This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
I like two teams that are currently big underdogs to win their respective divisions and one rookie to pull off an upset for rookie of the year. I'll explain why I think the odds are currently where they are and explain why I like each bet. Before we get into things, I'd like to share that I don't place bets unless I believe they likely cash and have perceived value. For all the bets I mention in this article, I put 1 unit (1% of my betting bankroll) each. Let's dive into it!
Philidelphia 76ers 
win Atlantic Divison @ +275
The Brooklyn Nets are currently favored to win the Atlantic Division (-400), I believe, because of their personnel containing many high-level talents, including Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Blake Griffin. While Griffin is a great talent being added to an already stacked team, it does not guarantee that these players' chemistry will be ideal. I also have my concerns with Kevin Durant staying healthy as he's been injury-prone throughout his career. Even if Durant is healthy for the remainder of this year, I still think the 76ers are being significantly undervalued, considering they are currently tied with Brooklyn (28-13 record) while having proven to have excellent team chemistry. Perhaps Nets' teammates work together in perfect harmony, but it's an unknown nonetheless. Philidelphia is currently second in the NBA in defensive efficiency, whereas Brookly is 21st. The superior defensive and more proven team are the Philadelphia 76ers.
Anthony Edwards to win Rookie of the Year @ +300
Currently, LaMelo Ball is favored (-715) to win Rookie of the Year, likely because he's done very well throughout the whole season and has done better statistically in assists, rebounds, and points, relative to Anthony Edwards. Still, Edwards is performing excellently as of late, scoring 42 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Suns on 3/18, scoring 29 points on shooting 11 of 22 from the field against the Lakers on 3/16 (i.e., Lakers are first in the NBA in defensive efficiency), and scoring 34 points against the Trail Blazers on 3/14 on 12 of 24 shooting from the floor. Edwards's usage will continue to be very high without teammates D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jordan McLaughlin. Even when they return, Edwards's momentum and progression can propel him to tremendous success. I am willing to buy low on Edwards winning the Rookie of the Year, with most of the hype being on LaMelo Ball.
San Antonio Spurs 
to win Southwest Divison @ +600
Another example of a recent transaction significantly swinging the betting line. Star player LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs have mutually agreed to part ways (i.e., the most recent game Aldrige played was on March 1st). The Spurs are 10th in defensive efficiency, whereas the Mavericks are ranked 23rd. I am also bullish on the young talent on the San Antonio roster (i.e., Derrick White and Dejounte Murray, to name a couple). Currently, the Spurs have a one-game lead in the division. With the Spurs' young talent developing and favorable defensive metrics against the division rival Mavericks, I think this is a solid value spot.
