2022-23 NBA Previews – Southeast Division Odds
Looking for 2023 NBA Southeast Division Predictions? We’ve got your back. The Southeast Division features last season’s top Conference performer, two teams looking to bounce back from a subpar season, and at least two tanking squads.
2023 NBA Handicapping
Southeast Division Season Preview
Division Favorite: Miami Heat -184
Miami Heat
Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra
2021-22 Record: 53-29
Odds To Win Division: -184
Odds To Win Conference: +740
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +1625
With all the hoopla surrounding the Celtics, 76ers, Bucks, and Nets it’s important to remember the team who posted the top record in the Eastern Conference last season was the Miami Heat.
Moreover, they did it while enduring copious injuries to their core with Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro missing between 26 and 16 games.
No team epitomized next man up better than Miami and they did it with their infamous ‘Heat Culture’ mindset. They return this season with the majority of their core back (other than PJ Tucker).
There weren’t sweeping changes made to the roster. Rather both the youngsters and vets were sent to the offseason lab with instructions on what they needed to improve (or in Lowry’s case to get in better shape).
Betting against this squad is a risky venture because Erik Spoelstra will have them dialed into playing hard every game and Pat Riley will be the most likely to make a roster-improving trade at the deadline.
Atlanta Hawks
Head Coach: Nate McMillan
2021-22 Record: 43-39
Odds To Win Division: +188
Odds To Win Conference: +2300
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +4900
The busiest Southeast club this summer was the Hawks who pushed all their chips into the middle of the table to add Dejounte Murray.
While there remain questions about how two ball-dominant ball handlers will co-exist Murray definitely offers a defensive presence that will greatly help Trae Young particularly on taking on the defensive assignment against the opposing team’s top guard.
There is ample talent in the starting rotation but much of the Hawks’ depth is gone which begs the question regarding what McMillan will do if any of the core suffer an injury.
Atlanta got to the Conference Finals in 2000 but seemingly bought into their own hype and stopped doing the thing that got them to that position — DEFENSE. They plummeted to 26th last year despite having DeAndre Hunter, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu on the squad.
Murray seems intent on being the captain of that side of the court but the question remains whether a team can play four defenders with one observer.
The Hawks should improve this season, picking up what should be 10-12 easy wins against division opponents (Hornets, Wizards, Magic) but once they hit the postseason McMillan will need to figure out how to stop teams from hunting and targeting Young on defense.
Charlotte Hornets
Head Coach: Steve Clifford
2021-22 Record: 43-39
Odds To Win Division: +1225
Odds To Win Conference: +5600
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +14000
Last season there was optimism surrounding LaMelo Ball and the young squad but they only made minor strides losing in the play-in round to the Atlanta Hawks. That resulted in the firing of head coach James Borrego.
GM Mitch Kupchak tapped Kenny Atkinson to take over the helm but after initially accepting he backtracked electing to remain with the Warriors as a lead assistant.
That resulted in the Hornets re-hiring Steve Clifford. Clearly, the team is desirous of an improved defense but may not have the personnel for that task.
Also outstanding is the issue of Miles Bridges who was due a huge payday after leading the club in scoring, second in rebounds, and third in assists. Bridges was arrested for domestic abuse — he awaits a hearing and in the interim remains unsigned.
With the prospect of LaMelo and Victor Wembanyama gracing the hive no doubt, this squad will be intent on tanking their way to landing a generational talent and forming what would be one of the most intriguing duos in the association.
Washington Wizards
Head Coach: Wes Unseld
2021-22 Record: 35-47
Odds To Win Division: +3000
Odds To Win Conference: +11000
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +24000
The Wizards are a bit of a quandary to figure out. On one hand, they bring back a team featuring a superstar (Bradley Beal) along with a big-man All-Star (Kristaps Porzingis) who played much better in Washington than his prior stint in Dallas.
The big question is how these two stars will fit since they never played a game together given Beal was shut down 40 games into the season.
Of all the East clubs the Wizards are the most difficult to assess. Wes Unseld has stars, young developing players, and great role players but this team always seems to struggle to maintain health and the biggest question is WHAT IS THEIR IDENTITY?
They could end up being a dark horse team that flirts with seeding in the sixth to 10th range — or they could stumble early, suffer injuries to their stars and elect to tank for Wembenyama.
Things could be clear early with the first 40 games especially difficult. Washington will face 14 (2022) playoff teams in the first 20 games then hit the road for 14 of their 20 games and play eight back-to-back sets in the first 40 games.
Any slight stumble or injury in these 40 games could decide their second-half direction since they have copious players they could shop at the deadline to bolster their draft stock. Moreover, their 2023 first-round pick is owned by the Knicks but won’t be conveyed if Washington finishes in the lottery (1-14) range.
Orlando Magic
Head Coach: Jamahl Mosley
2021-22 Record: 22-60
Odds To Win Division: +15000
Odds To Win Conference: +22000
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +50000
I’m already earmarking this squad to contend for 2022-23 League Pass darlings. While they have a ton of youth and Mosley has his squad buying into the new identity they are at least another year away from seriously contending for a playoff seed.
That doesn’t mean they won’t surprise and find a way to battle for a play-in seed but the lure of Wembanyama and a deep draft might alter their commitment.
That said, they own the Bulls’ pick (protected 1-4) so those three matches will show the best example of who the Magic are as they attempt to sweep Chicago and keep their win total down.
NBA Southeast Division Prediction
The Heat and Hawks will benefit from playing their Southeast foes four times each which should hand them 10 to 12 easy wins. Atlanta should be better this season but as noted I’m not sold on their depth so take the Heat to win the division (and contend for the Conference) again.
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