At the onset of the NBA betting season, the Boston Celtics were a popular choice to repeat as world champions. While gamblers routinely like the previous champion on the future market Boston is a very understandable pick. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as the best team. But the Houston Rockets have emerged as a surprise challenger. Meanwhile, the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets continue to disappoint fans and gamblers. The Cleveland Cavaliers are fighting Boston in the Eastern Conference. However, gamblers remain skeptical about the Cavs winning the title.
2024-25 NBA Championship Future Odds
Boston Celtics +200
Of major concern for gamblers is the need for offshore betting value from Boston. To illuminate, Boston won 18 of its first 22 games straight up but got the money only nine times. Boston is far too popular with the casual sector, and that drives its prices up far beyond what is reasonable. But for the question of winning the NBA championship, Boston is expensive but understandable.
Boston remains a team with good balance. To show, the Celtics rank 3rd in the NBA for scoring offense and 8th for points allowed. The tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remains the best in the league. Tatum is averaging 28.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. At the same time, Brown averages 25.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder +400
In comparison to the Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder are providing good NBA betting value. Cause by the casual sector ignoring the Thunder for name brands like Boston. Oklahoma City ranks 10th for scoring offense and 2nd for points allowed. Thus, OKC has a formula for playoff success. Namely, Shai Gilgeous Alexander is one of the emerging NBA superstars. He is averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists per game.
New York Knicks +900
Previously, the Knicks made the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the past two years. But last year, New York won respect for overcoming injuries and scoring a first-round win. New York was breaking even on the board in the first half of the season as a brand that remains popular with the casual sector. New York showed itself well as a complete team. To illuminate, the Knicks ranked 7th for scoring offense and 10th for points allowed.
First among New York scorers is Jalen Brunson, with 25.2 points and 7.7 assists per game. Karl Anthony Towns adds 25.1 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.
Dallas Mavericks +1100
Last year, the Mavs stunned gamblers and fans by winning the Western Conference championship. But the Mavericks have one of the top impact players in the NBA. Luka Doncic continues to lead Dallas this season with 29.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Most important of all, Dallas is showing good board value. Under head coach Jason Kidd, the Mavericks have become a respectable defensive team.
Denver Nuggets +1300
One of the most disappointing teams in the NBA remains the Denver Nuggets. Since their 2023 NBA championship, the Nuggets have been in a funk. Even though Denver has the best player in basketball, Nikola Jokic. Jokic continues to dominate with 30.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. However, Denver was deep in the red in the first half of the season.