The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the widest win ranges in the NBA this season, because their success hinges upon the health of Zion Williamson. The former #1 pick has been plagued with injuries since his arrival from Duke in 2019. Williamson did not suit up for a single game last season, but he still earned a lucrative contract extension.
If Williamson remains healthy, the Pelicans can challenge the Grizzlies and Mavs for the division crown. If Williamson struggles with injuries once again, the Pelicans could be a .500 club and fighting for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
The Pelicans have a win total of 44.5 o/u, which reflects oddmakers lack of confidence in Williamson staying healthy all season.
On paper, the Pelicans boast a strong starring five with forward Brandon Ingram, guard CJ McCollum, forward Herbert Jones, center Jonas Valanciunas, and Williamson. They acquired McCollum at last year s trade deadline, and he provides elite scoring on the court and veteran leadership off the court.
The second unit is anchored by guard Devonte Graham, and also includes center/forward Jaxson Hayes, forward/center Larry Nance, Jr. and center/forward . The Pelicans also selected guard/forward Dyson Daniels with the #8 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and have high hopes for the Australian wing player.
San Antonio Spurs +50000Head coach Greg Popovich loves European prospects, so you can only imagine how excited he is about potentially landing Wembanyama. The Spurs have not been the same team since center/forward Tim Duncan retired. Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to Duncan.
Oddsmakers at DraftKings installed the Spurs with the lowest win total on their board at 22.5 o/u. But will 60 losses secure the worst record in the league?
Then again, San Antonio s starting five includes guard Tre Jones, guard/forward Devin Vassell, forward Doug McDermott, forward Keldon Johnson, and center Jakob Poetl. Those guys could win most pickup games at your local gym. But they re not putting up much of a fight against the average team in the Western Conference.
Houston Rockets +50000While the Grizzlies and Mavs slug it out for first place in the Southwest, the Spurs and Rockets will be having their own bum fight in the basement.
After winning the Southwest crown for three seasons in a row between 2018 and 2020, the Rockets finished in last place in the division the last two seasons. The Rockets posted the worst record in the Western Conference during the previous two seasons in an effort to rebuild the team through high draft picks. Expect more of the same this season. Much like the Spurs, the Rockets have their eye on Wembanyama.
The Rockets are projected to win 23.5 o/u games, which is second-lowest in the league ahead of the Spurs. Losing aside, the Rockets’ roster is filled with upcoming stars like guard Jalen Green and forward Jabari Smith, Jr. The Rockets selected Green with the second-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Smith was the consensus top pick in 2022 mock drafts, The Rockets were thrilled that Smith slipped to #3.
