With preseason underway, that means we’re just days away from the 2023-24 campaign. This offseason has been very interesting whether it’s been free agent signings or big trades, making the road to the NBA Championship that much more exciting. The odds say that this race will be as close as ever with two teams tied for first and two tied for second on this list. It’s going to be a fun season it all begins on October 24th.
*Odds via FanDuel
Best Odds to Win the 2023-24 NBA Championship
Boston Celtics (+380)
It’s been an interesting offseason for the Boston Celtics. To everyone’s surprise, they traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal but also in that trade they acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. This past season with Washington, Porzingis averaged a career-high in points per game (23.2) and a career-high in field goal percentage (49%).
He’ll add another level to this offense with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown but the Celtics weren’t done making trade as they acquired Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers. While it’s hard to replace Smart as the heart and soul of this team, Holiday can do just that on both sides of the ball. One negative from these trades is that the Celtics gave up some important depth pieces. While they have to navigate through that, they have a really strong rotation to make a run at the NBA Championship.
Milwaukee Bucks (+380)
The Milwaukee Bucks were second to Boston in the odds coming into the season. Then a blockbuster trade happened that catapulted the Bucks to co-favorites as they acquired Damien Lillard from the Trail Blazers. They departed from Jrue Holiday to make it happen and while they might miss his defense, he won’t be missed too much because, I mean, it’s Dame. Now they’ve created one of most most dangerous duos in the NBA, with Lillard joining one of if not the best player in the league with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With the spacing provided by Lillard and the explosiveness Giannis provides at the rim, the duo will give teams a lot of trouble throughout the season. That can also open up the other shooters the Bucks have to attack teams of offense. The fit couldn’t be better and now with the team giving their superstar another superstar to play with, Giannis will be in Milwaukee for years to come playing with Lillard.
Denver Nuggets (+550)
On the backs of two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in franchise history. Now they have a chance to become the first team to repeat since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2017 and 2018.
The Nuggets return key contributors from last year’s team but also lose some such as Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. They hope those losses will be made up in due time and if a team can make that happen, it’s the Nuggets with their starting lineup. With Jokic planning to win his third MVP among other factors, Denver remains the team to beat not only in the West but the entire NBA.
Phoenix Suns (+550)
After acquiring Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns set themselves up as an even more serious contender than they already were. Now they’re tied with the defending champions in the odds to win it all. The newly assembled big three of Beal along with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will be fun to watch but also a problem for teams around the league.
Also in that trade comeback some valuable depth, including Jusuf Nurkic. Both Durant and Booker averaged almost 30 points per game last year so adding a player like Beal can make this team dangerous. The Suns are looking to win now with what they’ve done in the trade market recently and they most certainly can if all the pieces can be put together.
Next Best Odds:
Los Angeles Lakers (+1300)
Golden State Warriors (+1400)
Cleveland Cavaliers (+2400)
Memphis Grizzlies (+2400)
Dallas Mavericks (+2500)
Los Angeles Clippers (+2700)
Philadelphia 76ers (+2700)
Miami Heat (+3000)
Main Image: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
