2023 NBA Championship Predictions and Futures Betting Odds
Looking for 2023 NBA Championship Predictions? We’ve got your back. Parity in the league has never been greater and with it there are more than the typical one or two favorites to hoist Larry O’Brien at season end.
2023 NBA Handicapping
2023 Championship Preview
Title Favorite: Boston Celtics +550
Here’s a look at the top teams projected to win the title:
Boston Celtics
Head Coach: Joe Mazzulla
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +550
The teams who vied for Larry O’B in 2022 are the oddsmakers favorites to return to the show in 2023 but with the Celtics getting the nod over the reigning champions.
Oddly, the teams with the most offseason adversity are these two clubs and entered training camp dealing with drama. The unexpected year suspension of Head Coach Ime Udoka will a shocking reveletion.
That means Joe Mazzulla who wasn’t even a lead assistant took over the helm and preseason offered hints he’s still gaining his bearings.
Undoubtedly the Celtics will be a strong contender but in spite of adding depth to the roster this offseason Brad Stevens assembled roster took some early hits with the news Robert Williams will miss at least 12 weeks as his knee required yet another surgery.
That leaves the Bean Town crew a bit thin upfront with all the heavy lifting falling on veteran Al Horford’s shoulders given Blake Griffin and Grant Williams are the backup centers.
Having to compete in the ultra competitive Atlantic Division poses additional challenges as each of the 76ers and Nets also rank in the top five and the Raptors could be a dark horse especially if they make a trade deadline deal.
Golden State Warriors
Head Coach: Steve Kerr
2021-22 Record: 53-29
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +700
With six trips to the NBA Finals in the last eight seasons and wins in half of those appearances it’s no wonder this club is among the Vegas favorites. Although repeating is no easy feat, Bob Myers assembled a roster that is stronger than the one who walked off the court in June.
That hasn’t shielded the club from adversity especially after the video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole surfaced thanks to TMZ.
Head Coach, Steve Kerr is no stranger to drama having spent time on winning clubs and being the recipient of a Michael Jordan punch during his tenure with the championship Bulls.
Likewise, perhaps no superstar is better suited than the affable Stephen Curry who’ll lead this team to another strong season and he along with Klay Thompson, Green and Andrew Wiggins will be afforded extra rest given the depth of talent on the Dubs.
Otto Porter and Gary Payton Jr exited but Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green were added to what is already a deep and battled tested group.
Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and a finally fully healthy James Wisemen will all shoulder extra responsibility this season to afford the core extra rest and develop their own chemistry as the Warriors seek to repeat in 2023.
Milwaukee Bucks
Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +700
Although the Bucks are considered a title contender they aren’t receiving as much buzz as the Celtics and Warriors and that’s probably just how they like it. Giannis Antetokounmpo and company will be eager to get back to the Finals and should be ranked top five offensively and defensively.
The two-time regular season MVP offered 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game last season and will vie to become one of a handful of players in history to add a third MVP to his mantle.
The loss of Khris Middleton took a toll in the semi final round but he’s back and healthy as is Brook Lopez who missed most of last season. In fact continuity is one of the Bucks greatest strengths heading into the season making them a strong title contender.
Philadelphia 76ers
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win NBA Championship: +750
Don’t sleep on the 76ers who might be in the most competitive division in the league but look poised to be a strong title contender.
Joel Embiid has been runner up to MVP back-to-back seasons but has arguably his strongest supporting cast as he enters his seventh season.
James Harden committed to getting back into shape this offseason and if preseason was a harbinger of things to come he sure looked good in preseason.
Adding to the scoring punch is youngster Tyrese Maxey who will look to build upon his breakout 2022 campaign by taking another step and seeking to discover more consistency in his production.
Daryl Morey was active this offseason adding grit, defense and perimeter depth with the addition of PJ Tucker, DeAnthony Melton, Montrezl Harrell, and Danuel House.
While Morey keeps adding former Rockets players to the squad, this iteration of the 76ers are their own entity and a strong title contender.
Full Updated NBA 2023 Championship Odds:
- Boston Celtics +550
- Milwaukee Bucks +700
- Golden State Warriors +700
- Brooklyn Nets +750
- Los Angeles Clippers +750
- Phoenix Suns +1100
- Denver Nuggets +1800
- Miami Heat +1800
- Philadelphia 76ers +1800
- Los Angeles Lakers +2000
- Cleveland Cavaliers +2500
- Dallas Mavericks +2500
- Memphis Grizzlies +2500
- Minnesota Timberwolves +2800
- New Orleans Pelicans +4000
- Toronto Raptors +4000
- Atlanta Hawks +5000
- Chicago Bulls +6600
- New York Knicks +10000
- Portland Trail Blazers +10000
- Sacramento Kings +15000
- Charlotte Hornets +20000
- Utah Jazz +25000
- Washington Wizards +25000
- Detroit Pistons +50000
- Indiana Pacers +50000
- San Antonio Spurs +50000
- Orlando Magic +50000
- Oklahoma City Thunder +100000
- Houston Rockets +100000
NBA 2023 Championship Prediction
This should be an ultra competitive season with copious contenders in the mix although the half way point of the season could witness several clubs shift gears to tank the second half and enter the Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson sweepstakes.
Star players returning from injury will improve the odds for each of the Nuggets (Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.), Clippers (Kawhi Leonard), Nets (Ben Simmons) and Pelicans (Zion Williamson).
Likewise the Blazers (Damian Lillard), and Magic (Jonathan Isaac) get back their top stars although they won’t be in the conversation to win the title.
Adversity has also played a role with each of the Warriors, Celtics, Nets, Suns and Lakers dealing with both off and on-court drama.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets and Heat are viable challengers who aren’t getting the same amount of consideration. Likewise, two clubs with young rosters and talent (Grizzlies, Raptors) are dark horse contenders.
Personally, I’m on the side of never betting against the current title holders so my money is on the Warriors repeating.
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