As the calendar turns to March, the Boston Celtics are right where everyone expected. They’re a legitimate NBA title contender, maybe even the favorite according to oddsmakers.
But their path to another championship is no certainty, especially considering the depth of talent in the Western Conference.
With the regular season winding down, here are our best bets for the 2024 NBA Finals.
NBA Finals Winner Odds 2024
NBA odds used for these best bets are from Thursday, Feb. 29, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Boston Celtics (+255)
- Los Angeles Clippers (+475)
- Denver Nuggets (+475)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
- Phoenix Suns (+1600)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+2000)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+2000)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+2200)
- New York Knicks (+2200)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+2800)
- Dallas Mavericks (+2800)
NBA Finals Best Bet
Boston Celtics (+255)
Honestly, what’s not to like?
Winners of nine straight games, the Celtics own the NBA’s best record at 46-12. They have a clear path to homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, which is a big deal considering their dominance at home (27-3).
Top to bottom, the Celtics are the league’s most balanced team, ranking top five in both offensive and defensive scoring. Their starting five is full of shot-makers who can win one-on-one matchups. That includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, who are averaging a combined 69.5 points.
[pick id="174122"]
NBA Finals Favorites
Los Angeles Clippers (+475)
The Clippers (37-20) are good. Really, really good.
That said, Paul George’s knee injury raises some concerns about their ability to dethrone Denver in the West.
George has now missed two straight games, including Wednesday’s 116-112 collapse against the Lakers. That Clippers coach Tyronn Lue hasn’t shed much light on George’s injury is disconcerting, to say the least.
Maybe it’s something or maybe it’s not. Regardless, it can’t go unnoticed.
[pick id="174123"]
Denver Nuggets (+475)
This is largely the same team that rolled to the NBA title last season, led by Nikola Jokic, the current frontrunner for MVP. Should it land the West’s top seed, Denver (40-19) will have a big advantage thanks to the thin air of Ball Arena.
- Read more on the Nuggets in our NBA Western Conference winner odds.
Given last year, there are no concerns about the Nuggets’ experience or ability to win in high-pressure situations.
With Jokic — who is averaging 25.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists — the Nuggets will always have the best player on the floor.
NBA Finals Contenders
Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
The Bucks have immense upside with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. There aren’t many better one-two punches across the NBA.
- See where the Bucks rank in our NBA Eastern Conference odds.
Still, if not corrected, the defensive issues will be too great to ignore. Opponents are averaging 117.7 points, pitting the Bucks 21st in total defense.
Two games against Boston down the stretch will be good indicators of their progress — or lack thereof.
[pick id="174124"]
Phoenix Suns (+1600)
Sure, Phoenix has been a bit underwhelming. Even the most pessimistic observers might’ve forecasted a better record at this point for the 34-24 Suns.
Injuries have prevented the newly formed Big Three of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal from spending much time together. As such, chemistry could be an issue.
Then again, it’s hard to bet against such pure talent.
NBA Finals Sleepers
Oklahoma City Thunder (+2000)
Oklahoma City has a legitimate MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and an elite rim protector in 7-foot-1 Chet Holmgren. Plus, its young supporting cast is emerging.
The Thunder (41-17) are the NBA’s best 3-point shooting team and rank third in total offense.
If they can maintain that production, there is a good chance they’ll land the West’s No. 1 seed.
[pick id="174125"]
Los Angeles Lakers (+2800)
LeBron James. Need I say more?
His performance in Wednesday’s comeback against the Clippers (34 points on 7-of-12 from 3, eight assists, six rebounds, two blocks in 37 minutes) is a reminder not to count him out, even at age 39.
James could obviously use more help, but at 28/1 odds, the value has rarely been better on this all-time great leading his team.
Past NBA Finals Winners
2023: Denver Nuggets
2022: Golden State Warriors
2021: Milwaukee Bucks
2020: Los Angeles Lakers
2019: Toronto Raptors
2018: Golden State Warriors
2017: Golden State Warriors
2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
2015: Golden State Warriors
2014: San Antonio Spurs