major decision to make with restricted free agent Collin Sexton this offseason as well.
20. Utah Jazz (+6000)
The Jazz lost their head coach and may lose their two top players in Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in trades. If Utah does blow it up, it may be the worst team in the NBA.
21. New York Knicks (+7500)
The Knicks have been rumored to be interested in Jalen Brunson and Malcolm Brogdon, and they may move the No. 11 pick to acquire someone. New York has a lot of salary it needs to shed after a failed offseason prior to the 2021-22 season.
22. San Antonio Spurs (+25000)
The Spurs made the play-in last season, and now they have the No. 9 pick to add even more talent to a young roster. Still, they're going to have a tough time in the crowded West.
23. Detroit Pistons (+20000)
I'm high on the upstart Pistons, especially if they can land Jaden Ivey at No. 5 to pair with Cade Cunningham.
24. Portland Trail Blazers (+10000)
The Blazers may trade the No. 7 pick to get more immediate help for Damian Lillard. Still, the Blazers will also need to make moves in free agency to really turn things around.
25. Sacramento Kings (+50000)
The Kings want to trade the No. 4 pick for a "win-now" player. The Kings don't ever do much winning, so surely this will turn out well.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)
The Thunder pick at No. 2 and No. 12, and they have solid young pieces in Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort. Things are looking up in OKC.
27. Indiana Pacers (+50000)
The Pacers are in the midst of a rebuild, but they could add an elite talent at No. 6 to pair with Tyrese Haliburton. Still, it feels like this team is going to sell off Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon this offseason to continue the rebuild.
28. Washington Wizards (+50000)
Bradley Beal's future is going to decide the Wizards' fate. However, Washington hasn't won with Beal anyway, and I don't think the No. 10 pick changes that.
29. Orlando Magic (+50000)
The Magic have the No. 1 pick (Jabari Smith?), but their roster still has some serious holes. Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz need to return and play well after missng time with injury last season.
30. Houston Rockets (+50000)
The Rockets have the No. 3 pick, but trading Christian Wood shows they're content with rebuilding still next season around Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and whoever they grab at No. 3.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.