The Memphis Grizzlies have owned the Southwest Division in the NBA for the last couple of seasons. Will they do it again in 2023-’24?

Top NBA Pick

• Memphis Grizzlies To Win Southwest Division (+160) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)

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NBA Southwest Division Preview

The Western Conference is made up of three divisions. The Southwest Division is in the Western Conference, which includes the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs.

The Grizzlies have dominated this conference over the last couple of seasons. But the Mavericks retained Kyrie Irving, the Rockets have built an intriguing roster, and the Spurs just drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.

Can any of the teams in the Southwest catch up to the Memphis Grizzlies this season? Let’s preview each team in the division.

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Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are projected to win 45.5 games this season. The Over is juiced at -120. But let’s not forget that even with so many things going on with that team, the Grizzlies were second in the Western Conference with 51 wins. They also had 56 wins the year prior.

The Grizzlies added Marcus Smart to play with Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams. Eventually, Ja Morant will return from suspension, and Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama aren’t terrible backup options.

Memphis won’t take a giant step backward.

NBA Pick: Grizzlies Over 45.5 Wins (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook

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Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have a duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. But the duo was so bad that the Mavericks tanked out of the playoffs to hold onto a top pick in the NBA Draft.

Dallas added Grant Williams at power forward and brought in Dereck Lively II as a significant threat at center. This team is better than last year’s unit. But after Dallas’ exit last year, I’m not confident enough.

How many games with Irving play? Will he ask to be traded mid-season? Can Luka stay healthy?

I’d take the Under 45.5 wins for the Mavericks here.

NBA Pick: Mavericks Under 45.5 Wins (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook

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New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans is projected to win 44.5 games this season at -110 betting odds. They’re projected to be just as good as the Grizzlies and Mavericks.

But will Zion Williamson play? The offense looks amazing with C.J. McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas. They also added Jordan Hawkins in the draft.

If Williamson plays at least 40 games, New Orleans has a real chance of winning enough to make the playoffs without the play-in games.

I’ll take the Over 44.5 for the Pelicans.

NBA Pick: Pelicans Over 44.5 Wins (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

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Houston Rockets

The Rockets added Fred VanVleet as point guard. He’ll play with Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun. This team also added Dillon Brooks and has Tari Eason, along with Amen Thompson, from the draft.

The Rockets have a lot of potential moving forward. Adding VanVleet should help the young players start to gel together. The Rockets can go ten deep without a problem.

With their projected win total at 31.5, I’d grab the Over. This team is dangerous and excellent, with Ime Udoka as head coach.

NBA Pick: Rockets Over 31.5 Wins (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook

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San Antonio Spurs

Don’t put too much on Victor Wembanyama’s plate. He’s just a rookie. It’ll take time for him to develop.

This Spurs team is still a long way from competing. The lineup’s best player is Keldon Johnson right now.

Don’t fall into the Wembanyama trap. This team is still one of the worst teams in the NBA. They’ll eventually develop. But not yet.

NBA Pick: Spurs Under 29.5 Wins (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

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Southwest Division Winner

The Grizzlies won’t have Ja Morant for some portion of the season. But with the addition of Marcus Smart, Memphis will be OK. They’re a terrific franchise that won’t have to worry about Dillon Brooks opening his mouth.

He’s on the Rockets now. Memphis can strengthen the locker room with Smart and have many pieces to help with a significant playoff push.

I’d take the Grizzlies to win the division at +160 odds.

NBA Pick: Grizzlies To Win Division (+160) at Caesars Sportsbook

*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.