2022-23 NBA Championship Futures Update
Coming out of the NBA all-star break, the Boston Celtics remain the favorites on the NBA championship futures odds.
On the latest NBA championship futures at Bovada Sportsbook, the Celtics are +275 favorites. Boston owns the best record in the NBA and stayed relatively quiet at the trade deadline with the team’s only pickup being center Mike Muscala. The C’s didn’t need to do much at the deadline as they already boast a balanced and deep lineup with five players averaging double-digit points, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Celtics, Suns top two teams in odds to claim NBA title
Following the Celtics on the NBA futures are the Phoenix Suns at +425. The Suns made some noise at the trade deadline when they shockingly acquired Kevin Durant. Now the question is how Durant will fit in alongside Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. No one knows yet as Durant hasn’t made his Suns debut due to a knee injury.
The hottest team in the NBA heading into the all-star break was the Milwaukee Bucks, who are next on the futures odds at +600. The Bucks are riding a 12-game winning streak but that could be in jeopardy later this week due to a wrist injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He suffered the injury in the Bucks’ last game before the break and although it’s not believed to be serious, he could miss at least a few games.
The Western Conference gets more recognition with the next two spots on the NBA futures with the Denver Nuggets at +800 and the Los Angeles Clippers at +900.
Nuggets’ home-court dominance has them atop West
The Nuggets may not have as much fanfare as other contenders but they boast the best record in the West behind two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Home-court advantage in the playoffs could be key, with Denver losing at home only four times all season.
The Clippers saw a slight bump on the NBA futures this week after acquiring veteran Russell Westbrook. After Westbrook’s disastrous tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, it remains to be seen if that will be a positive signing for the Clippers. Will he fit in with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, or will he be a bust like he was with the Lakers?
Champs clinging to play-in spot with Curry sidelined
If you’re looking for the defending champion Golden State Warriors on the futures, you’ll find them at +1400. With Stephen Curry sidelined with a leg injury, the Warriors are barely in the playoff picture in the West right now. If they can get healthy and get back to playing winning basketball again, they could be a tough matchup in the playoffs and worth taking a flier on for bettors.
The odds on a few other notable teams at Bovada include the Philadelphia 76ers at +1100, the Dallas Mavericks at +1400, the Cleveland Cavaliers at +2700 and the Lakers at +2800.