The Scout: NBA Season Preview

Posted on October 19, 2021October 21, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Championship
Brooklyn Nets – $3.30*

Even with the ongoing uncertainty and drama surrounding Kyrie Irving, the Nets are my pick for the NBA Championship.

Kevin Durant is considered by most as the best player on the planet, showing no signs of concern after 18 months out of the game with injury. In the playoffs he went to a new level again averaging 34.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 12 games.

Alongside Durant is former MVP James Harden, who has proven over his career that he can not only score the ball at will, but be an incredible playmaker as well. Harden was far from healthy for much of last season, and was clearly hobbled in the Eastern Conference Finals loss to Milwaukee.

The Nets have two top-10 players (maybe top 5) and their supporting cast might be the best in the league. With Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap joining the likes Blake Griffin and Joe Harris, I think it’s only injury that can stop Brooklyn’s march to the NBA Finals (and beyond).

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MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo – $8*

Luka Doncic (like last year) is the current favourite to take out the MVP this season, but (like last year) to put it simply, I don’t see the Mavericks winning enough games for him to be in real contention for the award.

Kevin Durant is another candidate; he had a fantastic Olympics, but there’s every chance that his own teammate James Harden will be in a stronger position for this award comes season’s end. I also see Durant having his minutes (and games) managed, as I do with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Russell Westbrook now in the mix.

The Milwaukee Bucks have not had any major roster changes coming off the back of their NBA Championship. With the championship ‘duck’ off his back, he’s now back in contention for this regular season award, and his Finals averages read 35 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.

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Defensive Player of the Year
Anthony Davis – $6*

After a disappointing 2020/21 campaign, the Lakers have made some major offseason moves which is going to see a shakeup in positions. Anthony Davis looks finally set to make the near-permanent move to center, with LeBron James spending more time at power forward.

This is a game changer for Davis’ DPOY candidacy, with AD often finding himself defending out on the perimeter. He’ll now anchor the defense, which means more blocks and more opportunities to impact the game on the defensive end.

The Lakers have the oldest roster in the league and Davis will be tasked with cleaning up a lot on the defensive end. I’m banking on some “voter fatigue” when it comes to Rudy Gobert, and maybe more so, banking on a healthy season for the injury-proned Davis.

*Odds correct as at 9am, 19th October 2021.

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