Profiling the favorites for the NBA championship

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For those who like their action fast and furious, the NBA Championship is a chance to enjoy nail-biting action, high-scoring games, and performances from players who are likely to go down in history for their contributions to the game. As one of the most popular sports in the US, basketball fandom has been making its way around the globe to create a huge league of international followers.

Last season saw the Dever Nuggets take the top spot, and defending their title is going to be a tough job, particularly when some of the contenders are putting in such strong performances. The Nuggets have some of the best NBS odds as current title holders and have had a strong season with just a single loss on their home court.

If they carry on playing like the champions they are, the team could take the top spot again, but there are plenty of teams that could dash their hopes. Among those that will be vying to be champions this year are:

Boston Celtics

As holders of the joint-highest total of NBA Championship wins (alongside the Los Angeles Lakers), the Celtics are always going to feature in any discussion about which teams could take it this season. They have maintained their reputation this year, with decisive victories throughout their last twenty games and the NBA odds are in their favor.

It could have been a tough season for Boston with new players settling in and finding their feet, but the latest additions to the team have exceeded expectations. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both proved themselves in their first games with the team, and Tatum has averaged 27.6 points per game across their last twenty fixtures.

Players and fans have been concerned about Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, whose injuries have left a huge gap in the team, both physically and as a skilled center and forward. Without their powerhouse driving the games, the team could have floundered, but the rest of the squad has done an exceptional job of stepping up in Porzingi’s place.

Milwaukee Bucks

With the 2021 victory cries still ringing in their ears, the Bucks are certainly contenders to take the title again this year. The strategy was sound and bringing in Damian Lillard proved a shrewd move as his scoring capacity could be just what the team needed to succeed.

Unfortunately, injuries have hampered Lillard’s ability to prove himself to the extent that he would surely have liked, despite promising performances in his first few games with the team. 

The expectation that Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo would give the team the edge they need may yet prove correct, but his back injury has proved a difficult obstacle to overcome for the rest of the team. 

The Bucks have been performing solidly despite their bad luck, and although on paper they are almost a sure thing, it’s taking a while for the team to find its groove. At its best, this squad could take it, but only time will tell whether they will live up to their undeniable potential.

Philadelphia 76ers

This team is combining a new head coach, Nick Rivers, with a team that works incredibly well around star player Joel Embiid. With an average score of 33.1 points per game, there’s no doubt that Embiid is a crucial part of the 76ers plan for this season if he’s fit to play.

The team has earned their place in the upper echelons of the NBA odds with players such as Tobias Harris, DeAnthony Melton, and Tyrese Maxey stepping up when James Harden left to play for the Los Angeles Clippers. While this could have shaken the team’s cohesion, the other players have rallied around and Harden’s absence has been barely noticeable.

The inherently unguardable nature of Embiid’s playing style provides plenty of opportunities for the 76ers, and if they make the most of them, the team could be contenders for the top spot this year. Backing them could be a smart move for anyone looking to make this season a bit more exciting.  

Minnesota Timberwolves

Some think the team might have already peaked for this season, but others view the Timberwolves’ recent form as a sign of more good things to come. Their home form has been exceptional, with ten wins out of eleven.

Key players include Anthony Edwards, who has scored consistently for his average of 25.7 points per game. Fans have been impressed with the strength of the squad and the consistency in performance no matter who is in the playing rotation. 

Having never even been to the finals, an overall win for the Timberwolves would be a truly exciting moment in NBA history. They may not be dominating the NBA odds, but canny fans who have wagered on this team might find themselves on the edge of their seats in the hopes of a big win as the season progresses. 

 

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