Written by: Christian Jope
Fact-checked by: James Whitelock
Updated March 8, 2024
6 min read
The New Orleans Pelicans are the favorite to win the Southwest Division in 2024.
The Dallas Mavericks are the top contender to win the Southwest this season.
Last year's Southwest Division Champions were the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Southwest Division has been a two-team race throughout the season, but at the moment, the New Orleans Pelicans have separated themselves at the top. While some teams have taken themselves out of contention, plenty of competitors remain. Stay tuned to WSN for regular updates, offering the finest odds, predictions, and analyses as the competition unfolds for the coveted Southwest Division crown.
After a grueling few weeks since the All-Star break, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves the favorite for the Southwest Division. Despite incredible performances from Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled to find consistency and have fallen behind the Pelicans in the race for the Southwest. The Houston Rockets are still mathematically able to compete for the division crown, but it seems only a matter of time before they fall out of the race entirely.
Let's check out the bets!
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Wager $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet at FanDuel wins. Check out our list of the best NBA betting sites for more betting opportunities.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | -300 BET HERE |
| Dallas Mavericks | +210 BET HERE |
| Houston Rockets | +21000 BET HERE |
| Memphis Grizzlies | N/A |
| San Antonio Spurs | N/A |
Our Pick: New Orleans Pelicans to Win Southwest Division (-300) at FanDuel
While eyes have been on the success of the Thunder and Timberwolves in the Western Conference or the incredible play of Luka Doncic, the Pelicans have shown that consistency is the key to challenging for a division crown. One of the league’s top ten offenses and defenses, New Orleans has proven that their egalitarian approach to both sides of the court can pay dividends. They’re not clear at the top yet, but they gain separation from their rivals with each game.
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Place a $5 wager, and you'll receive $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins! Your account will be credited with the bonus within 72 hours of meeting the promotion's requirements. Bonus Bets can be utilized on any market on FanDuel Sportsbook, except for Round Robin or Same Game Parlay wagers.
For more information about their promotions and opportunities, refer to our expert review of FanDuel Sportsbook at WSN!
| Year | Record | Finish | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PPG | Opp PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 37-25, 5th in NBA Western Conference | - | 118.0 (9th of 30) | 112.8 (6th of 30) | 98.6 (16th of 30) | 116.6 (14th of 30) | 111.5 (8th of 30) |
Head Coach: Willie Green
Key Players: Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, Zion Williamson
Key Additions: n/a
Key Losses: n/a
The New Orleans Pelicans were on a few people’s radar coming into the season. Still, a healthy campaign and an organized two-way game plan have seen them soar from postseason hopeful to division title threat! Led by a triple threat in McCollum, Ingram, and Williamson, the Pelicans have a top-ten-rated defense backing one of the most efficient offenses in the league. Despite going 3-3 since the All-Star break, the Pelicans begin their three-game Eastern Conference road trip with a 41-point win in Toronto. They have an intimidating schedule to close out the season, but the Pelicans have proven they won’t back down en route to the Willis Reed Trophy.
| Year | Record | Finish | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PPG | Opp PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 35-28, 8th in NBA Western Conference | - | 118.3 (7th of 30) | 117.8 (22nd of 30) | 100.3 (7th of 30) | 118.7 (7th of 30) | 118.1 (24th of 30) |
Head Coach: Jason Kidd
Key Players: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving
Key Additions: P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford
Key Losses: Grant Williams, Seth Curry
The Dallas Mavericks made some moves to improve their team at the trade deadline, but it’s all yet to click for the Southwest Division hopefuls. Game after game, stellar performances lead them from Luka Doncic, but that hasn’t stopped the Mavericks’ inconsistent streak – going 3-5 since the All-Star break. With half of their remaining schedule against sub-.500 teams, though, don’t count out the Mavericks yet. Their defense is inconsistent, but Dallas can make a play for the Southwest Division if they can take care of business against lesser opponents.
| Year | Record | Finish | Off Rtg | Def Rtg | Pace | PPG | Opp PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 27-35, 12th in NBA Western Conference | - | 112.9 (24th of 30) | 113.0 (7th of 30) | 99.1 (14th of 30) | 112.9 (21st of 30) | 112.9 (11th of 30) |
Head Coach: Ime Udoka
Key Players: Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green
Key Additions: Steven Adams
Key Losses: Victor Oladipo
The Houston Rockets surprised the league with their start to the season, challenging for the division crown and a spot in the top six. Though the campaign has worn on, it seems the Rockets have maxed out their potential. Going 3-5 since the All-Star break, the Rockets haven’t been able to mount a consistent effort. On the bright side, the future with Alperen Sengun at the center looks promising, but it’ll take some changes or a miraculous late-season run to alter their fortunes this season.
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Christian Jope
NBA Betting Analyst
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