2022-23 NBA Southwest Division Sleeper Picks
Two Texan teams hope to give fans better results this October. Up-and-coming hopefuls and new drafts are ready to mix things up and bring a little more competition in the Southwest this time. Both rebuilding teams round out the group of five and rank on top of Nitrobetting’s 2022-23 NBA Southwest Division sleeper picks.
Top Sleeper Picks to the NBA Central Division in the 2022-23 NBA Season
San Antonio Spurs
- 2022-23 NBA Season Odds: +15000
The organization dives deep into a rebuild after failing to make the playoffs last season with a 34-48 record. They sent All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to Atlanta in exchange for Danilo Gallinari (who was waived shortly after), three first-round picks, and a 2026 pick swap. Earlier in 2022, they also sent Derrick White to Boston for guards Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford on top of a protected 2022 first-round pick, and a conditional right to deal first-round picks in 2028 with the Celtics.
All these events led San Antonio to a packed 2022 NBA Draft day. They used their three first-round picks to select Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley. The trio is predicted to play pronounced roles as rookies. Keldon Johnson also signed a four-year extension following his breakout performance last season.
Gregg Popovich could wrap his career up in a few years. He turns 74 in January and will likely play the underdog to most teams in the Western Conference. However, the future Hall of Fame coach could present a few more tricks. Once he steps up his game of building a young roster, this growth and development can translate to success. The Spurs can still fight for the playoffs this time around while establishing themselves as an ideal 2022-23 NBA Southwest Division Sleeper Pick.
Houston Rockets
- 2022-23 NBA Season Odds: +15000
Another rebuilding team makes its way to our list of division sleepers as the Houston Rockets try to edge its competition with a young core. Unlike last season, we might find a more mature squad that wins more games in the 2022-23 season. In defiance of James Harden’s departure, the Rockets still pulled off victories that did not often show in the win-loss record. They unlocked the potential of young players like Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jae’Sean Tate.
Head coach Stephen Silas placed a unique system that guided the inexperienced group for the better. We now see an encouraging side with a firm touch amid their struggling months. Moreover, the Rockets collected more Draft picks and made necessary off-season moves to ensure a better future.
Houston snagged Jabari Smith with the third pick of the first round followed by Tari Eason coming in at the 17th pick. Center Derrick Favors makes his way from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having these names fortify the lineup appears to lift the Rockets’ spirits. It’s hard to imagine the franchise doing worse than last year. Young players and lottery picks develop quicker when they register for more playing time.
Ultimately, the young course will make positive progress. We look forward to fewer and shorter losing streaks. But the Rockets are not out of the woods just yet. The Western Conference has plenty to offer while the Southwest Division competition can act as their stepping stone to an improved campaign.
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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.
*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.
READ MORE: 2022-23 NBA Southeast Division Sleeper Picks
