Best Bets to Win Each Division in the Western Conference
- The Houston Rockets are the biggest favorites (-250) to win their respective division in the West
- The Clippers (-125) and Lakers (+250) are the listed favorites to win the Pacific
- The Timberwolves and the Grizzlies are the only teams in the West that have never won a division title
The Western Conference seems to be more balanced this season than it has been in a long time. This means that it is not a shoo-in for the Golden State Warriors to win the West like it has been for the past five years.
In the NBA Divisional Odds, the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets are currently listed as favorites to win their respective divisions.
However, there is at least one team in each division that could potentially upset the current favorites.
2019-20 Northwest Division Odds
| Team | Division Titles | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | 3 | +125 |
| Denver Nuggets | 4 | +140 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 2 | +450 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 0 | +2500 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 6 | +3300 |
Dig Deep on the Nuggets
For six years, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Northwest Division, winning five titles in six years between 2010-2016.
That narrative has changed, as both Russell Westbrook and Paul George left in trades this off-season. The Northwest is one of the most open divisions in the West this season.
So @KendrickPerkins is not heeding the Timberwolves' warning not to 'sleep' on their playoff chances: "I’m sleeping, with the AC on 60° and the box fan blowing in my face, because guess what, I don’t believe you."
Also: we're high on Julius Randle's development this season. pic.twitter.com/Bf23XcXfB4— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 16, 2019
Right away, you can count out the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. Minnesota has Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, but they are surrounded by role players at this point. Wiggins has also not turned into the prolific scorer that the Timberwolves were hoping for.
For the Thunder, other than Chris Paul, they lack star power. It also seems like their entire team is on the trading block, which means they are in a full rebuild.
Portland and Utah are two teams that have a ton of potential this season. With the addition of Hassan Whiteside, they finally have a reliable big since LaMarcus Aldridge. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum could be the most dynamic backcourt in the NBA, and they proved that last year leading this team to the Western Conference Finals.
The Jazz addressed two of their needs this offseason: Leadership and Scoring. Mike Conley is certainly an upgrade from Ricky Rubio at point guard, and adding Bojan Bogdanovic will boost their already lethal three-point attack.
The Denver Nuggets arguably have the most complete roster in the NBA. Michael Porter Jr. playing this season will have a bigger impact on this team than you might think. Nikola Jokic is the most underrated player in the NBA and is the craftiest center in the league.
A lot of people are high on the Jazz, but I am not buying the hype just yet. The Trail Blazers are my second pick to win this division, but their bench depth is not where it needs to be to win the Northwest outright.
Pick: Denver Nuggets +140
2019-20 Pacific Division Odds
| Team | Divisional Titles | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | 2 | -125 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 23 | +250 |
| Golden State Warriors | 7 | +300 |
| Sacramento Kings | 2 | +5000 |
| Phoenix Suns | 6 | +50000 |
Who Will Be the Kings of LA This Year?
The Pacific Division will really be a three-team race, and that is being generous.
The Golden State Warriors roster looks quite bare to start the season compared to years past. Kevin Durant was sign-and-traded to the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, and Klay Thompson will likely miss the entire regular season with an ACL tear. This opens the door for the Clippers and the Lakers to takeover this division.
The Phoenix Suns have been rebuilding since Steve Nash left Arizona, and it seems like it will be the same situation this season. The Suns have had a top-six draft pick for the last four years, and have failed to win over 25 games in the same stretch.
The Sacramento Kings have one of the most exciting rosters but are still too young to compete with the juggernauts in this division. Having De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Marvin Bagley highlight this roster gives the Kings hope for the future.
The Lakers are already off to a rocky start, with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis suffering injuries before the regular season has even started. Other than acquiring Davis, I believe Avery Bradley will be the most beneficial addition to this team. However, despite LeBron James and company, I believe the Lakers will not be the kings of LA this season.
The Clippers have a better coach and a superior supporting cast for their superstars; Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Not to mention, Clippers GM Michael Winger might have assembled one of the best defensive teams of all-time for the upcoming season. At -125, the value is still there to have a solid return on picking the Clippers to win the Pacific.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers -125
2019-20 Southwest Division Odds
| Team | Divisional Titles | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 3 | -250 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 9 | +500 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 1 | +700 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 2 | +800 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 0 | +15000 |
Rockets’ Odds are Sky High
After acquiring Russell Westbrook this offseason, the Rockets are huge favorites to win the Southwest division at -250.
Alongside James Harden and Clint Capela nothing can go wrong, right? Well, two of the biggest ball hogs on the same team might not be the best recipe for success. Let’s take a look at some of their competitors in the Southwest.
The Grizzlies have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, led by the electrifying number two overall pick this year, Ja Morant. This will be a learning year for the youngsters, which does not make them much of a competitor for Houston.
The Spurs and the Pelicans will definitely give Houston some trouble. The young, dynamic Pelicans with Zion Williamson will be a bubble playoff team in the tough Western conference. Adding DeMarre Carroll and Trey Lyles, gives the Spurs a boost on their bench, but I do not believe they have the firepower to beat out Houston.
The Dallas Mavericks are not getting enough credit. I think people have forgotten how good Kristaps Porzingis is when he is healthy. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Delon Wright coming to Dallas adds versatility in their lineup with a number of combo guards coming off their bench.
I do think Houston will win the Southwest division, but I do not think it is as obvious as everyone believes. There is no value in taking Houston to win, but the Mavericks have great value and have the potential to do it.
Pick: Dallas Mavericks +800
With 5+ years of sports journalism under his belt, Ryan Sura may be young, but he's already making his mark. Ryan is the lead NHL editor at SBD, along with managing content for MMA, Boxing, and Racing. He is also the commercial manager, highlighting the best promos at online sportsbooks across US.
