NBA
5 Best Bets: NBA Dark Horse Contenders
Create your own rankings of the top 5 NBA dark horse contenders from the Golden State Warriors to the Memphis Grizzlies to the Dallas Mavericks
PSO Images via Fanduel
Pro Sports Outlook’s ninth episode of “The Countdown” features a ranking of the top 5 dark horse NBA title contenders. ‘The Countdown’ aims to be the #1 sports rankings show in the world where debates get settled and fans are given the power to voice their own opinions.
The NBA is a league that prides itself on being where anything can happen. Every season, teams and players surprise us with their performances, rising up the ranks and defying expectations. While there are always a handful of teams that are expected to contend for the championship, there are also several dark horse contenders that may surprise everyone and make a deep playoff run.
A dark horse contender is a team that is not typically considered among the elite but has the potential to make a significant impact in the postseason. These teams may have flown under the radar during the regular season, but have the necessary talent, chemistry, and coaching to make a splash in the playoffs.
The top 5 dark horse contenders for the 2023 NBA season are teams that may not receive as much attention as some of the perennial favorites, but should not be overlooked. These teams have a combination of veteran leadership, rising stars, and strong coaching that make them serious threats to go deep in the playoffs.
Dark horse contenders often possess a unique blend of talent and teamwork that allows them to excel in the playoffs. These teams are not afraid to take risks and often play with a sense of urgency that is difficult to match. They may lack the star power of some of the league’s elite teams, but they make up for it with their depth, versatility, and grit.
While they may not be the favorites, they have the potential to shock the league and make a deep playoff run. Whether they rely on their defense, shooting, or team chemistry, these teams have what it takes to surprise the league and make a serious run at the championship. The cut-off was odds of ‘+1500’ or better on Fanduel which eliminated the Celtics, Bucks, Nuggets, Suns, 76ers, and Clippers from the conversation. Honorable mention includes: New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks
Here are the top 5 NBA dark horse contenders. Do you agree? Create your own rankings below!
– REIGNING 2022 NBA CHAMPIONS
– SAME ROTATION BESIDES DONTE FOR OTTO
– CURRENTLY AROUND .500 IN A PLAY-IN SPOT
The reigning NBA Champions should never be counted out, especially when they still have basically the entire rotation intact. They haven’t performed well on the road and dealt with injuries to their stars like Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins which is why they’re not in the thick of things right now but come playoff time, Steve Kerr is more than capable of leading this squad to a fifth Championship in nine years.
– #2 SEED IN WEST, #2 SEED IN WEST LAST YEAR
– JAREN JACKSON JR. LEADS NBA IN BPG (3.3)
– JA MORANT SAID “I’M FINE IN THE WEST”
The Memphis Grizzlies carry themselves unlike any other team in the NBA. They have a confidence (somewhat arrogance) about them that has quickly turned them from league darlings to villains but it’s that mentality that can actually help them win Game 6’s on the road or critical Game 7’s as they expect to win in those high-pressure situations.
– ACQUIRED KYRIE IRVING & CHRISTIAN WOOD
– WORST DEF RTG (115.2) OF ANY PLAYOFF TEAM
– REACHED WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS IN ’22
Kyrie Irving elevates Dallas’ ceiling in these Playoffs as he can take the pressure off Luka and help orchestrate the offense while Doncic rests. Coming off a WCF appearance and still armed with the NBA’s best young player, nobody can be surprised if the Mavericks make a run all the way to the Finals with two clutch scorers leading the way. The question for them will be how much will their defense prevent them from getting there.
– #1 DEFENSIVE TEAM IN THE NBA (109.3 RTG)
– NOW HAVE AN ALL-STAR STARTER (MITCHELL)
– LOST BOTH PLAY-IN GAMES DURING 2022 SEASON
The Cavaliers took the expected leap forward this year after acquiring Donovan Mitchell who has been fantastic in his age-26 season, giving Cleveland the type of leading scorer they needed. Their title chances will come down to experience which they lack right now. The Cavs are a great defensive team who have come to play against the league’s best throughout the year. If the young core can overcome the lack of experience, they match up very well with the East’s elite.
– ADDED D-LO, RUI, BAMBA, BEASLEY, & VANDERBILT
– 4.5 GB FROM A TOP-4 SEED AS OF ALL-STAR BREAK
– WON A NBA CHAMPIONSHIP 3 YEARS AGO
The Los Angeles Lakers won a Championship just three years ago but a whole lot has happened since. LA is in the midst of another disappointing season but improved more than any team at the trade deadline which has slightly revitalized their championship aspirations. With LeBron, AD, and a bunch of shooters in the City of Angels now, it’s hard to completely count out the King.
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