2024 NBA Finals odds, prediction: Championship pick ahead of Opening Night
The start of the NBA season is officially upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about who will win the championship this year.The Boston Celtics are the current betting favorites as they look to repeat in the Eastern Conference, but with the Knicks and 76ers loading up on talent, their path becomes much more difficult.
Can a team from the Western Conference emerge?In this article, I’ll give you my pick to win the NBA Championship this year and two mid-priced teams that I believe could offer value in the market.Let’s dive in.After another masterful offseason by Sam Presti, the Oklahoma City Thunder are my preseason prediction to win the NBA Championship.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander elevated to MVP-level status last season, averaging more 30 points per game and earning an All-NBA First-Team spot.
He’s just entering the prime of his career at 26.The Thunder should also see a breakthrough season from third-year forward, who ranks second in odds for the Most Improved Player Award and is on the verge of superstardom.Similarly, Chet Holmgren will only continue to improve in his second season.
That Big 3 of elite young talent will be flanked by two vital veteran acquisitions, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.Caruso is a defensive pest, and next to Luguentz Dort, the Thunder arguably have the best pair of guard defenders in the NBA.He also hit more than 40% on catch-and-shoot 3s last season, making him a significant upgrade over Josh Giddey, who was constantly left open from deep in the playoffs.Meanwhile, Hartenstein gives the team fascinating lineup versatility.
He provides elite offensive rebounding and playmaking for a big man, and with Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor, the Thunder can easily play lineups with two big men.Finally, the Thunder have elite depth, including 3-point marksmen Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who were resigned to team-friendly extensions this offseason.Second-year guard Cason Wallace also showed remarkable defensiv...