The 2024-25 NBA schedule dropped this week, so it’s a perfect time to start thinking about who can bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy this year.
The Boston Celtics are the defending champions and return most of their core group of guys to make another run, making them the favorite at +295 and you can even bet them at that same price to win back-to-back titles at Fanduel Sportsbook.
After Boston it’s a wide open field that offers plenty of value if you think someone can knock off the Celtics.
2024-25 NBA Favorite Odds
- Boston Celtics +250
- OKC Thunder +700
- Philadelphia 76ers +850
- NY Knick +900
- Denver Nuggets +950
- Minnesota T’Wolves +1000
- Dallas Mavericks +1000
- Milwaukee Bucks +1300
- LA Lakers +3000
Who are the value plays in NBA?
As you can see Boston is a clear favorite, but I really like what Oklahoma City did this offseason, adding rugged big man Isaiah Hartenstein from the Knicks, giving them a toughness they lacked. They also added veteran guard Alex Caruso to give them more leadership and toughness. The Western Conference No. 1 seed should be even better this season and I love their value.
Philadelphia was another team that added plenty of help this offseason, with Paul George being their biggest additions. George joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to give the Sixers a big-3 that could compete with Boston in the East.
You can bet on a Boston-Philadelphia exact Easten Conference Finals matchup at +475 at DraftKings.
Couple interesting plays in Minnesota, who made a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals last season. The Phoenix Suns could get a better second act from Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, and at +3500 with New Jersey’s sportsbooks, such as bet365 NJ, there is enough value to take a shot.
Kings a longshot play?
However one Western Conference team I’d take a shot on is Sacramento at +75000.
The Kings were the No. 2 seed just two seasons ago with a young group. After a disappointing season last year, they added veteran guard DeMar DeRozen, who can still knock down shot ls and should pair well with De’Aron Fox in the backcourt.
A lot of NBA fans like the Knicks adding Mikal Bridges, buy they will need to replace Hartenstein, which will be tough.
Dallas added veteran guard Klay Thompson, buy does he have enough left in the tank to help push the defending Western Conference champs over the Top? I’m not seeing it.
The pick is obviously Boston, but if I’m look for value, I’m taking Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become an MVP candidate and is ready to lead the Thunder to a title and they have enough assets to pull off an deal at the deadline to add whatever they might need.
