The 2024 NBA title is the Celtics' to lose as they enter the conference finals as significant favorites
NBA title and series odds for all four teams entering the conference finals.
The champs are eliminated, and I for one did not see that coming.
My pick to go the distance and repeat as NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets were eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves Sunday in an ugly Game 7 collapse.
So, naturally, my new favorite team to win the NBA title has to be the team that knocked off the Nuggets, right? Well, the answer may not be that simple when there’s a 64-win team on the other side making its third straight trip to the conference finals.
But we’ll get to which teams I like to advance another day. For now, let’s take a look at series odds at BetMGM for each conference finals matchup and title odds for all four teams entering the round.
Eastern Conference Finals
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Odds to win: Boston Celtics (-900), Indiana Pacers (+600)
Playing the sixth-seeded Pacers, Boston is an overwhelming favorite in the ECF. In fact, the Celtics’ -900 odds are the shortest series odds for a conference finals matchup since the Warriors were -1050 over the Spurs in 2017, when Kawhi Leonard was injured the previous round.
The difference here, of course, is the Pacers aren’t dealing with any major injuries. Actually, it’s the Celtics who are expected to still be without Kristaps Porzingis for at least the first two games, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. That just goes to show how much better Boston has been than Indiana this season.
Western Conference Finals
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Odds to win: Minnesota Timberwolves (-185), Dallas Mavericks (+150)
On one hand, it’s surprising how little the Timberwolves are favored over Dallas considering they just knocked off the MVP and reigning champs, showing just how dominant their defense can be in the process. On the other hand, Dallas’ stars have more experience playing on this stage of the playoffs.
Though the team is almost completely different now, Luka Doncic and the Mavs were just in the conference finals two years ago. And Kyrie Irving has more conference finals games under his belt than every other player in this series combined. Minnesota is making its first trip to the WCF in 20 years. Regardless, on paper, this is a series the Wolves should win.
NBA championship odds
(via BetMGM)
1. Celtics (-150)
Boston’s odds have been leading the pack since the start of the season, so it’s no surprise the Celtics remain favored as they get set to play an inferior Pacers team. As long as they can get their missing pieces back during the series and remain healthy, they’ll hold the top spot.
2. Timberwolves (+260)
If you believe Minnesota’s win over Denver proved the Wolves are the best remaining team in these playoffs, then there’s still some value remaining for you cash in on a potential title. The Celtics are a big road block, but this wouldn’t be the first time we saw Boston come up short.
3. Mavericks (+500)
Dallas shouldn’t be completely dismissed, because Luka Doncic may very well be the best player remaining in the playoffs. And Kyrie Irving might be the best No. 2. It’s just hard to argue they have enough depth to win four games against either the Wolves or Celtics, let alone both teams in a row.
4. Pacers (+3000)
The Pacers should be completely dismissed, because they are quite honestly ahead of schedule. It’s hard to argue the future is better than a present that currently includes a conference finals appearance, but nobody expected Indiana to be here. And it’d be a huge stunner if they advance any further.