The NBA season began a couple of weeks ago and two recent trades have made fans even more eager for the first tip-off. With so many intriguing young stars taking over more prominent roles, the NBA should be extremely fun to watch this season.
The Denver Nuggets won the Championship last season but weren’t the favorites to begin the year. With the biggest changes taking place two weeks before the start of the season, the Nuggets won’t be favorites this year, either.
On Friday, September 27th, the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard which catapulted the team from Wisconsin to the top of the odds. The Bucks opened with odds as high as +750, but after securing the veteran from Portland their price fell to around +350.
Two days later, the Celtics said, “Hold my beer”, and got Jrue Holiday from Portland, making Boston the second favorite with odds of +375 to +400, depending on where you shop.
Let’s look at the NBA Championship Odds for the 2023-’24 season before the rest of the opening games take place. You can also look at our NBA computer picks found using our AI Model for each game throughout the season.
Below, you will find the latest NBA Championship odds.
Key Facts
- First overall selection, Victor Wembanyama was more highly touted than LeBron James was out of high school. What if he can turn the Spurs’ franchise around this year? That would be sensational and so much fun to watch. Wembanyama would easily win the Rookie of the Year if he did that.
- Some say that the Golden State Warriors dynasty is finished. This year is the final straw. The Warriors’ dynasty could finish if they struggle to figure things out this year with Chris Paul. A fifth title isn’t out of the question now that there will be less drama in Golden State with Jordan Poole in Washington.
- LeBron James said he wants to play with his son, Bronny before he retires. He’ll have to play this year and one more year before he can retire. However, Bronny just had a heart attack on USC’s practice court, which could prevent him from playing the game at a high level again. James might play harder than ever to prove he’s still got it.
- The NBA will also play an In-Season Tournament to increase the level of play during the regular season. We’ll see if this helps force teams to play more challenging defense and care more about games instead of taking rest nights. That would probably allow us to take more Unders until the best sportsbooks adjust.
East Conference
Below, you will find the updated odds for each of the NBA teams to win their division, along with their total regular-season wins.
Atlantic Division
Season Win Total
- Boston Celtics – 54.5
- Philadelphia 76ers – 49.5
- New York Knicks – 44.5
- Brooklyn Nets – 37.5
- Toronto Raptors – 36.5
The Boston Celtics will be the favorites to win the division. Boston has all the pieces to try and earn another NBA Championship appearance. However, there’s still some drama in Boston. Malcolm Brogdon wasn’t happy that the Celtics tried to stop him. Maybe he’ll be dealt with before the season begins. Also, Boston won’t have Marcus Smart anymore, but Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are still there.
On the other hand, the 76ers have a disgruntled James Harden, and it sounds like Joel Embiid is also looking to get out of Philadelphia. The 76ers probably aren’t the second-best team in the Atlantic Division now. It’s probably the Knicks who have more depth and comradery between Jalen Brunson, R.J. Barrett, and Julius Randle leading the way.
Central Division
Season Win Total
- Milwaukee Bucks – 52.5
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 50.5
- Chicago Bulls – 37.5
- Indiana Pacers – 38.5
- Detroit Pistons – 27.5
It doesn’t look like Giannis Antetokounmpo is happy with Milwaukee. The Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as head coach but the most meaningful signing was the trade for Damian Lillard. Giannis and Milwaukee will compete this year.
However, the Bucks’ only competition is the Cavaliers. And Donovan Mitchell will likely leave Cleveland when he gets the opportunity.
The Cavaliers still have the most value regarding divisional odds in this division. They’ve got passing, scoring, defense, and rebounding in their starting lineup.
Southeast Division
Season Win Total
- Miami Heat – 48.5
- Atlanta Hawks – 42.5
- Orlando Magic – 36.5
- Charlotte Hornets – 31.5
- Washington Wizards – 24.5
The Miami Heat have it easy. They’re one of the best-run organizations in the NBA because they can develop and fit any talent into their system.
The Heat want Damian Lillard badly. They’re trying to trade for him, but the Blazers have been reluctant. They don’t think they’re getting a good enough return. We’ll have to monitor that situation, but if the Heat don’t get Lillard, they’re still the best team in this division.
West Conference
Northwest Division
Season Win Total
- Denver Nuggets – 53.5
- Minnesota Timberwolves – 45.5
- Oklahoma City Thunder – 44.5
- Utah Jazz – 35.5
- Portland Trail Blazers – N/A
The Northwest is a deeper division than the NBA odds want to let on. The Nuggets are the best team in the division. They just want a Championship.
However, Anthony Edwards is ready to be a leader with Minnesota. He’s got a healthy Karl-Anthony Towns and a top defender in Rudy Gobert to play next to. The Timberwolves can do some big things if they stay on the court together.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have so much young talent. Chet Holmgren is set to make his NBA debut with the Thunder. This team already made the playoffs last year despite trying to tank.
Pacific Division
Season Win Total
- Phoenix Suns – 51.5
- Golden State Warriors – 48.5
- Los Angeles Lakers – 47.5
- Los Angeles Clippers – 46.5
- Sacramento Kings – 44.5
The Phoenix Suns are loaded with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. They’ve also got DeAndre Ayton, Eric Gordon, and many role players. It’ll be interesting to see how this team plays. They don’t have much depth, but come playoff time, the Stars will play an increased role and will likely be fine.
Meanwhile, the Warriors added Chris Paul from the Suns. He’ll start at point guard with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. That should be an interesting starting five in the NBA this season.
Then there’s the Los Angeles teams. The Lakers need to win with LeBron James in the league. On the other hand, if the Clippers can keep Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the court simultaneously, they’ll be lethal, too.
The Kings also round out a very remarkable division. They were sensational last year. I’d assume a minor drop-off from them this year. But this is still the most complicated division.
Southwest Division
Season Win Total
- Dallas Mavericks – 44.5
- Memphis Grizzlies – 46.5
- New Orleans Pelicans – 44.5
- Houston Rockets – 31.5
- San Antonio Spurs – 29.5
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t even make the play-in game last year. Instead, they tanked for a draft pick despite having Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. That was embarrassing.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies won’t have Ja Morant for the beginning portion of the season. They added Marcus Smart, who could make a real impact on that team of young players. The Pelicans could also be special if Zion Williamson comes back strong and plays to the level we’ve seen him play at.
Finally, the Rockets and Spurs are interesting teams with much young talent, but it’ll take time for those two teams to develop.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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