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2023 Brooklyn Nets Predictions with Futures Odds and Expert NBA Picks

by Spencer Toth - 10/20/2023

Brooklyn Nets predictions Mikal Bridges

The Brooklyn Nets moved on from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at last season’s trade deadline, leaving them with Ben Simmons as their most recognizable superstar. When the Nets picked up Irving and Durant, they were expected to challenge for an NBA title, but only have one series win to show for it. A new era begins in Brooklyn, and the Nets will try to lean on their retooled lineup to find success this season.

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Brooklyn Nets Offseason Recap

The Nets offseason featured them getting rid of their valuable pieces, without getting much back in return. They opened up the offseason by shipping 3-point specialist Joe Harris to the Pistons, with 2nd round picks, for cash. It was clear they wanted to offload his contract and free up playing time for their young stars, and the fan favorite will be missed in Brooklyn. Harris spent the last 7 years in Brooklyn, and his 43.7% clip from deep will surely be missed. While it clears space for Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges to lock up some more playing time, the lackluster return for the sniper will leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Also departing Brooklyn is Patty Mills, who was shipped out with a similar package to Harris. Mills was seldom used last season, getting just 2 starts and 40 appearances for the 35-year-old. Mills provided support off the bench and was an excellent leader for the rising Nets stars. 

The Nets will be happy to have the drama from Irving and Durant behind them and will look forward to seeing what their focused lineup can do. They locked up Cameron Johnson to a long-term deal, and there will certainly be plenty of tinkering for head coach Jacque Vaughn to do this season.

Brooklyn Nets Season Expectations

The Nets are coming into the season with a 37.5-game win total, which would be their lowest mark since 2020. Brookyln has talent with Dinwiddie and Bridges. And while Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson will be eager to prove they are worthy of starting roles, this season hinges on Ben Simmons. While his shooting has always been an issue, Simmons was taken first overall in 2016 thanks to his excellent defense and ability to spread the floor on offense. However, he became rather ineffective when teams realized they could safely leave him open at the point and focus on his next move. His confidence hit an all-time low thanks to severe injuries, a lack of trust from the organization, and his tendency to pass up open, easy looks. This season, Simmons has everything to prove if he wants to remain in the league, as his 6.9 PPG in 26.3 minutes per game is simply not good enough to be considered among the league’s best. Bridges clearly didn’t want to move to Brooklyn, but the increased shooting opportunities it has brought him has rejuvenated his career.  His 26.1 PPG from last season blew his previous career high of 14.2 PPG out of the water, and Bridges is clearly enjoying being the star of the show, after being shadowed by Devin Booker’s spotlight in Phoenix. The Nets have understandably limited expectations this season, but a hungry group of young guys with something to prove can always result in the occasional upset of a league heavyweight.

Brooklyn Nets Schedule Breakdown

After opening up the season at home, the Nets head on a 4-game road trip to start the season. However, with 11 of their next 14 played in Brooklyn, the Nets will be confident they can get off to a hot start and keep their early season playoff hopes alive. There is no doubt where the hardest portion of their schedule is, as in early December the Nets take on the Kings, Suns, Nuggets, Warriors, and Jazz, all on the road, in the span of 8 nights. Overall, the Nets have several long road trips and homestands, which could allow them to get hot during portions of the season. They have the personnel to capitalize on this opportunity.

Brooklyn Nets Odds

The Nets win total of 37.5 wins has them sitting 8th in the Eastern Conference, as there are several teams in the 36-38 win total range, and it remains to be seen which of them can take the leap to the postseason. They have understandably long odds to lift the championship, coming in at +10000 to win the Finals, and are being offered plus money to qualify for the postseason, at +150 odds. The Nets have the potential to succeed, but it feels as though we’ve already seen what this team can do. And without any new high potential signings, it’s very difficult to see them making an extended postseason run.

In the in-season tournament, the Nets are wedged in a group with Celtics, Raptors, Bulls, and Magic, coming in with +500 odds to top the group. While a top seed feels unlikely thanks to Boston’s presence, if the Nets take care of business against the other 3 bottom feeders, they could sneak in with a 3-1 record in second place, making a +3300 bet on them to hoist the trophy not the craziest proposition. The Nets are expected to be an okay team, and their floor and ceiling feels a lot closer together than the other middling NBA franchises. Bridges and Dinwiddie will continue to ball but won’t be the All-Star caliber players the Nets are desperately craving.

Brooklyn Nets 2023-24 Season Predictions

The Nets will be good, but not great. Anything other than a 35-40 win record feels unlikely, as it’s difficult to see them struggling to beat the lower tier teams, but it’s also difficult to see them competing with the league’s best. I'm calling for a 38-44 record, and for the Nets to finish in the 9th seed. They’ll get immediately bounced from the play-in tournament but can still cash a plus money bet in the process. While I’m not a fan of the +150 odds for their postseason qualification, the +115 odds from them to participate in the play-in tournament are quite tempting. As mentioned, expecting the Nets to beat out the Heat or Knicks to the 6th seed is unlikely, but it’s just as unlikely they fall all the way down to 11th, pushing someone like the Bulls, Magic, or Raptors up to 10th place. At +115 odds, this is by far the best pre-season bet for the Brooklyn Nets.

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