NBA betting updates 2023: What you need to know
The NBA is one of the most iconic and popular sports institutions in the United States. It attracts fans worldwide, and some of the league's top players are currently from Europe.
Players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic have travelled from afield to make a name for themselves in the premier basketball league.
For a player to be considered among the best in the world, they need to prove themselves in the NBA. Some of the most notable names from American sports have become household names thanks to their achievements in the NBA.
As the internet has changed how fans follow and watch basketball, it has also changed how they place their wagers. This point can apply more generally to sports, as sports betting is now primarily an activity that takes place online.
Today, we will look at the NBA betting updates for the upcoming 12 months and give you an idea of what to look out for as the season enters its midway stages.
Who are the favorites?
It's hard to look past the Celtics this year. Boston's finest have been one of the top teams in the league for the past few years. Their consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations mean they've got plenty of experts tipping them for the title this year.
With a serious combination of depth, skill and experience, the Brooklyn Nets might have a decent chance if they begin to pick up some momentum toward the back end of the season. However, the Boston Celtics are favorites with the bookmakers for a reason.
As they enter the new year, they are at the top of the Eastern Conference. If they can avoid injuries to their key players, such as superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they will likely be crowned champions at the end of the season.
The exciting thing about NBA basketball is that the playoffs can throw form out the window. If you are an avid basketball fan or even a casual observer, you will be fully aware that teams have entered the playoffs as huge favorites and have not made it to the final.
However, with that in mind, the Celtics have looked frighteningly good in certain games this year. The Orlando Magic demonstrated on several occasions that they aren't as undefeatable as some may have originally suspected.
Through the course of the season, there are ups and downs though. Even the greatest teams in the history of the NBA were humbled now and again.
The Golden State Warriors have been the Celtics' great rivals over the last few years. Mainly thanks to the exploits of future Hall of Famer Steph Curry. However, the Celtics are now considered clear of the Warriors and other quality teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.
What drives the changes in the betting market?
Two overriding factors cause the changes in the betting market. One of the key ones is the form of a team, and the second is a team that can avoid injuries. However, the former is considered the most important.
There are several examples of teams going into the playoffs as rank outsiders yet managing to hit the playoffs in form. In fact, the Warriors in 2013 were one of the best examples of this. Despite having a decent previous season, nobody could have imagined what they were about to do.
Many fans and analysts love the NBA because teams can rise from obscurity, take on the favorites and win.
The season is a long period, and plenty of things can happen. Players can fall out with their teammates, managers and coaches can leave and owners can cause disruption. In addition, there's the added ingredient of players picking up injuries and being ruled out for long periods.
These variables no doubt affect the course of a team's season, but they also influence the betting markets. Although gambling providers set odds, they are also driven by high demand and increased activity in specific areas.
Are there other factors that drive the market?
The examples we have touched on today are the main factors driving the price of certain NBA betting markets, either up or down. Other factors include draft picks and a team's appearance in the preseason.
Once the season begins, the offseason form doesn't count for much. However, it can be a good indicator as to whether a team will be able to start the season off with some momentum.
The same applies to draft picks. While some teams can get the pick of the bunch and select a player who is touted to have immense potential, this isn't always the case. Some of the greatest players of all time were very low draft picks.
Larry Bird was the sixth pick for the Celtics back in the day and became widely regarded as one of the greatest players. While players such as Manu Ginobili were drafted much lower down and went on to achieve legendary things in the sport.
Even though an advantageous draft pick and good preseason can signal the potential of a team, it doesn't mean they are on their way to winning the championship.
A vitally important piece of information to take away from today's article is that you should be aware of problem gambling. If you are gambling too much or losing too much money, you shouldn't continue gambling or attempt to chase your losses.
This can spell danger for you financially, and it is important to reach out and speak to somebody who can help you before it is too late. Many problem gamblers will lose thousands of dollars before confiding in someone.
If you believe you have an issue, you should speak to someone who can help you with your gambling problem.
Conclusion
Like any sports betting market, the NBA is driven by data and form. If a team keeps its best players fully fit and injury-free and maintains consistency, the betting odds will reflect their chances. This includes outright markets, which is betting on a team to win the championship, and individual game markets.
Even previous form might not signal that a team is destined to win the title. The legendary Chicago Bulls team led by Michael Jordan back in the mid-1990s had some serious competition.
Granted, they have rightly gone down in the history books, but just because a team is full of incredible talent firing on all cylinders doesn't mean there aren't a few surprises in store. That's another key thing to remember if betting on NBA markets throughout 2023.
Although some tipsters and social media gurus may think they know how a game will unfold, there are always twists and turns throughout the season. Whether it is a player who causes a few surprises, or an entire team, the season rarely pans out as experts predict it will go before the opening game.
Even by studying hours of detailed statistics and listening to self-proclaimed experts, even the greatest teams slip up once or twice during their journey. Ensure you keep your gambling fun, and you will be able to enjoy it without issues.