NBA Atlantic Division Picks: Celtics, Nets, or 76ers?

Quinn Allen
By , Updated on: Dec 19, 2023 07:00 PM
NBA Atlantic Division Picks: Celtics, Nets, or 76ers?

We're now just over a month away from tip-off for the 2022-23 season, which means it's a good time to do learn how to bet on NBA futures. While the likes of the Warriors, Clippers, and Celtics are early favorites to win a title, there's also betting value elsewhere: Divisional odds. In the Atlantic Division, Boston is the early frontrunner at +110, while the Brooklyn Nets (+220) and Philadelphia 76ers (+350) aren't far behind, either. Keep reading for the NBA Atlantic Division picks.

Before we get into the odds, preview, and early pick, make sure to check out our tips for betting on NBA games.

2022-23 Atlantic Division Odds

BetOnlineOdds
Boston Celtics+110
Brooklyn Nets+220
Philadelphia 76ers+350
Toronto Raptors+1200
New York Knicks+6600

Celtics (+110)

Boston is the early favorite, which is frankly no surprise. After all, they were in the NBA Finals in 2022 and actually have the most Atlantic Division titles of any team with 23. They of course won it last season after securing top spot in the East with a 51-31 record. Ime Udoka's squad kept their core intact this summer, too. Jaylen Brown is back in the mix after being linked to a trade for Kevin Durant, while Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart will be looking to lead this group back to the Finals. They also managed to add a key backcourt piece in Malcolm Brogdon, who should prove to be important on both ends of the floor. There is no reason for the C's to not be in the mix in the NBA Atlantic Division picks. All the talent is there.

Nets (+220)

Brooklyn was close to blowing it all up this offseason following Kevin Durant's trade request. But, the superstar ultimately repaired his relationship with the organization and stayed put. If he and Kyrie Irving can stay healthy and actually play an entire campaign together, it could be scary hours. These are two of the best players in the league and we've seen a glimpse of what they can do on the court. It's just a matter of steering clear of any injuries. Also, there are several intriguing rotational pieces around them. Ben Simmons is finally back and should complement KD and Kyrie nicely, especially from a playmaking standpoint. While it's hard to know what the Aussie will do offensively after skipping an entire season, he should undoubtedly make the Nets better defensively. They need that. Sean Marks and the front office also managed to get Royce O'Neale and TJ Warren. Both guys are solid regulars at the NBA level. Brooklyn definitely has a chance at the Atlantic Division crown.

Philadelphia 76ers (+350)

It would be foolish to sleep on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only will the big man be coming back with a vengeance after getting snubbed of the MVP last season, but it looks like he truly has a legitimate running mate now. Yes, James Harden was around for the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, but he failed to make an impression. The Beard spent the entire offseason completely transforming his physique though and looks to be in the best shape of his life. All signs point to a bounce-back season for Harden, but that's not the only reason Philly is a force not only in the NBA Atlantic Division picks but also in the East as a whole. Daryl Morey did a tremendous job of adding depth to the roster in free agency. They lured in an absolute dog in PJ Tucker, who is the ultimate competitor on both ends of the floor and the type of player Sixers fans absolutely love. Among their other reinforcements were Danuel House Jr, De'Anthony Melton, and to top it off, Montrezl Harrell, who signed with Philadelphia last week. Harrell is a warrior on the floor and has the same type of mentality as Tucker. Doc River's group is full of gritty, hard-nosed players who will do whatever it takes to win a chip. This is a very special group that cannot be underestimated.

Toronto Raptors (+1200)

The Raptors are always a solid team in the East and actually won the Atlantic Division in three straight years from 2017-20. But, with the type of talent on these other teams, it'll be hard for them to be really competitive. Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and ROTY Scottie Barnes are special, there is no question about it. However, I have a hard time believing they can beat out the likes of Boston, Philly, and Brooklyn in the NBA Atlantic Division picks. That being said, Toronto should still be a playoff team again. They signed Otto Porter Jr in free agency and ran it back with Thaddeus Young and Chris Boucher, while also drafting young big man Christian Koloko out of Arizona. Perhaps a second or third place finish in this division will be in the cards for the Raps.

Final Pick

A lot of people would probably ride the Celtics or Nets here, but I'm fully on the Sixers train. Harden is going to be playing at an elite level alongside Embiid and they have the other necessary pieces to edge out the Nets and Celtics. Will it result in a title? That remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Philly will be top dog in the Atlantic Division.

Philadelphia 76ers To win the 2022-23 Atlantic Division
+350
BetOnline

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Meet the author

Quinn Allen

Quinn Allen leverages his broadcast journalism degree and passion for sports in his betting previews and analysis. Based in Kelowna, Canada, he has emerged as an expert voice with picks featured on OSB, MTS, SBD, and as a ClutchPoints editor. With a lifelong fandom of...

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