Nuggets favorites to repeat, Sixers tied for fifth in 2024 NBA championship odds

In an NBA Finals run in which Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets dispatched Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns and LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, Denver captured its first NBA title in a 4-1 series defeat of the Miami Heat.

Jokić, a two-time league MVP, was masterful all series, taking home the Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy after notching two triple-doubles in five games. He averaged more than 30 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists.

Now, with the NBA season in the rearview mirror and the draft coming up, it’s never too early to take a look at what might be in store for next season. An early look at the 2024 NBA title odds has a familiar face at the top, which comes as no surprise.

The Nuggets are the favorites to repeat as champions, valued at +475 at Caesars Sportsbook to win it all again in 2024. The Celtics, who were bounced out by the Heat after nearly becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit, are the second choice at +575. Boston is a year removed from its NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.

After the top two teams, the list is filled with franchises that have made NBA Finals appearances over the last four seasons: the Milwaukee Bucks (+700), Phoenix Suns (+850), Lakers (+1200), and Warriors (+1200). The 76ers, who landed new head coach Nick Nurse but have a somewhat uncertain future are also at +1200.

One notable omission is Miami, which has 18/1 odds to win it all in 2024. Despite the Heat’s incredible run, with odds as high as 125/1 to win the championship at BetMGM during their play-in games, oddsmakers don’t see great value in Miami recreating its postseason magic and making a third NBA Finals in five seasons.

Here’s a look at the full NBA championship odds.

» READ MORE: Sixers’ 2024 NBA title odds remain unchanged, despite the hiring of Nick Nurse

When the Sixers hired Nurse on May 29, they remained the seventh option to win the 2024 title at 13/1 odds. Not much has changed to improve those odds, with their value now at 12/1.

A change in their odds will depend on whether James Harden decides to stay or go. Chris Paul could surprisingly became a free agent and could make a minor shake-up among the championship odds.

There’s plenty to sort out between now and the start of the season. But at least for now, it’s the Nuggets and Celtics, then everybody else.