NBA 2023 In-Tournament Picks get to some potential victory totals for the 2023-24 NBA season. Currently, we are one game into the group stage. Yes, BetOnline Vegas online sportsbook and a few others have updated their numbers even as this tournament starts. Fans crave the numbers for the tournament within the season. So, how will some of the favorites do in this format? Alas, could Denver with this one too?
| NBA In Season Tournament Cup |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | +750 | +800 | +750 |
| Boston Celtics | +800 | +800 | +850 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +900 | +850 | +900 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1100 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Phoenix Suns | +1300 | +1200 | +1300 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +1500 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1800 | +1700 | +1800 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +2000 | +2000 | +2200 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +2200 | +2500 | +2500 |
NBA 2023 In-Tournament Picks looks at the format and more for this inaugural event. When there is no history to look at, the only way to assess something like this is to dive right in. It was a good deal of fun and different to see the action on Friday night. Some different strategies were employed.
It will be interesting to see how the group stage unfolds. The group stage consists of seven dates for games.
Group Play Games
Okay, there is some Black Friday action mixed into the stage as well. The 30 teams will play two games each (1 home, 1 road). The twist is the 22 teams eliminated before the knockout stage will get their games back and play on December 6th and 8th. Also, the quarterfinal and semifinal games will count toward the season standings. The championship game will not.
The betting public expects to get a little confused at times. There were pots and draws as the teams were split into six groups (three in each conference). So, after the group stage, the quarterfinals will take place on December 4-5 at the higher seed team. Following that will be the semifinals on December 7th and the championship on December 9th all in Las Vegas.
Why do we go again to the Denver Nuggets when it comes to the NBA 2023 In-Tournament Picks? Now, remember this was a team that won the NBA Title last season. Once they got a taste of the big prize, why not go after a smaller Cup? Nikola Jokic helped Denver winning their opening game with ease over the Dallas Mavericks by 11 points on Friday. It makes too much sense not to go with the favorite here.
So, if the motivation is there, why not side with Denver. They are the most complete team and do not have a problem playing a tournament style format at a neutral site. Jokic does have a heavy soccer background and has been pretty intrigued by this format and idea. Sure, everyone wishes it was a little less intertwined with the season but it is what it is. If Game 1 of the tournament was any indication, look out!
Denver did benefit somewhat from Jason Kidd not being able to coach Dallas (non-COVID illness). However, the Nuggets stayed ahead in every quarter as the Mavericks never could get on a run to seize momentum. Nikola Jokic nearly ended up with a triple double but more importantly, the Nuggets are the most likely team to go 5-0 honestly.
So, that +750 to +800 range to win this tournament seems way too high. Some pundits believe that number should be in the +400 to +500 area. The reality that Denver could easily win a tournament set up well for them is starting to increase. They would play the quarterfinal at home then potentially the final two games in nearby Las Vegas. That is why the Denver Nuggets make sense in the NBA 2023 In-Tournament Picks.
NBA 2023 In-Tournament Picks consider the idea to explore some other teams. Naturally, the numbers gravitate towards teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and yes the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee is an intriguing squad here and are getting +900 on Bovada. Milwaukee held on to a five-point win on Friday to open the tournament. However, they are a team still getting used to Damian Lillard and vice versa.
Yes, the books like Milwaukee a lot here but again the schedules are so light early that it is almost impossible to develop that synergy needed to win. Tournaments like this tend to see teams that have been together for awhile do well. Continuity is why teams like Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and even Boston (to a lesser extent) could have some issues.
Yes, some other teams like Golden State have to be considered too (+1000 to +1100 range). The Warriors needed a controversial Stephen Curry layup to merely defend win on Friday. Do not be surprised if Golden State focuses on the bigger title as opposed to the smaller “Cup.” That will be the likely sentiment for quite a few teams including Miami. Just ask Jimmy Butler his thoughts.
Numbers slide in a number of places for this event. Teams like Brooklyn and Indiana could be a surprise here among longer shots. Brooklyn stole a game on the road in Chicago and could go 2-0 to represent one of the eight teams in the knockout stage. Jacque Vaughn has a team with +2500 odds with experience in tournaments (see the NCAA). Indiana is +2800 here as well. Something about both teams is intriguing here.
NBA online betting odds keep an eye on this tournament and watch those NBA prop bets for some extra options on Friday and beyond.
