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

Germantas Kneita

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

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2024-25 NBA championship winner odds

Next season’s NBA championship winner odds, courtesy of Bet365.

Boston Celtics +300
Denver Nuggets +800
Minnesota Timberwolves +800
Dallas Mavericks +900
Milwaukee Bucks +1000
Oklahoma City Thunder +1000
New York Knicks +1200
Philadelphia 76ers +1200
Cleveland Cavaliers +2500
Los Angeles Clippers +2500
Los Angeles Lakers +2500
Miami Heat +2800
Golden State Warriors +3300
Phoenix Suns +3300
Sacramento Kings +4000
Indiana Pacers +5000
Memphis Grizzlies +5000
New Orleans Pelicans +5000
Orlando Magic +6000
Atlanta Hawks +6500
Houston Rockets +6500
San Antonio Spurs +6500
Brooklyn Nets +12500
Chicago Bulls +12500
Utah Jazz +12500
Portland Trail Blazers +15000
Toronto Raptors +15000
Charlotte Hornets +20000
Detroit Pistons +20000
Washington Wizards +20000

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2024-25 NBA championship contenders

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 league’s superstar bigs.

Philadelphia 76ers (+1200)

Boston’s problems in that department 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 the 76ers now could pay off, especially if they acquire George.

Dallas Mavericks (+900)

Luka Doncic has staked his claim as the league’s 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 moves 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)

The Thunder already has a roster good enough to secure the top seed in the Western Conference and they should be even 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 year’s postseason.

Minnesota Timberwolves (+800)

The Timberwolves 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 year’s 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.

2024-25 NBA championship best bet: Oklahoma City Thunder (+1000)

Considering the odds, the Thunder look to be the best bet to back next season to go all the way and win the 2025 NBA Finals. The team missed out on the Gordon Hayward trade, but it was the first sign that Oklahoma City 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.

2024-25 NBA championship longshot pick: Philadelphia 76ers (+1200)

The 76ers would be my favorite longshot pick to win next season’s NBA championship. 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.

Find out the best NBA betting sites to wager on for the 2024-25 NBA season!