NBA Futures Tracker, Monday 20th March
Things are heating up in the Western Conference as teams try to solidify their position in the playoff picture.
But who will be the best in the west? Bet Nation takes a look at the likely contenders.
Phoenix Suns
$3.75
The Suns have pieced together a solid season to date (38-32), but they launched into Western Conference favouritism when they acquired Kevin Durant at the trade deadline.
It was a blockbuster deal that sent the NBA world into a spin, with Durant landing in Phoenix via a deal that involved Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and a massive haul of first-round draft picks. But it made sense. With Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton all playing well, Durant’s superstar factor should be enough to send these guys to the final.
Despite missing a chunk of the season through injury, Booker (27.6ppg) and Durant (26.7ppg) have the highest points averages, while CP3 is dishing out 9.1apg. Ayton has starred at centre with 18.3ppg and 10.1rpg.
Monty Williams has a star-studded core to work with, which could result in the Suns’ first-ever championship.
Denver Nuggets
$4.20
I mean, it’s pretty hard to go past the current No. 1 seed, right?
The Nuggets have done very little wrong this season, and that’s why they’re absolutely flying in first with a 47-24 record. They’re 3.5 games ahead of the Kings and Grizzlies directly below them.
One man has been at the forefront of the Nuggets’ run yet again, with Nikola Jokic vying for a third consecutive MVP Award with 24.8ppg, 11.8rpg, 9.9rpg and 1.2 steals. The Serbian superstar has dropped 28 triple-doubles this season and has led the Nuggets for scoring in 37 games.
Jamal Murray (20ppg) and Michael Porter Jr (17ppg) have added valuable scoring, making this outfit one of the most difficult to defend.
The Nuggets have lost five of their past seven games, but if they can blow past this current form slump, expect them to feature heavily in the playoffs.
LA Clippers
$5.50
While $5.50 is unders for the Clippers at this point, we thought it was well worth including them because they’ll take some serious stopping if they get going.
With a 37-34 record, the Clippers haven’t set the West on fire as they’ve nursed injuries to Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and John Wall at different times. George and Leonard have both scored 23.8ppg, while the recruitment of Russell Westbrook will add scoring and quality passing to the line-up.
The Clippers are currently experiencing an impressive run of form, with four wins from their past five against the Grizzlies, Raptors, Knicks and Warriors.
They’re not our first pick, but if they remain healthy for the remainder of the season, anything is possible with this group.
Sacramento Kings
$26
If you’re looking for some value – let’s be honest, we all are – look no further than the Sacramento Kings. Currently sitting in second spot with a 43-27 record, Mike Brown’s men have surprised the NBA world with their success this season and, at $26 to take out the West, we think they’ve surprised the market.
After losing the first four games of the season, the Kings haven’t lost more than three in a row (once) and they boast the best away record of any team in the West with 22-13. Importantly, they’ve beaten the Suns, Clippers, Mavs and Nuggets at different times this season.
Lithuanian forward and three-time All-Star, Domantas Sabonis, is leading the charge for the Kings with monster numbers of 19.2ppg, 12.5rpg and 7.2apg. If not for De’Aaron Fox’s 25.3ppg, Sabonis would lead the Kings in all three major categories.
There’s something about these Kings and we’re more than happy to take $26 to find out.
