NBA Championship Odds, Picks Heading Into Week 18

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As the season approaches the midway point with the All-star game looming, the odds for the NBA title in 2022–23 are beginning to shift dramatically. Despite some inconsistent early results among the top contenders, Mybookie hasn’t changed the preseason favorite in the 2022–23 NBA Championship Odds. However, after some rearrangement over the past few weeks, there is a clear picture of the top dogs fighting for the NBA Championship.

After opening as +650 favorites to win the title, the Boston Celtics have seen their odds increase to +320, while the Milwaukee Bucks (+550), Denver Nuggets (+690), and Philadelphia 76ers (+1025) could all see themselves fighting for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Let’s look at the most recent odds to win the NBA championship as the competitors continue to tussle, passing the midpoint of the season.

A Quick Look at Some Futures Picks for the 2022-23 NBA Championship

Favorite

Boston Celtics (+320)

Past the halfway mark of the season, the Celtics should be considered the favorite to win the NBA Championship. Boston has the best record in the league and has already made minor roster improvements to a team that finished 2022 only two victories short of the championship.

Boston leads the NBA Eastern Conference rankings with a record of 37-16 and a winning percentage of .698. Boston is #1 in net rating and ranks third in points per game (117.7) in and fourth in defensive rating. The club is in the top 10 in assists and rebounds per game, and only the Warriors average more three-pointers per game.

Jayson Tatum is playing MVP-caliber basketball, averaging a sixth-best 30.9 points per game, while Marcus Smart, a defensive whiz, and Jaylen Brown make up the Celtics’ outstanding supporting cast. This team came just two games short of the world title, and they have gotten even better; they are the biggest threat to win the NBA title at this point.

Smart Pick

Philadelphia 76ers (+1025)

The Boston Celtics are the overwhelming favorite to win the NBA Championship this season, but the 76ers may be the smarter choice.The Philadelphia 76ers are 34-18 on the season after winning 22 of their last 28 games. They are currently on a great run and presently hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference and are closely pursuing the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

At +1025 to win the NBA title, Philly has tremendous value here. The 76ers are ranked fifth in net rating, seventh in offensive rating, and fourth in defensive rating. Although Philadelphia has the fourth-best record, they might be the most equipped to make a title run. With 33.5 points scored per game, Joel Embiid once again leads the league, and he’s putting forth an MVP case.

Additionally, the veteran presence of James Harden, who is averaging 11 assists per game and potential sixth man of the year candidate, Tyrese Maxey’s improvements round out a solid core on both ends. The Sixers’ current eight-game winning streak on the road is their longest on the road since the Allen Iverson-led finals-bound squad of 2000–01 that won it all.

Long Shot

Dallas Mavericks (+1250)

Following the completion of the trade that transferred Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Mavericks, the Dallas Mavericks’ odds of winning the title have increased. Rightfully so, it is simple to understand why Dallas’ chances were improved.

Although Luka Donic is a phenomenal talent, the roster’s design prevented him from having enough elite support to win a championship. The previous roster combination has led to a record of 28–26 and a position of No. 6 in the Western Conference standings. But with Kyrie Irving, this Dallas squad could take off in a wide-open Western Conference.

As soon as Irving joins the team, some of the double-teams against Donic will stop, and the Mavericks will have another player who can consistently make good shots for both himself and others while carrying the offense for extended periods. The potential of this team is unlimited now, and if the chemistry comes together, this Mavericks team can be a dangerous team that makes a run at the title.