After a compelling 2022/2023 NBA season, we are gradually approaching the start of the 78th edition of the NBA, which will kick off on October 24. The previous season saw the Denver Nuggets win their first-ever Championship, defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals. The Nuggets were convincing throughout the playoffs and managed to clinch the title deservedly.
Now, the new season is gearing up to bring even more excitement and anticipation to fans in Canada!
A Glimpse at the Favorites
Even though our Toronto Raptors aren’t topping the list this time, let’s not forget the glorious 2019 win. Now, let’s dive into the top contenders for the 2023/2024 season, as per Tonybet.
Los Angeles Lakers 47.5 wins (Over: -111, Under: -111)
After a devastating defeat (0:4) to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, Lakers forward LeBron James hinted at his retirement. The 38-year-old managed to break the scoring record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and is still considered one of the best players in the world. However, it is clear that James is already approaching the twilight of his career.
We can never write off the Lakers. Alongside Anthony Davis, who was pivotal in winning the title in 2020, they can still fight for the title. The addition of Christian Wood will be a major boost, who was phenomenal in the previous season.
View this post on Instagram
Miami Heat 48.5 wins (Over: -125, Under: +102)
Following the defeat against the Denver Nuggets, the Miami Heat will surely need some time to recover. It was their second Finals loss in four years. Under Erik Spoelstra, the Heat knocked out main favourites, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics, in the 2023 playoffs. The new season will be no different, as Butler and Co. are always ready to take on any team.
View this post on Instagram
Milwaukee Bucks 52.5 wins (Over: -125, Under: -111)
After disappointing playoffs, when the Bucks lost to the Miami Heat, a lot of experts and analysts question whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is capable of creating his own legacy. The Greek Freak is arguably one of the best players in the world right now and already won the Championship title once back in 2021.
But the most important thing is that Milwaukee signed Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard. The Bugs have undoubtedly become the top contender to win the Eastern Conference.
View this post on Instagram
Phoenix Suns 51.5 wins (Over: -120, Under: -102)
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Deandre Ayton – having such stars in one team would be a dream for every manager. The Suns already went to the Finals once in 2021, losing dramatically to the Milwaukee Bucks. After adding 2-time champion Kevin Durant to their roster, everyone expected they would easily fight for the title, but the Denver Nuggets proved them wrong.
With the departure of Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors and the arrival of Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns are a force to reckon with. Frank Vogel, who already knows the taste of Championships with the Lakers, is a perfect candidate to unite the roster. Kevin Durant will indeed be a crucial factor in the upcoming season. The small forward is injury-prone, and having him healthy will be a top priority for the team.
View this post on Instagram
Boston Celtics 54.5 wins (Over: -104, Under: -116)
Under Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics have become a regular favourite for winning the title. They were close in 2022 but lost to the formidable Golden State Warriors. In 2023, they had a chance for the miracle, winning the series from a 3-0 deficit against the Miami Heat, but eventually fell short.
With Joe Mazzulla being the head coach, the Celtics have everything to at least secure the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The team has already acquired plenty of experience, and the fans only expect the maximum results.
View this post on Instagram
Denver Nuggets 54.5 wins (Over: +110, Under: +135)
And we have reached the champions of the NBA – the Denver Nuggets. The previous season was exceptional. The Nuggets were considered favourites, but no one expected they would play such fantastic basketball. 2-time MVP Nikola Jokić is the soul and heart of the team. It’s not surprising the Nuggets will aim for a back-to-back title.
Odds on their win suggest that they are indeed the main favourites to win the title. Michael Malone has created a team capable of defeating anyone, and they can repeat the previous success.
View this post on Instagram
The Bottom Line
With less than a month to go, the excitement is palpable. For sure, other teams also have a chance to claim the Championship Rings. Each team will have ups and downs, and the injuries will play a major role.
View this post on Instagram
