The Boston Celtics are the talk of the NBA right now. Fresh off their 18th championship win last season, they’ve cemented their place as one of the most dominant franchises in history. But here’s the question that has the entire basketball world buzzing: Can anyone stop the Boston juggernaut and deny them another championship?
With their stacked roster, incredible depth, and unparalleled synergy, the Celtics are once again atop the NBA odds to take home the trophy. They’re sitting pretty as the favorites to win the 2024-25 championship. However, the path to glory is never easy, and there are some serious challengers ready to dethrone them.
We’re breaking down the Celtics’ championship odds and the top contenders who could throw a spanner in the works.
Boston Celtics: The Team to Beat
With +210 NBA odds by FanDuel, the Boston Celtics are currently the favorites to win it all. And it’s no wonder—this team is bursting with talent, chemistry, and playoff experience.
Led by their dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have built a roster that excels on both ends of the court. Offensively, their ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting is matched by their relentless defense. Add in key roleplayers like Marcus Smart and a bench that brims with talent, and you’ve got a team that’s built not just to win games but to dominate the court.
But even the Celtics aren’t invincible. Who has the best chance of taking them down?
Top Contenders for the NBA Finals
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have gone from rebuilding to contention faster than anyone could’ve imagined—thanks in large part to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With SGA having an MVP-caliber season and an incredibly deep young roster, OKC is ready to make noise in the playoffs.
The team’s mix of youth and athleticism makes them a tough matchup for any opponent, including Boston. If the Thunder catch fire and their stars perform up to their potential, they could flip the script on the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
2. New York Knicks
Are the Knicks finally back? It’s clear that oddsmakers see them as legitimate contenders. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been stellar, but the real key is their defense.
If the Knicks can clean up some of their offensive inconsistencies while keeping up their ferocious play on the other end of the court, they might just give Boston nightmares in a seven-game series.
3. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic, anyone? The two-time MVP is single-handedly keeping the Nuggets in contention despite an inconsistent start to the season. Jokic is a game-changer, and the Nuggets are a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.
If Denver’s supporting cast can step up (we’re looking at you, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray), their balanced attack could exploit Boston’s weaknesses.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs may have fallen short in last year’s Finals against Boston, but don’t count them out. Luka Dončić is a maestro on the court, and pairing him with another star, Kyrie Irving, makes them a dangerous team. They’re not favorites—but they’re certainly capable of pulling off an upset if their defense tightens up.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
It’s been a rough start for Milwaukee, but as long as they’ve got Giannis Antetokounmpo, they’re a threat. Injuries have plagued their season so far, but if their roster can get healthy, they’ve got the kind of pedigree and playoff experience that could make any team—including Boston—shake in their sneakers.
The Bucks are a true underdog. But remember, this is a team that has climbed the mountain before.
Dark Horse Teams to Watch
Not sold on the Celtics or the top contenders? Keep an eye on these sneaky dark horses who might stun everyone come playoff time:
- LA Clippers: When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy, look out.
- Phoenix Suns: Trying to revive their glory days with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
- Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry can still torch any team at any time.
- Sacramento Kings: Young and explosive, this team thrives on catching opponents off guard.
But the playoffs are still a while away, so things might change. Until then, keep following NBA betting predictions and stay updated with all the latest news and developments. After all, the season is long, and anything can happen in the world of basketball!
Can the Celtics Go Back-to-Back?
It’s a tall order. History has shown us that repeating as champions is one of the most difficult feats in sports. The league is stacked with talent, and teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Bucks are gunning for them.
That said, the Celtics have everything they need to go the distance. Their depth, leadership, and experience make them the team to beat. But the competition is closer than you think, and one key injury or a slump at the wrong time could derail their season.
Will they pull it off, or will a contender rise to seize the crown? Only one thing’s for sure—the race for the NBA championship is shaping up to be an epic battle.
