The Southwest Division is shaping up to be one of, if not the most competitive division in the Association next season.
With multiple respected contenders, a ton of star power, and some of the best young talent in the league, the Southwest will provide must-watch basketball on a nightly basis.
Oddsmakers currently have the Dallas Mavericks as the slight favorites to win the division over the Memphis Grizzlies, who will have to withstand a 25-game suspension to star point guard Ja Morant to start the regular season.
Let’s look at the latest Southwest Division betting odds and some of the best NBA division winner bets you can make today.
Southwest Division Winner Odds 2023-24
NBA odds used for these best bets are from Tuesday, July 25, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Dallas Mavericks (+150)
- Memphis Grizzlies (+155)
- New Orleans Pelicans (+250)
- Houston Rockets (+4000)
- San Antonio Spurs (+5500)
After failing to make the playoffs last season, the Dallas Mavericks have been given the best odds to win the Southwest Division following an active offseason.
Spearheaded by the superstar backcourt of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs are expected to be in a tight race with Morant and the Grizzlies, who made several significant moves this summer themselves.
The Rockets and Spurs have been given the worst odds to win the Southwest. However, there is plenty of young talent on those rosters. With exciting rookies like Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, we could see those teams become competitive much quicker than anticipated.
Southwest Division Winner Best Bet
Memphis Grizzlies (+155)
Memphis will have to overcome significant adversity to start the season, but I believe it will win the Southwest Division for the third straight season.
The Grizzlies have been one of the most dominant regular-season teams in recent history, and this year should be no different. Additionally, head coach Taylor Jenkins will have some capable reinforcements at the point guard position during Morant’s absence.
- See where the Grizzlies sit in our NBA Western Conference odds.
While former backup Tyus Jones previously stepped up in Morant’s absence, Memphis decided to move the 27-year-old veteran for 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. Former MVP Derrick Rose also joined the squad during free agency this summer.
Memphis has performed well without Morant in the past and should be okay doing so again with the key moves it made this offseason.
Southwest Division Winner Sleeper Pick
New Orleans Pelicans (+250)
The Pelicans are the picture-perfect team when thinking of a sleeper pick for the Southwest Division.
Over the past few seasons, New Orleans has continuously been on the cusp of getting over the hump. However, it always seems to be missing something.
Much of the team’s success will fall on the shoulders of superstar Zion Williamson. There is no arguing that when on the court, Williamson is one of the most dominant players in the league.
Unfortunately, his biggest weakness throughout his young career has been his availability. Williamson must prove he can stay healthy throughout an entire season.
When looking at the Pelicans’ roster, you could make a real case for them to win the division and possibly compete for a championship.
A healthy big three of Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, alongside a strong supporting cast, could cause real problems out West this season.