NBA Playoffs Futures Betting Preview

While the general consensus maintains that the NBA Playoffs aren’t ripe for surprises, with the top teams frequently clinching victories, recent seasons tell a different story.

Historically dominant squads like the mid-2010s Golden State Warriors, early 2010s Miami Heat, and prior Los Angeles Lakers teams consistently seized championships as the favorites. However, the narrative has shifted lately.

Over the last five tournaments, the champions—Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors—weren't the pre-playoffs betting favorites. Among them, the Lakers were the nearest contenders, while the rest faced considerably higher odds.

This is crucial to remember, especially now that the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are viewed as strong contenders, boasting significantly lower odds than other teams for this year’s title.

Recent patterns indicate a shift, suggesting that betting favorites might no longer hold the upper hand.

Here’s a breakdown of the favorites, worthwhile picks, and dark horses for the NBA Championship.

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CELTICS ARE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITES

After an impressive 64-win season, the Boston Celtics outpaced the New York Knicks, the second-place team in the Eastern Conference, by 14 games. Their average point differential stood at 11.34 points per game, marking the best in the league and the fifth-highest ever recorded.

Only the 2016-2017 Golden State Warriors have surpassed the Celtics in point differential over the past 25 seasons. This sets high expectations for Boston, especially given the Eastern Conference's competitive landscape. Numerous top teams are grappling with injuries to key players or uncertainties regarding their fitness, seemingly smoothing the Celtics’ path to the Final.

The Knicks will miss Julius Randle, their power forward, and the Bucks might start without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 76ers welcome back Joel Embiid after a two-month knee injury hiatus.

Other teams like the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers lack a robust playoff history, which does not favor their championship chances.

The Celtics thus stand as the favorites with the lowest odds at +154* at 7x7Bets.

CAN NUGGETS REPEAT?

As current champions, the Denver Nuggets have tied for the best record in the Western Conference, securing the second seed after a tiebreaker loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nikola Jokić is on track to clinch his third NBA MVP title in four years.

Post-All-Star break, the Nuggets posted a 21-6 record, with minimal losses by narrow margins or in overtime. Overcoming the Nuggets in a seven-game series won’t be straightforward.

Facing a high-quality Western Conference, Denver’s initial challenge is the Los Angeles Lakers, who made the playoffs after winning a play-in match. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis fit, the Lakers stand a fighting chance.

The Nuggets are tagged at +301* for back-to-back championships at 7x7Bets.

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THUNDER AND 76ERS OFFER POTENTIAL VALUE

Initially, the Oklahoma City Thunder were long shots in the preseason betting preview, listed at +6782 at 7x7Bets. Having clinched the top seed in the Western Conference with the best record, their odds have improved to +1617*.

It might be premature for this young squad to vie for a title, yet Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a strong MVP contender, with Chet Holmgren likely the Rookie of the Year runner-up.

Eastern Conference uncertainties could pave the way for potential upsets, giving the Philadelphia 76ers a viable chance, especially if Joel Embiid can maintain his health during a two-month championship run—though this remains a gamble.

Embiid’s return has been promising, averaging 30.4 points over 30.5 minutes per game in his first five games post-injury.

Following a victory over Miami in the play-in, the 76ers face the Knicks next. A healthy Embiid could turn the 76ers into compelling underdogs.

The 76ers are offered at +1703* for the championship at 7x7Bets.

TIMBERWOLVES COULD BE A LONG SHOT CONTENDER

Considering last season, when the Miami Heat, starting from the play-in, advanced to the Finals, it's sensible to consider other underdogs. Recall, the 2011 Dallas Mavericks were the only team in the past 15 years to start the playoffs with odds longer than +1500 and win the title.

This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves led the league defensively, with Rudy Gobert at his peak defending the rim.

The team’s hopes might hinge on 22-year-old Anthony Edwards, who needs to step up. Averaging a career-best 25.9 points per game, Edwards has also enhanced his defensive play, raising hopes for a strong playoff performance.

As relative underdogs, the Timberwolves are listed at +2273* to win at 7x7Bets.

Now you know this week's NBA Playoffs Futures Betting Preview. Sign Up Now or click HERE to play at 7x7Bets, the most reliable and trustworthy online casino in India. Don't forget to claim your withdrawable real money welcome deposit bonus, weekly cashback bonus and referral bonus!