One year after opening without favored status in their own division, the San Antonio Spurs start the new NBA campaign as clear leaders in the Southwest and the second choice—behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder—to capture the league championship.
Sportsbooks list San Antonio as prohibitive favorites to repeat as division champions, despite last season’s five-game NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks. DraftKings and Caesars currently peg the Houston Rockets, considered the Spurs’ primary challenger, at +700 to win the division.
Key additions and returning players
San Antonio strengthened its roster by signing free-agent forward Tobias Harris, adding veteran scoring and depth. The franchise also counts on continued growth from its young nucleus led by 7-foot-4 center Victor Wembanyama.
Houston’s outlook improves with the return of point guard Fred VanVleet and center Steven Adams. VanVleet missed all of last season, leaving a playmaking void that hurt the Rockets’ offense. Adams appeared in just 32 games before a season-ending ankle injury in January; in 22.8 minutes per contest, the veteran averaged 8.6 rebounds, including 4.5 on the offensive glass.
Injury concerns could shift the race
Oddsmakers remain cautious about the Rockets’ chances, yet San Antonio’s hopes rest heavily on Wembanyama’s availability. Over his first three NBA seasons, the reigning Rookie of the Year has missed 65 games. The Spurs have historically exercised caution with his minutes and recovery whenever health issues arise.
The season begins with San Antonio as the logical pick to top the Southwest, but Houston’s long odds may draw bettors seeking value should the Spurs’ star center miss significant time.
Source: Hoops Wire
