With the playoffs approaching, the Boston Celtics remain the odds-on favorites to win the championship.
As of Thursday, Boston’s odds were +165, and the team still has the league’s best record of 62-17.
The Celtics are also the -185 favorite to win the Eastern Conference, with a large lead over the Milwaukee Bucks (+700) and Philadelphia 76ers (+800).
Speaking of Eastern Conference contenders, one was dealt a major setback on Tuesday when Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left leg injury.
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According to rumors, Antetokounmpo’s return will depend on how quickly the strain heals.
With that, the Bucks’ odds of winning the East increased to +700 from +350 after his injury, and their title odds increased to +1700 from +800.
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The defending champion Denver Nuggets are +300 on the title board, trailing the Celtics.
Denver is also a +130 favorite to win the Western Conference.
Let’s take a look at the latest title odds for each club at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Before the season began, we asked FOX Sports NBA analyst and writer Ric Bucher for some futures predictions.
“Yes, the Nuggets lost a couple of significant contributors in Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, but they also have a core that is in its prime, contracted through next season — meaning no personal contract ambitions — and is now bolstered by a collective understanding of exactly what it takes to win the championship. That puts them in line with the present nuclei in Golden State and Milwaukee.
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“What is the difference?” Those teams are past their peak. The Nuggets have entered it. Oh, and they have a 7-foot mystery, Nikola Jokic, to which no one in the league appears to have the answer.”
“The Thunder are currently the 11th-best team in the Western Conference, according to conference title odds. That is almost probably not where they will be by the end of the season. I would expect them to be one of the eight playoff contenders, even if it means entering through the Play-In Tournament.
“The depth and versatility of their roster, led by All-Star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, defensive stopper Lu Dort, Inspector Gadget Chet Holmgren and crafty Josh Giddey, might be one of the league’s best-kept secrets.”