NBA · 1 year ago

5 Dark Horse NBA Title Contenders To Watch

John Canady

Host · Writer

5) Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were on the opposite end of the blockbuster deal that landed them Anthony Davis. Initially, it seemed like the entire fanbase had turned their back on the franchise and general manager Nico Harrison after the deal. Still, Davis's strong debut may have turned the fans' perspective around for a slight moment. That was until the big man injured himself in his first game in a Mavs jersey. Before the injury, Dallas looked like they could be a true contender with the addition of Davis and Max Christie. But they'll have to stay in the mix without him until he's healthy, as they currently sit in the No. 8 seed in the West and 1.5 games away from being out of the postseason.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +5000

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1) Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies currently sit in second place in the Western Conference after a strong end to the first half of the season ahead of the All-Star break. Despite that, Memphis isn't considered a true defender, and they have the fourth-highest betting odds in the West to win the NBA Finals. Regardless of the odds, the Grizzlies have put together a more than capable roster to make a deep playoff run, and with their squad finally healthy, this could be the year Memphis makes some noise when the postseason begins.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +3200

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2) Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled all season long to find a winning recipe that could make them look like true contenders. Milwaukee seemingly felt so desperate to shake things up at the trade deadline that they dealt one of the longest-tenured Bucks in Khris Middleton in exchange for Kyle Kuzma to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with more youth and an offensive spark. Although they haven't looked the part of a contender yet, between Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the talent is there for them to make a run. If they can find their rhythm down the back half of the season, they could be a hard team to beat in a seven-game series.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +3300
3) Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the biggest moves in NBA history before the trade deadline, landing Luke Doncic in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Adding Doncic alongside LeBron James is enough to put faith in JJ Redick's squad, even with their glaring hole in the frontcourt. With two of the best players in the league on the court simultaneously, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Lakers surprise some people, especially with Doncic's and James's proven ability to make something out of nothing. If any team could overcome a glaring weakness, it would be this Los Angeles team.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +1800
4) LA Clippers
The LA Clippers have stayed afloat this season while waiting on Kawhi Leonard's return. Since returning, the Clippers have quietly put together a team that could go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the league. Between the breakout seasons of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, mixed with the return of Leonard and the late addition of Bogdan Bogdonavic at the trade deadline and Ben Simmons in the buyout market, it wouldn't be a total shock to see the Clippers be a hard out in the postseason if they can stay healthy.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +3900
5) Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were on the opposite end of the blockbuster deal that landed them Anthony Davis. Initially, it seemed like the entire fanbase had turned their back on the franchise and general manager Nico Harrison after the deal. Still, Davis's strong debut may have turned the fans' perspective around for a slight moment. That was until the big man injured himself in his first game in a Mavs jersey. Before the injury, Dallas looked like they could be a true contender with the addition of Davis and Max Christie. But they'll have to stay in the mix without him until he's healthy, as they currently sit in the No. 8 seed in the West and 1.5 games away from being out of the postseason.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +5000

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies currently sit in second place in the Western Conference after a strong end to the first half of the season ahead of the All-Star break. Despite that, Memphis isn't considered a true defender, and they have the fourth-highest betting odds in the West to win the NBA Finals. Regardless of the odds, the Grizzlies have put together a more than capable roster to make a deep playoff run, and with their squad finally healthy, this could be the year Memphis makes some noise when the postseason begins.

Odds to Win the NBA Finals: +3200

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

5 Dark Horse NBA Title Contenders To Watch

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