NBA Championship Odds 2023: Celtics and Bucks Favored, Lakers Provide Value

As we go through this NBA season, championship talks ramp up. The NBA field has been whittled down to 16 teams, and the betting landscape changes by the dribble.

Right now, the Boston Celtics (+270 to +280) are favored to win the title, per 2023 NBA Finals odds, but the Milwaukee Bucks (+275 to +400) are a close second. Rounding out the top five are the Phoenix Suns (+475 to +550), Philadelphia 76ers (+650 to +850), and Denver Nuggets (+800 to +900).

LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers (+950 to +1600) have the sixth-shortest odds and are always worth a wager. Same goes to the Sacramento Kings (between +2000 and +2800), who have defied the odds all year.

Odds to Win 2023 NBA Championship

Here are title odds from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars for the 16 remaining teams:

Historically, No. 1 seeds have had the upper hand in claiming the title, winning 50 of the 76 total championships. However, in a season where no team won 60 games, it seems like it’s anyone’s crown in 2023.

As always, NBA futures markets are among the most competitive in the industry. Make sure to shop around various top sports betting apps, as some books offer better odds than others for the same team.

Betting Favorites to Win NBA Finals

Boston Celtics (+270 to +280)

The preseason favorites, the Celtics had the best record in the NBA for much of the season before hitting the wall briefly in March. But they’ve rediscovered their groove in these playoffs after taking an easy 2-0 series lead against the Atlanta Hawks in their opening-round matchup.

After making quick work of Atlanta, the C’s will likely draw a second-round matchup with the 76ers, who lost the regular season series to Boston 3-1. And with Giannis Antentokouompo’s health in question (back contusion), Boston might be able to dodge the Bucks in the conference finals.

The Celtics have a bona fide top-10 player in Jayson Tatum who’s averaging 27 points and 10 rebounds this postseason, a two-way star in Jaylen Brown, and a supporting cast that knows its role. All of the pieces are there to avenge their loss to the Warriors in last year’s Finals.

Read: Celtics vs. Hawks series predictions, odds, and props

Milwaukee Bucks (+275 to +400)

The Bucks started to hit their strides right before the playoffs and were set to destroy the Miami Heat in the opening round to the tune of 4-0 or 4-1. However, Giannis missed most of Game 1 with a back injury, resulting in a loss, and is questionable to play in Game 2.

Milwaukee may or may be able to beat Miami without their two-time MVP, but its title hopes are completely shot if he’s not able to return at full strength. But let’s say Giannis does come back soon and is fully healthy. The Bucks won 75% of their games this season with the star forward in the lineup and won the championship just two years ago, making them the team to beat in the East.

Also read: Bucks vs. Heat series predictions, odds, and props

Phoenix Suns (+475 to +550)

Kevin Durant shifted the balance of power in the league when he got traded to Phoenix, who is now the favorite to win the West for the second consecutive year. The Suns won their first eight games with Durant in the lineup before losing against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1.

Trading for the superstar forward bolstered the team’s star power, but it also stripped away much of their depth, which may haunt them later on in the playoffs. Through two games, the bench has gotten outscored 64-23.

Rotations normally thin out as the stakes get higher, but having at least a couple of key reserves is essential to any championship run.

More analysis: Clippers vs. Suns series predictions, odds, and props

Los Angeles Lakers (+950 to +1600)

Rob Pelinka should be named this season’s Executive of the Year because he pulled off a bunch of little moves at the trade deadline that have had a seismic impact. The Lakers are 20-8 since February 9 — the best record in the NBA — and are in the driver’s seat to win their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Austin Reaves has emerged as a potential star right before our eyes. Since getting promoted to the starting lineup 11 games ago, he’s averaging 18.6 points on 57% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from behind the arc, including 23 in his playoff debut.

This may be the best and healthiest James-led squad since the 2020 bubble. Barring injury to its two stars, Los Angeles is a great longshot bet to win its second title in four seasons. Lakers’ betting ticket holders can finally feel confident.

Check out: Lakers vs. Grizzlies series predictions, odds, and props