The NBA 2021-2022 season just kicked off with an opening night on Oct. 19. It’s scheduled to end on April 10, 2022, and the All-Star Game will take place on February 20, 2022. With top teams like the LA Lakers, Utah Jazz, and the Bucks, there are many expectations this season. Keep reading to know some of the major takeaways of the new season and odds.
Opening Night Takeaways
Here are some of the opening night takeaways for the 2021–22 NBA Season:
1. Russell Westbrook’s Numbers Against Warriors
Russell significantly underperformed in his first game with the Lakers against the Warriors. He had ugly numbers against the team with eight points on 4-of-13 shooting in 35 minutes. During the game, it appeared Westbrook kept roaming off the ball. The NBA point guard wasn’t setting screens or even making dynamic cuts. Without a doubt, the Lakers need a better performance from Russell.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo Leading the Bucks to Victory
The Milwaukee Bucks are lucky to have Giannis in their team this season. As a power forward, Giannis started this season just like he ended the 2020–21 campaign. In his game against the Nets, Giannis successfully scored 32 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks within 31 minutes. Even though he didn’t have the perfect jumper in Game 1, his free-throw form is a great addition to the Bucks.
3. Jordan Poole Will Help the Warrior’s Season
Finishing with 20 points and three assists, Golden State took good control of the game against the Lakers. Poole helped the team’s comeback by bringing great help to the team’s offensive arsenal. If the Golden State Warriors’ shooter, Klay Thompson, performs well, the team will have a great guard depth with Poole.
4. Warriors Have a Great Offseason
The Golden State Warriors have awesome role players, including Otto Porter, Nemanja Bjelica, and Andre Iguodala. In the game against the Lakers, LA was down Kendrick Nun and Trevor Ariza. For that reason, Vogel wanted players closer in the fourth. Thanks to the Warrior’s performance, the Laker’s flaws were evident.
5. LA Lakers Need Outside Shooting
Top professionals Davis and LeBron were significantly dominant, each with over 30 points and ten rebounds. However, the Lakers suffered a loss regardless due to a poor supporting cast. The most obvious need for the Lakers is outside shooting. Currently, Kent Bazemore is the best shooter in the team’s starting lineup, going 2-for-8 from 3.
Teams to Look Out For
The 2021-22 NBA season begins with some of the top championship favorites. Take a look at these teams at Sidelines.io NBA odds page for better comprehension. Here are some of the teams with high chances:
Brooklyn Nets – With top players like James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Joe Harris, the Nets are ready to make an impactful season. Steve Nash and the management’s decision to add the San Antonio Spurs guard was a great choice. Patty Mills is a great addition because of his capabilities to improve shooting and scoring in the team.
Milwaukee Bucks – Bucks made a great move this season by bringing almost everyone on their roster back. However, they lost P.J. Tucker. Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready to deliver great runs with his strong season start.
Los Angeles Lakers – Without a doubt, the collection of future Hall of Famers in the Lakers is impressive. The likes of Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, James, and Dwight Howard can carve the Lakers’ championship dream.
Phoenix Suns – Signing Chris Paul to an extension was one of the best offseason decisions Suns ever made. However, the team will need to prove that their performance in the last NBA season wasn’t a fluke.
Utah Jazz – The Jazz are significantly ready to make an impact in the NBA season. Winning the championship is also not a question with their decision to sign Rudy Gay. Even though Gay is recovering from heel surgery, he remains a scoring threat for opposing teams.
Players to Look Out For
It’s no news that Anthony Davis and LeBron James welcomed Russell Westbrook and Carmelo this season. Are there other players to observe? Here’s what to know:
James Harden – As the 2018’s NBA Most Valuable Player and a nine-time NBA All-Star, James is not backing off any time soon. He put up 20 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in the Net’s game on October 22.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – In 2019 and 2020, Antetokounmpo won NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. He recently had series averages of 35. 2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks. Giannis is also the youngest “Finals MVP” since Kawhi Leonard.
Kevin Durant – Small forward Kevin from the Brooklyn Nets is also a threat to NBA opponents, next to Harden. He recently signed a four-year extension worth $198 million with the Nets. Durant recorded a career triple-double with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists on October 22 against the 76ers.
Place the Best Bets on the 2021–22 NBA Championship
It’s too early to know who’s getting the NBA Championship title this season. Following betting predictions and monitoring the odds can help in making the best choices. Currently, all eyes are on the Bucks, Lakers, Suns, Utah Jazz, and other well-performing teams.