The 2022-23 NBA season will definitely feature some opportunities for top players to make dramatic comebacks after lengthy times away from the court. Here are some former All-Stars who will be returning this week for the first time in at least nine months:
- Kawhi Leonard, who last played on June 14, 2021 – 18 months
- Ben Simmons (June 20, 2021 – 18 months)
- Zion Williamson (May 4, 2021 – 19 months)
- Jamal Murray (April 12, 2021 – 20 months)
- John Wall (April 23, 2021 – 20 months)
- Damian Lillard (December 31, 2021 – 10 months)
Leonard and Wall will be part of an intriguing Los Angeles Clippers squad, along with Paul George, who also had to miss 52 games last season, which could be one of the top teams in the West if they can stay healthy. Williamson returns for a New Orleans Pelicans team that made it through the play-in last season and then pushed Phoenix to six in the conference quarterfinals. New Orleans has added C.J. McCollum via trade and also drafted some terrific young players. Heading into Week 1, here are some games that should catch your sports betting eye.
NBA News: Top Betting Games for Week 1
→ Tuesday, October 18
Philadelphia 76ers (+3) at Boston Celtics (O/U 214.5)
(7:30 pm ET)
Something has to give in this opener, because the 76ers have won three straight season openers, while the Celtics have won five of their last eight. The 76ers won 51 games a year ago and come in for Doc Rivers’ third season coaching the team. In the off-season, the 76ers basically stood pat, just adding forward P.J. Tucker to shore up the defense and bring some intensity. Another addition is backup center Montrezl Harrell, who can defend the rim when Joel Embiid needs a break. But which James Harden will show up for Philly? Since he left Houston, The Beard has become more of a distributor than a pure shooter, but he needs to start scoring more again if Philadelphia is really going to contend for a title.
At this writing, Boston is the sports betting favorite to win the 2022-23 NBA championship, but there are already some problems: coach Ime Udoka is suspended for the season, with interim Joe Mazzulla taking the reins. Mazzulla only has two years of head coaching experience – at Fairmont State. However, the core that got Boston to the NBA Finals is back – Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The C’s added Malcolm Brogdon, who can play the 1 or the 2, if he can stay healthy. Another player with health questions is Robert Williams III, whose knee kept him off the floor and is expected to do so for at least two more months after surgery. Celtics to win and cover.
→ Wednesday, October 19
Dallas Mavericks (+4.5) at Phoenix Suns
(10:00 pm ET, ESPN)
The last time these two teams met was Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals during last year’s playoffs. The home teams had won each of the first six games of the series – in emphatic fashion. However, the Mavericks ran the Suns out of their own arena in the elimination game. The Mavericks saw guard Jalen Brunson depart via free agency, but that makes more room for Spencer Dinwiddie in the rotation. Luka Doncic is the team’s superstar, having averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists from the point last year, and the team added Christian Wood to provide some legitimacy inside (17.9 points and 10.1 boards per game for Houston last season). Javale McGee comes to town to provide some rim protection.
Phoenix had the top seed going into the playoffs last year, winning 64 games. However, they faltered in the playoffs, needing six games to eliminate upstart New Orleans and then falling in Dallas to Dallas. The team has undergone turmoil, as owner Robert Sarver was samed into selling the team, and the front office had to soothe the feelings of center Deandre Ayton. Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and the rest of the Suns’ core are back, although Jae Crowder has asked for a trade. The Suns should come in with plenty of motivation for revenge, and the fact that Dallas only played three preseason games could mean that they are not as game-ready as the Suns. Phoenix to win and cover.
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