NBA Betting Preview of 2024-25 Title Contenders (Part II)

So, last season’s record 18th NBA title by the Boston Celtics was punctuated by a stellar regular season and playoffs. Thus, no surprise the Celts are strong board favorites to repeat.

It;s not as if there aren’t other contenders, however. We had previously examined the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks (plus the C’s) in a previous article. Others with their share of wagering support are the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Philly acquired Paul George in the offseason, expected to give it another scorer. Tobias Harris, now with the Detroit Pistons on a two-season deal, just wasn’t doing it. The oft-injured George (left knee hyperextension) may miss the start of the season, though not more than a few games.

Denver can’t be considered an afterthought, winning their first-ever NBA title in 2023. Nikola Jokic (three MVPs in last four seasons) arguably remains the best player in the league, certainly as cerebral and crafty as anyone. Russell Westbrook, soon-to-be 36 years old, begins his 18th season with a change of venue.

Minnesota was involved in a blockbuster deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks and imported Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and a first-round draft selection.

Philadelphia is 9-1 (+900) to win a first title since 1983, Denver and Minnesota both at 10-1 (+1000), according to NBA championship odds.

There are also specific Finals pairings available, as per NBA championship opponents.

Philadelphia 76ers (9-1, [+900])

The Philadelphia 76ers already have issues.

Newly-acquired Paul George, already with a history in the infirmary/treatment room. has what’s been described by the team as left knee hyperextension. Also, Tyrese Maxey, fresh off the best season (25.9 points/game) of his career, left the last preseason game with an injured (right) thumb.That was probably more of a precaution.

Joel Embiid was injured much of last season, having missed more games (43) than he played (39) last season, with no guarantee to stay on the court (see load management) over the course of the season.

There are more than a few questions (and failures in the postseason) to take the 9-1 with them, so any wager includes speculation about how this team performs when healthy.  

Denver Nuggets (10-1, [+1000])

The Nuggets no longer have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, now with the Orlando Magic..They will start Christian Braun at guard, integrating him with veterans Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic (26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, nine assists/game).

 
Get to know Julian Strawther after his solid play in the preseason.

Strawther and ‘newbie’ Russell Westbrook in the second unit off the bench. Westbrook is third all-time in assists.

Denver is intriguing to 10-1 (+1000), since there’s winning pedigree through the roster.

Minnesota Timberwolves (10-1, [+1000])

Minnesota finished 42-40 last season, the final seed in the West via the play-in format.

It then caught fire in the postseason, advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

Despite that success, the Wolves looked to the future and made a huge trade with the Knicks.

Minnesota acquired Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. Towns was spotty in the postseason, while DiVincenzo helped carry the Knicks in their playoff run.

Randle will be among the starters, DiVincenzo likely the first guard off the bench.

Minnesota’s eight-man rotation includes Mike Conley, first-option Anthony Edwards (25.9 points/game), Jaden McDaniels, Randle, Rudy Gobert, DiVincenzo, Joe Ingles and Naz Reid.

Though never a titleist, or even a finalist, Minnesota might be one of the last teams hanging around at 10-1 (+1000).