THE dawn of a new NBA season brings hope to many NBA teams, especially those who swung big for superstars via trade or free agency, all aiming to dethrone reigning champs Boston Celtics.
But just how much did these offseason moves shift the landscape in the 2024-2025 NBA Championship picture? Let’s look at the super early title picture as shown by the odds taken from this.
The title favorites: Boston Celtics
Title odds: 4.00
Key additions: None
Key losses: None
The Celtics remain the favorites to win it all, and rightfully so as they bring back the entire 15-man roster that bagged their record-setting 18th title. Star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as well as the rest of the team are all fired up to win back-to-back championships, a first since Golden State in 2017 and 2018. Barring injuries on key players, the Celtics have all the weapons and motivation to repeat as champs.
The best in the West: Oklahoma City Thunder
Title odds: 8.50
Key additions: Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Topic
Key losses: Josh Giddey
The Thunder, the surprise top seed in the West last season, loaded up weak spots in their roster. With Alex Caruso, they shored up their defense while adding a 40% shooter on catch-and-shoot triples. With Isaiah Hartenstein, they strengthened one of their main flaws, rebounding. They ranked in the bottom five in offensive rebounding and rebound percentage last season. Hartenstein, who was fourth in the league last year in offensive rebounding rate, will change that. With playoff experience under their belt, OKC is set for a deeper run, perhaps to the Finals this time around.
New beast in the East: Philadelphia 76ers
Title odds: 9.00
Key additions: Paul George, Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson
Key losses: Tobias Harris, Nic Batum, Paul Reed, De’Anthony Melton
Paul George is a huge upgrade and now forms a formidable trio with former MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrus Maxey. If healthy, this new-look Philly squad has the firepower, depth, and size to be a true title contender. The aging backcourt off the bench and health concerns on Embiid and George will be the most likely obstacles that could derail their hopes of winning a championship this season.
West wildcard: Denver Nuggets
Title odds: 9.50
Key additions: Russell Westbrook, Dario Saric
Key losses: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Reggie Jackson
The addition of Russell Westbrook rejuvenates Denver’s chances of reclaiming the throne. The former MVP helps the Nuggets most as a transition trigger, as they were near the bottom half in transition points, as well as an off-ball cutter that Nikola Jokic can take advantage of, and extra playmaker on the floor when Jokic sits. A healthy Jamal Murray will also be key for the Nuggets’ title hopes. Given that they just strengthened their core and bolstered some weak spots on the bench, Denver has what it takes to bring back the crown to the Mile High City.
East darkhorse: New York Knicks
Title odds: 10.00
Key additions: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges
Key losses: Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein, Donte DiVincenzo
The biggest mover in the offseason are the Knicks. They had two massive offseason moves that brought Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in hopes of a deeper playoff run. Jalen Brunson may have more help on offense, but the rebounding and defensive identity they established takes a hit with the departure of Hartenstein and Julius Randle. This squad may outscore teams, but may have lost some hustle and toughness to contain talent-laden opponents. Still, the offseason additions elevated their chances better than before, jumping up in the title odds picture over last season's finalist Dallas Mavericks as well as other contenders like Milwaukee and Minnesota.
Here's a quick rundown of the rest of the field to see where your favorite team is in the 2024-2025 NBA Championship odds before the season begins:
Close contenders
Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves – 11.00
Milwaukee Bucks – 13.00
Hanging in the title race
Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns – 31.00
Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans – 41.00
Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic – 51.00
Sacramento Kings – 61.00
Long shots
Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs – 101.00
Atlanta Hawks – 401.00
Better luck next years
Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz – 751.00
Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trailblazers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards – 1001.00
Check out live odds and learn more here.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
