Why We Should Get Excited About The NBA Season
The NBA return is almost upon us and it’ll be the first chance to see exactly how the rookies take to the pro-leagues.
Many of the big name pundits are expecting a fine year of basketball with plenty to look forward to and potentially one of the most open years we’ve seen in recent times.
The draft saw some notable signings, with Duke’s Zion Williamson moving to the New Orleans Pelicans and Ja Morant making his way to the Memphis Grizzlies.
We’ve also seen Kevin Durant move to the Brooklyn Nets and a number of other transfers that could make franchises serious competitors.
The sportsbooks have the LA Clippers down as current favourites to win the NBA Championship at 10/3. The Lakers, Bucks and 76ers are all not far behind and what’s more, betting is going to become even more ingrained in the sport, with new partnerships and more live sports streaming than ever before.
The Raptors are currently priced at 33/1 which is huge and they certainly can’t be written off, making it a really unpredictable year.
There’s certainly scope for a rookie to really stand out this year and the likes of Williamson, Matisse Thybulle and Darius Garland certainly ones to watch, just as Luka Doncic and Trae Young we’re last season.
But what else have we to look forward to?
The Clippers are certainly a side to be excited about with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the side, and it’s not a surprise to see them as favourites. The Lakers and Grizzlies make it difficult to call and that will certainly keep the pundits and fans occupied in the early stages as one side looks to lay down a marker.
And that could happen on opening night as the Lakers and Clippers go head-to-head in what is one of the hottest tickets in recent years.
The international events also offer more excitement, visiting both Paris and Mexico City this year as the game looks to expand its offering globally.
There will be some giants of the sport looking to bounce back this year. GSW will want to react to the heartache of last season, but without Durant that could be difficult, while the Heat have been away from the NBA Finals since LeBron James departed. In Jimmy Butler they have someone who could take the reins and they’ll be ones to keep an eye on.
It’s the openness of this season which makes it such an intriguing one at this stage. The first few weeks will help determine which franchises are stepping up to the plate, and we can’t wait!
