The NBA’s Southeast Division has been full of parity over the last five years or so, making it one of the most fun races to watch – and bet on – as the season comes down to the wire.
Sportsbook
Right now, Sportsbook has the Miami Heat favored in the NBA Southeast Division odds. The Heat’s -180 chalk status makes them the second-biggest divisional betting favorite this season, as sportsbooks expect them to win the Southeast for the second consecutive season.
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Feel free to take a peek at some of our other basketball odds or our dedicated NBA betting news home page. If you’re in the mood for a different wager, you can also read up on the NBA Eastern Conference odds or NBA championship odds that we break down and offer picks for.
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NBA Southeast Division Betting Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Miami Heat | -180 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +170 |
| Charlotte Hornets | +1000 |
| Washington Wizards | +3000 |
| Orlando Magic | +20000 |
Odds as of August 16 at Sportsbook
Why Are The Heat (-180) Favored In The Odds To Win The Southeast Division?
Miami was by far the best-looking squad in the Eastern Conference during the 2021-22 regular season. The club reclaimed the Southeast Division title – Atlanta won it in 2020-21 – and finished two games better than any other team in the East.
Sportsbook
The Heat are favored because, in short, they are running back nearly the exact same roster that led to so much success a year ago. Three-and-D specialist PJ Tucker is gone, but Miami retained Victor Oladipo, coupling him with a spectacular rotation that includes leading scorer Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Compared to other top-notch squads, there aren’t a ton of pure scorers on the Heat, but their roster is deep, they work in sync and they should be ready to run the division again in 2022-23.
NBA Southeast Division Odds: Best Value Bet
Sportsbook
Washington Wizards (+3000)
There’s not a ton of value on the board in the Southeast, so a dart throw on Washington might be your best bet for a Hail Mary cash-out.
The Wizards were below .500 last season. And the year before that. And the year before that. Washington hasn’t had a winning season since 2017-18 – hence the +3000 odds – but that trend is likely to change this season. Bradley Beal’s future is no longer in doubt, as he signed a five-year deal worth over $250 million, meaning the Wiz can finally focus on building around him instead of wilding out about his future.
Beal is on the verge of superstar status. A grouping of Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma isn’t likely to win any NBA championships, but it’s certainly good enough for a sneaky run to the top of the Southeast Division.
NBA Southeast Division Odds: Best Bet
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Atlanta Hawks (+170)
Judging by this year’s Southeast Division odds, the sportsbooks assume the race will come down to two teams: Miami and Atlanta. We’re inclined to agree with that prediction, but we actually like the Hawks as viable underdogs to win out.
First off, the value is great. Atlanta made the Eastern Conference final in 2020-21, but regressed a bit last season, which seemed to make the books forget how talented this club really is. That’s good for bettors. The Hawks have a young core built around Trae Young, and by all accounts they are progressing in important areas.
From 2020-21 to 2021-22, Atlanta improved its field-goal percentage, assists per game and three-pointers made per game, among other categories. The train is headed in the right direction. Bettors should hop on at +170 or risk watching that value wither later in the season.
Last 10 NBA Southeast Division Winners
| Year | Winning Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Miami Heat | 53-29 |
| 2020-21 | Atlanta Hawks | 41-31 |
| 2019-20 | Miami Heat | 44-29 |
| 2018-19 | Orlando Magic | 42-40 |
| 2017-18 | Miami Heat | 44-38 |
| 2016-17 | Washington Wizards | 49-33 |
| 2015-16 | Miami Heat | 48-34 |
| 2014-15 | Atlanta Hawks | 60-22 |
| 2013-14 | Miami Heat | 54-28 |
| 2012-13 | Miami Heat | 66-16 |
The table doesn’t tell us much in terms of trends, other than that the Southeast is a toss-up more often than not. That’s good for finding value, which supports the notion that underdog squads like Atlanta or Washington could wiggle their way to the top in 2022-23.
Reading NBA Southeast Division Odds
At any NBA betting site, you’ll notice futures odds that look like so:
- Miami Heat -1000
- Washington Wizards +5000
At -1000, the Heat have a 90.91 percent chance of winning the division. If you were to lay down $100, you’d get a payout of $110 – you get your original money back, coupled with your prize of $10. On the other hand, the Wizards at +5000 have a 1.96 percent shot. That same $100 on them gives you $5,100 – your $100 is returned along with your winnings of $5,000.
Our Odds Calculator will give you an idea of what you’d win based on the amount bet and odds offered.
What Is A Divisional Futures Bet On The NBA?
A futures bet is any wager made weeks or even months in advance of a certain event. In this case, the bet is on a team to win the Southeast.
The odds are set before the season starts but will shift as games are played, injuries happen and trades take place. When you see odds you like, take them early. Getting a team at plus money (+) instead of minus money (-) will give you more value on your bet should you win.
