With the NBA Trade Deadline out of the way, we have our clearest picture to date of which teams are — and aren’t — NBA Finals contenders.
Here’s a look at the latest 2024 NBA Finals odds and some of the best bets you can place now.
DraftKings Sportsbook provides NBA lines for the 2024 NBA Finals winner, which are current as of Monday, Feb. 12.
2024 NBA Finals Betting Odds
Track line movement for NBA Finals Winner with our odds widget.
- Boston Celtics (+265)
- Denver Nuggets (+450)
- LA Clippers (+500)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
- Phoenix Suns (+1300)
- New York Knicks (+2000)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+2200)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+2500)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+2500)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+3000)
- Dallas Mavericks (+3000)
All other teams have odds of (+3500) or longer to win the 2024 NBA Finals.
Use our top NBA playoff betting apps to make these wagers.
2024 NBA Finals Best Bet
Boston Celtics (+265)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics have been just as terrifying as advertised. It’s been business as usual for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but the additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis have transformed this team into a two-way juggernaut.
Through games played on Feb 11., Boston ranks first in offense, third in defense, and first in net rating. It also stands alone atop the Eastern Conference at 41-12, although there are still a handful of contenders close behind.
The Celtics’ success feels sustainable, so I’m comfortable slotting them in as my early NBA Finals pick. They have the top-end talent, depth, and coaching to make a deep run. They don’t lack motivation, either.
Back Boston with your NBA bet of the day.
2024 NBA Finals Favorites
Denver Nuggets (+450)
DraftKings Sportsbook
Despite enduring a handful of absences from Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets are 36-17 and less than a game out of first place in the Western Conference. That’s a testament to their terrific depth and a nod to Nikola Jokić, who is again at the forefront of the NBA MVP conversation.
The 28-year-old big man is enjoying another incredible year, averaging 26.2 points (12th in the NBA) along with 12.2 rebounds (fourth) and 9 assists (fourth) per game. His individual dominance remains remarkable.
That said, the Western Conference looks as crowded as ever, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Denver’s odds of repeating as NBA champions get longer as the year goes on. At (+450), there’s better value to be had elsewhere.
Los Angeles Clippers (+500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Clippers are my pick to come out of the Western Conference. The addition of James Harden has paid dividends — since going winless in his first five appearances, LA has won 32 of 41 while he’s averaged 17.6 points, 9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.
The best argument against the Clippers’ title chances over the last several years has been health, but even that has gone their way this year. Kawhi Leonard, in particular, is having an MVP-caliber season, scoring 24.2 points on near-50/40/90 splits while missing only four of LA’s 51 games.
The Clippers finally have a two-way juggernaut, and you’re late to the party if you’re just beginning to take them seriously. A wager at (+500) is more than worth the cost of admission.
2024 NBA Finals Contenders
Milwaukee Bucks (+650)
DraftKings Sportsbook
No one can deny what the Bucks bring to the table from a talent standpoint. The combination of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best one-two punch in the NBA, and they’re a big reason why Milwaukee ranks fourth in offensive efficiency.
However, it’s clear that all is not well behind the scenes. A mid-season firing of first-year coach Adrian Griffin was evidence of that. I also have my concerns about Doc Rivers, who hasn’t led a team to the NBA Finals since the 2009-10 campaign.
Milwaukee was wise to add a culture-changer in Patrick Beverley at the deadline, but it may be too late for a turnaround. I’m a big believer in the Greek Freak, but this is far from a great bet at (+650).
Phoenix Suns (+1300)
DraftKings Sportsbook
Since they fell to 14-15 on Christmas Day, the Suns have made a commendable effort to right the ship. Phoenix has gone 17-7 since then while picking up some much-needed wins over the Lakers, Pelicans, Mavericks, and Bucks, to name a few.
Of course, it’ll only get tougher from here. The Suns have the toughest remaining schedule strength, per Tankathon, and will play the Celtics, Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Thunder twice each over their final 29 games.
It’s too early to tell whether Phoenix can submit a title bid, but this upcoming stretch should be telling.
2024 NBA Finals Sleepers
New York Knicks (+2000)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 Units
The Knicks have come on strong in the new year, going 16-5 since the calendar turned to 2024. The addition of OG Anunoby helped bolster a defense that now ranks third in points allowed per game, and Jalen Brunson has put together a legitimate MVP-caliber campaign.
New York also fortified its second unit at the trade deadline, acquiring Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks from the Pistons without giving up a single first-round pick.
Injuries to Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) make the immediate future look a bit murky, but by the time the playoffs begin, the Knicks will be in position to make a run at the title. Don’t be surprised if it’s New York and Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+2500)
DraftKings Sportsbook
When I last wrote about the Timberwolves in early January, they had the best record in the Western Conference and could be had at (+1900) to win the NBA Finals. They still sit at No. 1, but the price is now (+2500).
The competition atop the West has significantly improved since January, with the Clippers, Thunder, and Nuggets all proving their merit as contenders. Minnesota has also dropped some contests to questionable opponents, including the Hornets, Spurs, and Bulls.
The T-Wolves still have the league’s No. 1 defense, and Anthony Edwards has been phenomenal, as expected. However, this group looks a little too vulnerable to warrant a wager right now.
