Fans have moved on from the drama and excitement of last year’s playoffs and are already looking ahead to the next season. Free agency has wound down; we know how each team will look next year. For many, it is time to start considering which team will win the 2023-24 NBA Championship.
Several established favourites have the highest odds of winning on gambling sites, like the Celtics, Nuggets, and Bucks. But what about some overlooked value options that could surprise fans and bookmakers with a Finals victory? Let’s look at some of the underrated options to consider.
Los Angeles Clippers (+2000)
The story is familiar with the Clippers at this point. When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are playing, they are one of the league’s top teams. But the issue is, they rarely ever both play. A bet on the Clippers is a wager on this team to hold up to injuries, which is a risky proposition. But with odds so low on sportsbooks like Bet99 in Canada, it is tempting. The Clippers have two superstars, elite depth, and a great coach. They just need a season to pass without major injuries, and they are one of the top teams in the NBA.
Cleveland Cavaliers (+2000)
The Cleveland Cavaliers flamed out of the playoffs last season, but the reality is they are a young, rising roster that can become a real contender this season. They have a true superstar in Donovan Mitchell, a great defender in Jarett Allen, and two young players on a superstar track in Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. If Garland and Mobley continue to develop this season, there’s no reason they can’t be one of the league’s elite teams. In a weak Eastern Conference, this feels like the team that can come out of left field and make a real run.
Dallas Mavericks (+2400)
The Dallas Mavericks have lost a lot of the hype around them after a hugely disappointing season where they didn’t make the playoffs. But after re-signing Kyrie Irving to an extension, the Mavericks are set to have their first full season with a Doncic-Irving backcourt. The duo was dangerous in limited action, and they should be downright deadly as they get to know each other’s game. The Mavericks made some savvy additions this offseason, filling out their depth around their two superstars. While there are still several holes, Doncic is an MVP-caliber player, and Irving is a superstar.
Memphis Grizzlies (+3000)
The big news around the Grizzlies this offseason has been about Ja Morant. The young superstar is suspended 25 games to open the season after brandishing weapons on social media. But the Grizzlies did well this offseason to improve. They added Marcus Smart and extended Desmond Bane. They’ll now have an incredibly stingy defence with the previous two Defensive Players of the Year on their roster. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite defender and burgeoning offensive player, Desmond Bane is a rising star at shooting guard, and the roster is deep. Once Morant returns, don’t bet against this team climbing the Western Conference standings.
New Orleans Pelicans (+4700)
The Pelicans have very low odds of winning the NBA Championship on most sportsbooks. They are a young team that has a lot to prove. Zion Williamson has been constantly injured throughout his NBA career, but if he can stay healthy, the NBA Finals is an actual possibility. Williamson has MVP potential, and he has a strong supporting cast. C.J. McCollum is a quality player, and Brandon Ingram is a legit star. They also have great depth pieces and young players who can take a step forward. They could surprise fans and bettors alike with a run at the Championship.
