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NBA Midseason Update: Performance and Predictions

Professional Basketball Players with Ball During Game

We’re just about halfway through the NBA season. That means it’s time to take a step back and analyze what’s happened thus far and where we’re heading. We’ll look at some key 2022-23 NBA standings and make a bold swing at the NBA finals predictions for 2022. After reading this basketball season guide, you’ll be ready to place an informed bet for the rest of the NBA season.

 

NBA Season Standings

 

So far, the top teams in the Eastern Conference are as follows:

After that, there’s a big drop in terms of contention ability. Teams like the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks may make the playoffs, but they are unlikely to advance very far. The five teams above, however, represent the cream of the Eastern Conference crop.

In the Western Conference, it breaks down like this:

 

Basketball in Hoop During Professional Game

 

The West is full of surprises. Not many would have the top two teams as the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. But led by stars Nikola Jokic and Ja Morant, respectively, these teams are the real deal. Another surprise team is the New Orleans Pelicans. They came off an impressive postseason run last year and are clearly ready for big things. Beyond that, the Dallas Mavericks are riding the incredible performance of Luka Doncic, who is the favorite to win MVP.

Then come the real shockers. The Sacramento Kings haven’t made the playoffs in 16 seasons. They are playing well, and it looks like they finally have the team to break that streak. After that are three veteran teams that are struggling with injuries and poor play. The defending champion Golden State Warriors hasn’t found that title-winning groove yet, and injuries to key player Steph Curry make things even worse. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to get consistent play from their stars, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. The Suns have been dysfunctional on and off the court, so it’s no surprise, then, that they are teetering on the edge of making the playoffs.

 

Remaining NBA Season Predictions

 

The rest of the way will be very competitive in both conferences. We’ll see some unbelievable playoff races and great individual performances. This is how we see the Western and Eastern Conference finals shaking out, and here is our prediction for the NBA finals.

In the East, we see the conference finals as a matchup between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. That will be an electrifying series between Boston star Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo. It will be close, but Boston will return to the finals for a second straight year.

In the West, it will come down to the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors. We believe the Warriors will regain their health as the season comes on and find that old flair, but in the end, the power of two-time MVP Jokic will be too tough to handle.

That leaves a final between Denver and Boston. But, in a surprise, we’re going with the Denver Nuggets to win their first-ever title.

 

Professional Basketball Player Doing Slam Dunk During Game

 

Individual Accolades

 

At this point, it’s clear that a contender for Most Valuable Player is Luka Doncic. He’s averaging a ridiculous 34 points per game, along with 8.7 assists and 8.8 rebounds. He’s been sensational and is the main reason Dallas is a contender.

Another candidate is Nikola Jokic. He’s the NBA leader in triple-doubles. He’s looking to become the first player in 37 years to win the MVP three years in a row.

There’s also Kevin Durant. He’s helped the Nets dig out of a rough start to head toward the top of the conference.

 

How to Bet on Basketball in Vegas

 

Now that you know how the 2022-23 NBA season has been going and what might come next, you’re ready to start wagering. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for basketball betting. Stop by the Golden Gate or the D in Downtown Las Vegas or the Circa Resort to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket and bet wherever you are in Vegas.

Whether in person or on the app, Circa Sports is the premier place to bet on basketball in Vegas.