NBA In-Season Tournament Group Odds & Picks
More changes are coming in the Association in 2023-24. The first ever NBA In-Season Tournament will take place later this year, with the event running from November 3rd to December 9th. Each team will play on Tuesdays and Fridays in the group stages (games will count towards regular season record) with the “Final Four” scheduled for Dec. 7th and 9th in Las Vegas.
Each conference has been broken into three pods, with five organizations in each. Below, we’ll dive into the odds for the groups and provide some early predictions.
NBA In-Season Tournament Group Odds
With the tourney still many months away, there isn’t any clear favorite in any group except for the Celtics, who sit at -105 NBA odds.
Odds as of July 17th at DraftKings. Get a DraftKings promo code to wager on the latest NBA futures.
East Group A Prediction
Group A in the East is an intriguing one but to be brutally honest, the winner will likely be either the 76ers, Cavaliers, or Hawks. Philly sits as the slim favorite at +195 but that could change depending on what happens with James Harden. The guard is adamant about being traded, although the Sixers are still hoping they can convince him to stay. If they do strike a deal, it’ll be vital for Daryl Morey to find a new co-star alongside Joel Embiid.
Cleveland meanwhile has their core intact with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. JB Bickerstaff’s squad was fourth in the East last season but unfortunately disappointed in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the New York Knicks.
As for the Hawks, they still have their star duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. However, John Collins was traded to the Jazz and Clint Capela could be on the move as well. No one is safe on the roster except for the backcourt starters.
Right now, the best bet in this group is the Cavs with so much uncertainty surrounding the other two Group A contenders.
Pick: Cavaliers +220
West Group A Prediction
Group A in the West could be considered the best of the lot in both conferences. The star-studded Suns, led by their new Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, sit as the slim favorite ahead of the Lakers at +135.
Phoenix has all the pieces to succeed in every way imaginable. It simply comes down to staying healthy. It will be interesting to see how Beal fits beside KD and Book, but by the time this event rolls around, there should be chemistry. The bench also got stronger, signing the likes of Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, and Keita Bates-Diop. The Suns have the fourth-best NBA Championship odds for a reason.
The Lakers have low-key had a fantastic offseason, not only retaining Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell but also signing Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish. LeBron James just announced he’s coming back for Year 21 as well. With him and Anthony Davis healthy plus so much complementary talent around them, the sky is the limit for Darvin Ham’s group.
The Grizzlies are always a threat but it’s important to note that Ja Morant won’t be able to play in the NBA In-Season Tournament due to his suspension. Regardless, Memphis is capable of performing without him, especially with several notable additions this summer. They traded for Marcus Smart which is absolutely huge and signed veteran Derrick Rose. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr can carry the load, but don’t sleep on the supporting cast.
It would be foolish to pick anyone in this pod except for the Suns. While I think the Lakers and Grizzlies can give them a run for their money, it won’t be enough.
