Early NBA Championship 2024-25 season odds, predictions, best bets and longshot picks | Pickswise

The Boston Celtics concluded a thrilling 2024 NBA season with what ended up looking like a routine series win over the Dallas Mavericks. It secured their franchises record 18th NBA Championship and put a target on their back heading into next season. Let’s take a look at some of the favorites to secure a championship ring next season, and who my picks to do just that are.

Boston Celtics (+300)

The Celtics are favorites to repeat next season with their core of players looking likely to stay intact. However, it may not be so easy for the defending champions. Al Horford will be one year older and with a championship ring secured, could face a steeper drop off next season. With Kristaps Porzingis lacking the bulk and ability to avoid injury, the Celtics could struggle against the leagues superstar bigs.

Philadelphia 76ers (+1200)

That should give the 76ers a real chance to go to the NBA finals. With Joel Embiid looking to recruit Paul George to the team, they could have an elite scorer at guard, forward and center. It’s a combination that would leave no hiding spaces for opposing defenses. The team would undoubtedly need to stay healthy, but if they can do just that, they could go all the way. Jumping on them early now could pay off, especially if they acquire George.

Dallas Mavericks (+900)

Luka Doncic has staked his claim as the leagues leading star during these NBA Playoffs. With a full season of having Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, they should be able to make improvements as is. It feels like the team is an elite shooter and some depth at the guard positions away from being considered one of the favorites in the west. Considering the shrewd moved their back office pulled off to get them to the NBA Finals this season, do not be surprised to see them make those acquisitions happen.

Oklahoma City Thunder (+1000)

Already a roster good enough to secure the top seed in the conference, the Thunder could come on stronger next season. Their young stars, especially Chet Holmgren, will have another season under their belts and could naturally take another leap forward. On top of that, the team is stacked with assets. This could be the season they cash those in and give the MVP chasing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a superstar running mate he was lacking in this years playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves (+800)

This team will go as far as Anthony Edwards will take them, and if this season is anything to go by, it could be a very long way. The emergence of Naz Reid could help them too, with either Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns looking more expendable heading into the offseason. Trading one of them away for another star or added depth and scoring could get the Timberwolves a step closer to next years title.

Denver Nuggets (+800)

It was a matter of weeks ago that the Nuggets dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers and people were ready to declare this the start of their dynasty. A tough series loss against the Timberwolves should not mean that they cannot bounce back. Nikola Jokic remains the league MVP and arguably the most dominant player in the league. If the supporting cast can get hot and convert what Jokic creates, this team has a real shot at another ring.

Best bet: Oklahoma City Thunder

Considering the odds, the Thunder look to be the best bet to back next season. The team missed on the Gordon Hayward trade, but it was the first sign that the team was ready to make moves to acquire veteran pieces. They have draft assets, movable young players like Josh Giddey and could have $33 million in cap space. I think this is the year they leap from a great regular season team to a postseason monster.

Longshot pick: Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers would be my favorite longshot pick. This would depend on them being Healthy and acquiring a third star, but there seems to be a strong desire from the team to do just that. With an aging Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey could have a case for being the best point guard in the east along with Jalen Brunson. With Embiid being in the MVP discussion, this team has a real shot to get out of a weak Eastern Conference. The talent level of their star duo currently on the roster could very well rival anyone out west too.