Five intriguing Warriors bets, including Steph as scoring champ

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At long last, the wait is over.Steph Curry and the Warriors will return to the NBA's main stage Dec. 22 when they visit Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets to tip-off the new season.There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the new-look Warriors. Curry is back, healthy and looks to be in mid-season form. Klay Thompson tore his right Achilles and will miss the entire season again. Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre and No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman are in the fold, and Draymond Green is chomping at the bit to prove he's still got a lot of high-level basketball left in the tank.With the season only a few days away, there a few intriguing bets for Warriors fans and gambling enthusiasts to keep their eye on -- especially if they believe a Warriors renaissance is on the way.

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Editor's note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.

Odds: +500

Let's kick things off with the guy every Warriors fan is waiting to see take the court.

A year ago, Wiseman was the projected No. 1 overall pick. He slipped to No. 2, where the Warriors happily gobbled up a player they believe is a generational big man.

Wiseman comes in at No. 3 on the odds board behind LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. While both Ball and Edwards will surely get more run initially than Wiseman, it wouldn't shock me to see Wiseman grab the starting center spot by mid-January and never let go. He should put up healthy numbers with defenses focused on Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre.

Plus, if the Warriors earn a top-four seed in the West, Wiseman likely will have played a huge role in their re-emergence, making him worthy of an award over two players who are likely to put up numbers on bad teams.

The only thing that should keep you away from this bet is the thought that this year could be very much like the 2016-17 season when Malcolm Brogdon took home the award. So, keep an eye out for guys like Tyrese Maxey, Devin Vassell and Tyrese Haliburton to perhaps surprise and grab the award over the top-three.

Still, I love that number for Wiseman, who should be an important part of the Warriors' return to the NBA spotlight.

2/5

Odds: +800

More is going to be asked of Curry this year, especially with Klay Thompson out due to a torn Achilles.

Yes, Steve Kerr is planning to try and limit his minutes, but we know Curry is going to be all systems go as the Warriors look to vault back into title contention.

Plain and simple: The Warriors are going to need Curry to carry a heavy offensive load to compete in the Western Conference, and he's played only five games in the last 18 months. That means he's got fresh legs and a lot of motivation to silence his critics.

The only thing I'd worry about is Luka Doncic (+600) going nuclear all season to announce himself as a top-three player.

I expect Curry to have a massive year, though, and +800 is too good of a number to pass up for the best shooter in NBA history who will be asked to take, and make, a lot of shots to keep the Warriors alive.

3/5

Odds: +105

You're going to give me plus money on the Warriors finishing at worst 38-34? I'll take that and run.

Opinions on the Warriors' place in the loaded Western Conference have been all over the map, but I'm pretty bullish on their chances to be a top-six team if they remain healthy.

Steve Kerr has noted he wouldn't be shocked if the Warriors start slow, but I think the Warriors should get through the first half of their schedule five games or better above .500 and the second-half slate should be a touch easier.

I think they'll probably finish at around 42 wins, which would easily cash the over.

4/5

Odds: +800

Just going to tie this one into the two that preceded it. If you believe that: A) Steph Curry is going to stay healthy and could lead the league in scoring and B) The Warriors could earn a top-four seed in the Western Conference, then you should also love Curry's odds to win his third MVP award.

There's a zero-sum chance that Giannis Antetokounmpo (+500) wins a third-straight MVP. The MVP award is all about narrative, and there's no compelling narrative surrounding Antetokounmpo winning it again unless he sets all sorts of records.

There's a very clean narrative around Curry's return to NBA prominence after the Warriors spent last year floating at the bottom of the NBA. Luka Doncic (+380) and Anthony Davis (+800) are the players most likely to snake the award from Curry, but if he has a big year and the Warriors are good, there's a good chance he takes it home.

5/5

Odds: +2000

This isn't one I can advocate pulling the trigger on, but if you're on board the Warriors resurgence bandwagon, then here's a money maker.

The Pacific Division has the two best teams in the West in the Lakers and Clippers. The Lakers, fresh off a title not three months ago, will no doubt try and rest LeBron James as much as possible early on in the season, so perhaps they drop a few and are content with a lower seed as long as they are healthy. That's dicey to bank on, though.

The Clippers are fresh off that embarrassing postseason flameout sponsored by "Playoff P," and are motivated to show that's behind them.

As discussed, the Warriors could start slow and that might knock them out of the division race if the Clippers or Lakers start hot.

As I said, I can't tell you this is a smart bet. But it's a big number and crazier things have happened.

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