A Look Ahead: Way Too Early NBA Championship Futures Bets To Make (6/20/22)

Sports betting analyst Justin Carlucci takes a look at NBA futures wagers to consider for the 2022-23 season. Make sure to use our PrizePicks bonus and Caesars promo code to begin betting on basketball now!

It seems like there were 5,000 storylines during another drama-filled 2021-22 NBA season. But that’s why we love it so much, right?

Personally, I already miss seeing the Inside The NBA crew on my television until 2 a.m. after a west-coast game. It’s the best sports production on the air!

Thanks to the “late start” schedule change, the Golden State Warriors won the 2021-22 title just days ago, but the NBA draft is already here!

We’re not even done digesting this past season, but soon enough, the free-agent dominoes will be falling, and futures odds will be moving like crazy.

Heck, we already got some Twitter gossip Monday morning that the Kyrie Irving Brooklyn Nets’ marriage may be over already. What a difference a year makes.

Let’s take a look at some futures to consider, which are currently better than 10/1 on your money as things stand right now (all odds via FOX Bet).

Free 2022-23 NBA Futures Best Bets

Philadelphia 76ers (+1500)

It pains me to do this, but everyone in the East is beatable. Sixers’ general manager Daryl Morey is one of (if not the most) aggressive GMs in the league. He doesn’t always make the right move, but he makes them, that’s for sure.

Other than Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, it seems that everyone on the 76ers’ roster, including Thursday’s first-round pick and other future assets are available.

More rumors floating out of Philly this week include such of Harden willing to sign a short-term deal, which could help backload a hypothetical future contract for another big name.

If Morey is able to pull a rabbit out of his hat, move the right pieces, and get another big name, these odds could be on the move as soon as the weekend.

Tobias Harris will most likely have to be packaged to make this happen. Harris is still owed a decent chunk of change, but there is now only two years left on that horrific contract, thanks to former GM Elton Brand’s wrongdoing.

Regardless, the 76ers need to find a few vet-minimum, 1-year deals to round out that bench. I’d like to see what the Sixers can do with an in-shape Harden, a healthy Embiid and a better supporting cast. Let’s see some draft-night fireworks.

Denver Nuggets (+1700)

It sure is fun to watch Nikola Jokic play basketball! It’s even better when his supporting cast is actually healthy.

According to CleaningTheGlass, Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. played over 1500 possessions together two seasons ago, when there was some “real” data for shared court time. Those lineups ranked in the 99th percentile of points per possession and eFG% with a whopping difference in net rating.

Unfortunately, Porter and Murray have both missed so much time – including just about the entire 2021 season. But they should both be ready to roll for training camp.

When you throw in the addition of Aaron Gordon, a very-plus defender, and some decent bench players, including the anticipated leap of Bones Hyland, the Nuggets have one of the highest ceilings in the league.

The simple truth is, the Nuggets were a 48-win team without either Robin to their Batman. This is my favorite bet to make right now outside of 10-1.

New Orleans Pelicans (+5000)

This is a rational long shot. With a little luck, and the right personnel moves, the Pelicans could make an abrupt Memphis-type ascension to become a serious player next season.

CJ McCollum made a world of difference after the trade deadline for the Pelicans. Heck, they even made the play-in tournament. McCollum played a good bit of point guard and didn’t look half bad doing so.

I’d argue that he played the best basketball of his career in New Orleans this summer. When he was on the floor, the Pels saw an increase in points per possession and just about every metric across the board.

Of course, defensively, the Pelicans continued to be nothing short of terrible. However, there are recent rumors linking Zion Williamson to Pels’ mega-deal. At 50/1 on your money, with a hypothetical starting 5 of McCollum, Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciuans and defensive-mogul Herb Jones, I think there’s real upside here and a great chance to improve defensively. Another two-way player off the bench would help quite a bit. 

There is so much unknown across the league, let alone the Western Conference. It makes for great, competitive basketball and allows us to make some long-shot bets.

What will become of the Lakers? Will Kawhi Leonard be 100% healthy in LAC? Another year for the ageless wonder, Chris Paul, and the Suns may also be without DeAndre Ayton, who is rumored be on his way out of town. Christian Wood is still not enough help for Luka. I could keep going, but you’re probably mumbling for me to shut up by now.

Who says no, for the Pels to make a serious run next year?

NBA Betting Information

NBA betting has seen enormous growth in recent years and will continue to do so as legal sports betting expands in the US. The NBA season starts in October, but things really start heating up in the spring and early summer. NBA isn’t as popular as NFL betting, but it is more popular than the NHL and MLB. Because if its popularity, NBA lines are fairly efficient. One of the best ways to find an edge against US sportsbooks is by using our NBA odds page, which shows you the best lines for every NBA bet.

The most common way to bet on NBA is by betting on the point spread and totals (or Over/Unders). You can also bet on NBA moneylines. Learn how to read lines and check out our FAQ if you’re new to sports betting or simply need a quick refresher. Additionally, use our parlay calculator if you’re looking to drain an NBA parlay from downtown.

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