At this stage of the competition, it is relatively difficult to identify an ultimate favorite for the NBA title and the eventual succession to the Milwaukee Bucks who won 4-2 in the final last July against the Phoenix Suns.
During this NBA season, we also see surprises and a lack of regularity for certain contenders for the trophy. Larry O’Brien. In this context, it is complicated to bet on basketball in a serene way, the underdogs being able to create the sensation on a match and to rise to a level which we would not have considered the possibility at the very beginning of the season. The establishment of the system of play-in which allows ranked teams from each Conference from 7th to 10th place to qualify for the playoffs also creates suspense and potential surprises.
We take stock, we start, what are the forces present for the Eastern Conference and then for the West.
- Confrence Est : Bucks – Nets – Bulls
The Bucks their own estate?
Take by a Giannis Antetokounmpo (2021 Finals MVP – 27.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists on average this season) at the top of the basketball planet in July 2021, the franchise had then lined up four successes in a row after losing the first two sets of the series against the Phoenix Suns. It thus seems obvious to place the Wisconsin franchise in the favorites for the 2021-22 edition. Clearly, a back-to-back is possible for Team USA players last summer Khris Middleton (18.3 points) and Jrue Holiday (18.5 points et 6.5 passes).
Milwaukee is fifth in the East after a tough start to the season. We note a record of 27 victories and 19 defeats.
The Nets to move up a gear
Kyrie Irving was finally able to play recently against the Indiana Pacers by scoring 22 points for his return to play. Big Three Nets with Kevin Durant league leading scorer (29.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists) and James Harden (22.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 9.9 assists). In good news of the season for the franchise, Nicolas Claxton (8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds) frequently enters the rotation and even in the five major of the Nets and Patty Mills (13.8 points) is an undeniable asset of the Brooklyn bench.
Brooklyn has a record of 27 wins and 16 losses, third place in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls restore their image
Chicago is on the rise and now leads the Eastern Conference with a record of 27 wins and 15 losses. The acquisition of DeMar DeRozan is a real blessing for Windy City because the rear is ultra clutch and does not shy. He turns 26.9 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, well second by Zach LaVine who bombards everything goes behind the arc, 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists. As to Nikola Vucevic (15.9 points and 11.6 rebounds), he cleans up under the circle.
- Confrence Ouest : Suns – Warriors – Lakers
The Suns for a revenge
Finalists last year against the Bucks, the Suns can take a step and prove it in the regular season. Second in the West but tied with the Warriors at this stage of the year (34 wins and 9 losses), Phoenix can clinch first place for the season and the Arizona franchise has the experience of a great final. Devin Booker must cross further increase his level of play (23.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists) well seconded by experience at the lead, Chris Paul (14.1 points, 10.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds). We like the collective of Phoenix who can and must win the title this season. In any case, she undoubtedly has the means.
The Warriors with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
It’s still a surprise because we hadn’t expected to see Golden State top the league with 32-12 on the clock. Stephen Curry (NBA record holder three points ahead of the legends Reggie Miller and Ray Allen) is playing in MVP mode with 27.2 points, 6.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds. The return of Klay Thompson after his terrible injury almost 2 years ago was acted against the Cleveland Cavaliers a few days ago. The back will have to readjust but he should be ready to debate in the playoffs as evidenced by his 17 points on his return. Watch out for Warriors!
The Lakers if Anthony Davis returns to form
Finally, the Californian franchise blows hot and cold. Inconstancy, injury (Anthony Davis), the Lakers remain on a balanced record of 22 wins and 22 losses for a 7th place in the Western Conference. Without AD but with the versatile Russell Westbrook (19.5 points, 8.1 assists and 8.1 rebounds), LeBron James near perfection with 28.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists. All 37 years old, on December 30! Nevertheless, it will take more than one King to win the title and that obviously goes through the return to the game of the single eyebrow, Davis. Los Angeles has not said its last word, nevertheless, the franchise seems to be in a position of outsider despite its experience of the big moments.
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