There’s a buzz of excitement in the air amongst followers of American sports as the National Basketball season returns to full strength. Following two campaigns that were interrupted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021/22 sees the return of a complete campaign. This will be the 76th season of the world-famous NBA and promises to be one that will go down in the history books as the sport battles back.
An 82-game regular season will run from October 2021 to April 2022 before the best teams advance to the playoffs decided between April and May. The all-important finals are in the diary with the games played between 2 and 19 June. Which teams will be there to contest the most famous trophy in professional basketball? That remains to be seen, but the country’s leading NBA betting sites have had their say and make it a two-runner race.
The sports traders have had their say which allows the bettors to get in on the action. Many shrewd gamblers and NBA fans will make their predictions and act early, knowing the sooner they pick sides and get their stake money down, the better the odds they’ll get. Is it wise to choose between the two early favourites, or will we see an underdog emerge from the shadows to cause an upset and add their name to the exclusive list of NBA champions?
Nets the early betting favourites
There has been much talk and hype about the Brooklyn Nets in pre-season, and the odds-makers at all respected betting apps worldwide believe they deserve it. Bookies have Nets as the team to beat this year, pinning them to the head of the NBA Championship winner market. They are head and shoulders above the competition, and although little can be taken for granted in the NBA, a tournament known and loved for producing shock results, it’s plain to see where that confidence comes from.
Brooklyn sparked in pre-season and gave their fans a taste of things to come when beating the Milwaukee Bucks 119-115 recently. That victory was achieved without the Nets ever hitting top gear, and the performance left fans and pundits desperate for more. When Brooklyn are at full speed, they are sure to be a match for any opponent at home or on the road and capable of living up to expectations. They beat the Bucks by just four points, but the final score was closer than it should have been with the Nets in control throughout.
The betting favourites flexed their muscles against Bucks, winning the opening quarter of the match 32-26 to set the tone. It was a fast and ferocious opener to the game and the first quarter proved to be one of the highest-scoring of the game. Both teams exploded out of the traps, eager to stamp their authority on the match, and it was Nets that got their way. Everyone connected to the team from Brooklyn will want to see the players take confidence from that win and carry their form into the fall and winter months.
Lakers pose a threat
NBA fans have become accustomed to seeing the Los Angeles Lakers near the head of the outright betting in pre-season, and this year is no different. LA start the campaign as the second most likely team to win the NBA finals next year, sitting hot on the heels of the Brooklyn Nets. The odds at present say that although Brooklyn is slightly favoured by those who create the odds, there’s not a lot in it. The Lakers will pose a threat to the Nets this
