Dallas Mavericks Heavy Favorites in Opening Odds to Win Southwest Division in 2020-21
- The Dallas Mavericks are heavy favorites to win the Southwest Division for the first time in over a decade
- The Houston Rockets are at +475 despite winning the division each of the last three years; Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are +525
- See the full opening odds to win the Southwest Division this season below
The Houston Rockets have ruled the NBA’s Southwest Division for the last three years, but it looks like there is a new sheriff in town. The Dallas Mavericks are heavy favorites to take down the division this season.
If they are able to accomplish the task, it will be the first time they have done it since the 2009-10 season.
The Southwest Division Odds have opened with the possibility of Russell Westbrook and James Harden possibly being on the move. If either one of those players are traded, the odds for this division will likely see another shift.
With the uncertainty of two such superstars, this division is will be very hard to forecast.
2020-21 NBA Southwest Division Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | -190 |
| Houston Rockets | +475 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +525 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | +1400 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +2000 |
Odds from November 27th
Should Dallas Be Favored?
The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2020-21 NBA Season as giant favorites to win the Southwest Division, but should they be? Star big man Kristaps Porzingis had surgery in October to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee.
At this point, it’s tough to pinpoint a return date, but it’s not hard to imagine Porzingis being limited when he finally does return. There are rumors that he could miss at least quarter or more of the regular season, which seems likely.
The Dallas Mavericks issued the following statement today regarding Kristaps Porzingis. pic.twitter.com/B9ouGkzxub
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) October 9, 2020
The Mavericks will be in good hands with Luka Doncic while Porzingis recovers, but what about the rest of the Mavs?
As of right now, they don’t know who will start with Doncic. Lineups change every night in the NBA so it’s not the end of the world but it’s far from ideal. Dallas won’t see what even get an idea of what a lineup with Porzingis looks like with new addition Josh Richardson.
Even when he returns, the Mavericks don’t even know if he or Dwight Powell will play center. There is a lot of uncertainty in Dallas for a team that is this big of a favorite to win a division.
Are the Rockets Worth a Shot at +475?
Leading up to the draft there were quite a few reports of the Rockets’ stars, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, being on the move. When all was said and done, both stars remained with the team and it is looking more and more likely it will stay that way. It will be interesting to see how new head coach, Stephen Silas, will utilize the duo.
In his days in Dallas, Silas was known as a great offensive mind and it is believed that he was hired by the Rockets due to his “offensive ingenuity.” He is the son of former NBA head coach, Paul Silas.
Perhaps the biggest question Silas must answer, how will DeMarcus Cousins fit in with Westbrook and Harden?
Breaking: DeMarcus Cousins has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockets, per @espn_macmahon pic.twitter.com/uR77sX18HF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 23, 2020
The Rockets signed Cousins to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Rockets after impressing the organization in a private workout. Cousins was one of the most dominant big-men in the NBA before injuries derailed what was once a promising career.
Cousins may not be the same player that he was with the Sacramento Kings, but it is still reasonable to think he and Christian Wood can be the rim protectors the Rockets need them to be this season.
Can Zion and the Pelicans Make a Run?
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that should not be overlooked in this division. The hire of Stan Van Gundy is seen as a great hire by almost every NBA insider that has spoken on the appointment. He is a no non-sense type of coach that has found success in every stop along the way in his career.
Van Gundy won’t be asked to do it alone as he has one of the sneakiest rosters on paper in the NBA. It all starts with arguably the most exciting player in the league, Zion Williamson. Minutes restrictions should be a thing of the past this year and if that’s true, watch out.
He is the kind of player the Pelicans can play off of offensively and the kind of guy who can throw a ball into the 30th row on defense. He is a legitimate superstar in the NBA and nobody even knows how high his ceiling really is.
.@Zionwilliamson sent this one into the seats and earned the No. 3️⃣ spot on the NBA’s list of top-10 blocks from last season 💪
(🎥: @NBA) pic.twitter.com/l5w355LBXA
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 26, 2020
The Pelicans are so much more than just Williamson. Swiss army knife Brandon Ingram, signed a max contract extension in the offseason and he has earned every penny. They also acquired Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams who should have an immediate impact. Their starting five can matchup with anyone in the NBA yet they don’t garner much respect in the betting markets. They provide tremendous value at +575 to win the Southwest Division. For that reason, they are my pick to win this division.
John has spent the past 20+ years betting sports on a daily basis and is considered by many to be a walking sports betting encyclopedia. From obscure player props to sides and totals, if there is an angle, John will find it.
