The NBA has crowned a new champion as the Denver Nuggets earned the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the first time in franchise history. The 2022-23 season is now officially in the books, meaning the Nuggets as well as 29 other NBA squads must start figuring out how to be at the top in 2023-24.
With that in mind, let's check out the early contenders for next year's NBA Championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook's 2023-24 NBA Finals odds that have been released.
2023-24 NBA Finals Odds by Team
It shouldn't come as a shock to see the Nuggets (+460) at the top of the early odds for the 2023-24 NBA Finals. Denver dusted the Miami Heat in a dominant five-game series and brings back a core built around two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. He is surrounded by an elite supporting cast that includes big-time scorers like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, which gives the Nuggets a chance to repeat.
Th e Milwaukee Bucks check in with the same odds as Denver (+460) despite the fact that they fell victim to a huge upset in the first round in 2022-23. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the star here and now has a new head coach in Adrian Griffin leading the way. Griffin helped the Toronto Raptors lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2019, so it'll be interesting to see if he can corral a core made up of veteran pros.
The rest of the top five contenders include the Boston Celtics (+500), Phoenix Suns (+700) and Golden State Warriors (+1200). Boston has come so close to a championship over the last few years with Jayson Tatum leading the way, while Phoenix now has a full season with Kevin Durant on tap. And of course, Golden State is always going to be in the mix with Stephen Curry & Steve Kerr at the helm.
Check out the full list below:
|
Team |
2023-24 NBA Championship Odds |
|---|---|
|
Denver Nuggets |
+460 |
|
Milwaukee Bucks |
+460 |
|
Boston Celtics |
+500 |
|
Phoenix Suns |
+700 |
|
Golden State Warriors |
+1200 |
|
Philadelphia 76ers |
+1300 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers |
+1500 |
|
Cleveland Cavaliers |
+2100 |
|
Los Angeles Clippers |
+2300 |
|
Miami Heat |
+2700 |
|
Dallas Mavericks |
+2700 < /td> |
|
Memphis Grizzlies |
+3000 |
|
New Orlean Pelicans |
+3600 |
|
Sacramento Kings |
+4500 |
|
New York Knicks |
+5000 |
|
Minnesota Timberwolves |
+6500 |
|
Toronto Raptors |
+6500 |
|
Atlanta Hawks |
+10000 |
|
Chicago Bulls |
+12000 |
|
Oklahoma City Thunder |
+12000 |
|
Brooklyn Nets |
+12000 |
|
Portland Trail Blazers |
+13000 |
|
Washington Wizards |
+25000 |
|
Utah Jazz |
+25000 |
|
San Antonio Spurs |
+25000 |
|
Charlotte Hornets |
+50000 |
|
Orlando Magic |
+50000 |
|
Indiana Pacers |
+50000 |
|
Houston Rockets |
+50000 |
|
Detroit Pistons |
+50000 |
2023-24 NBA Finals Best Bet
Backing the Nuggets to repeat as NBA Champions has some upside here, but I'm going to side with the Suns (+700) instead. Phoenix posted an 8-0 regular season record with Kevin Durant in the lineup and showcased its offensive ceiling by averaging 122 points per game in a five-game first-round win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Running into Denver in the second round ended the Suns' year, but at least they pushed the series to six games.
The scorin g duo of Kevin Durant (29.1 points per game last year) and Devin Booker (27.8 points per game) provides a solid foundation for this bet to stand on. The intrigue of what could come over the summer also makes it one worth backing. Phoenix is reportedly shopping both Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul and could get some capable scorers or young talent in return.
It also helps that Frank Vogel is the Suns' new head coach, as he comes with championship experience. Vogel led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title in 2020 and is known for being a defensive-minded coach, which would benefit an offense-heavy team like Phoenix. He could also help bring out the best in young pros like Josh Okogie and Jock Landale, which would enable the Suns to take the next step.