The Denver Nuggets are no longer the defending champions, but that doesn't mean that Vegas isn't high on them in the 2024-25 season.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were knocked out of the playoffs in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023-24 season, ending their quest for back-to-back titles, but it seems like oddsmakers believe they're still the best in the West.
Outside of the Boston Celtics, who are the favorite to win the title at +290 odds, Denver is second on the list and the only team with 8/1 odds or shorter (currently +800) to win it all next season.
It makes sense, as Denver's core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are all under contract, but the Nuggets could be in danger of losing free agent guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — the team's best guard defender — in the offseason.
If that happens, the Nuggets' odds in the futures market may take a hit.
Still, Denver has the edge on Minnesota, Oklahoma City and even the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks going into next season.
NBA Finals Odds for 2024-25 Season
Boston Celtics: +290Denver Nuggets: +800Oklahoma City Thunder: +850Minnesota Timberwolves: +900Milwaukee Bucks: +950Dallas Mavericks: +1000Philadelphia 76ers: +1400New York Knicks: +1600Los Angeles Lakers: +3000Golden State Warriors: +3000Phoenix Suns: +3000Los Angeles Clippers: +3000Miami Heat: +3500Cleveland Cavaliers: +4000Memphis Grizzlies: +4500New Orleans Pelicans: +5000Indiana Pacers: +5000Sacramento Kings: +7500Orlando Magic: +9000Atlanta Hawks: +12000San Antonio Spurs: +15000Houston Rockets: +20000Chicago Bulls: +40000Washington Wizards: +100000Utah Jazz: +100000Toronto Raptors: +100000Portland Trail Blazers: +100000Detroit Pistons: +100000Charlotte Hornets: +100000Brooklyn Nets: +100000
