It has a different ring to it. Phoenix Suns, the reigning Pacific Division champions. The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves without Anthony Davis for almost two months, then lost LeBron James for a spell. That resulted in a 42-30 record and a third-place finish in the division.
The Suns and Lakers are among the favorites to win the Pacific this season. Both teams were busy in the offseason getting their rosters squared away for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at the 2021-22 NBA Pacific Division futures odds and picks.
We also have 2022 NBA Eastern Conference picks and 2022 NBA Western Conference picks.
2021 Los Angeles Lakers Team Preview and Futures Odds
This is still the Lakers division to lose. The addition of Russell Westbrook in the offseason cements the Lakers as the overall favorite at +105. The key will be keeping James and Davis healthy throughout the season.
The Lakers added some serious depth and experience with the acquisitions of Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard (again), Rajon Rondo, and Trevor Ariza. With that kind of depth, the Lakers can take on anyone, anywhere, any night … as long as they stay healthy.
2021 Phoenix Suns Team Preview and Futures Odds
Like the Lakers, the Suns are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They added Chandler Hutchison, JaVale McGee, and Landry Shamet in the offseason. Devin Booker is one of the elite scorers in the league and C Deandre Ayton is coming into his own.
Chris Paul returns as well, but what Phoenix lacks is another proven scorer. Defense does win championships though, which is why the Suns are listed at +220 to win the division. They did it a year ago, but they were the beneficiary of the Lakers injuries.
2021 Golden State Warriors Team Preview and Futures Odds
Like the Lakers, the Warriors 2021-22 season will depend upon how healthy the team remains throughout the year. Klay Thompson finally returns to the lineup after missing essentially two full seasons.
Thompson and Stephen Curry, who averaged 32 points a game last season, will lead the Warriors offense. The team signed former Warrior Andre Iguodala in the offseason, but lost Kelly Oubre.
While the pieces are there for a deep postseason run, Golden State doesn’t have the roster to compete with the Lakers and Suns. Anything is possible with Curry though and that’s why the Warriors are listed at +425 to win the division.
2021 Los Angeles Clippers Team Preview and Futures Odds
A year ago, the Clippers (+900) were a preseason favorite to win an NBA title. Now, they are headed in the opposite direction.
Yes, the Clippers still have one of the better 1-2 punches in basketball – Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – but after that the roster is thin. They did pick up Eric Bledsoe, but Leonard’s health is going to be an issue. He will likely miss the first half of the season. It’ll be too late by then.
2021 Sacramento Kings Team Preview and Futures Odds
Unfortunately for the Kings, they play in one of the toughest divisions in the NBA. They also had the league’s worst defense last year. The additions of Alex Len, Tristan Thompson, and Davion Mitchell will not be enough to warrant even a nibble at the division title.
Sacramento is listed at +15000 for a reason. They are years away from competing for anything.
2022 NBA Pacific Division Predictions
The Pacific Division comes down to one thing – health. The Clippers will miss Leonard for the first half of the season. Thompson returns to Golden State. How will he hold up after two years off? Curry has had his share of injuries. Davis and James were on the injury report too many times last season for the Lakers.
Here’s the deal. The Lakers did the best job of making sure they had adequate depth in case of injury. That’s why they will win the division this season. Get them at plus-money while you can.
PREDICTION: LAKERS +105
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