2024 NBA Championship Odds: Celtics Still Favorites Over Nuggets, Bucks. Who will be the ultimate winner?

As we enter mid-December, the champion of the NBA mid-season championship has just been decided. The regular season is in full swing, and distinctions between teams have already started to emerge, indicating varying levels of competitiveness.

According to the latest NBA Finals betting odds, the current front-runners are the Boston Celtics, followed by the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here are the updated odds from a globally recognized sports betting web site:

2024 NBA Championship Odds

( Odds updated as of December 15 )

Current NBA Finals contenders

Below are some teams worth keeping an eye on for the 2024 NBA Finals:

Top Contenders

Boston Celtics
The Celtics have hit the ground running this NBA season with an impressive record, currently standing at 18-5, boasting a commendable win rate of 78.3%. This remarkable performance has positioned them at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Signaling that their strategic trades have paid off, the team has secured notable victories against a lineup of formidable opponents. While they faced a brief pause in momentum with a hard-fought overtime loss to the Timberwolves, it proved to be a minor setback in an otherwise stellar start to the season.

Jayson Tatum has prominently emerged as the Celtics' leading scorer, averaging an outstanding 27.3 points per game. His scoring prowess has been a pivotal factor in Boston's success. Alongside him, Jaylen Brown has made a significant impact, contributing an average of 22.1 points per game. Kristaps Porzingis has added 19.1 points per game, reinforcing the Celtics' offensive firepower.

Denver Nuggets
The defending NBA champions, the Nuggets, have catapulted into the new season with a commanding record, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in the league. Currently holding a record of 17-9, boasting a solid win rate of 65.4%, they stand at an impressive second place in the Western Conference standings.

They have confidently secured victories against several formidable teams, including the Lakers, Grizzlies, Thunder, Jazz, Mavericks, Bulls, and Pelicans, showcasing their championship mettle. Their most notable stumble occurred against the Timberwolves, the only team to hand them a loss in a closely contested match.

At the core of the Nuggets' scorching start is Nikola Jokic, who leads the team in scoring (27.2 ppg), rebounding (12.7 rpg), and assists (9.4 apg). Michael Porter Jr. has also made a significant impact with his precision three-point shooting.

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have kicked off their NBA campaign with a strong start, securing victories against several high-caliber teams, including the Knicks, Nets, Heat, and 76ers. Currently boasting a record of 17-7, they hold an impressive win rate of 70.8% and stand tall as the second-ranked team in the Eastern Conference standings.

These triumphs highlight the team's potential and capacity to compete at a high level, even in the face of setbacks like losses to the Hawks and Raptors—considered minor hiccups in the midst of a long and demanding season.

At the forefront of the Bucks' formidable charge is the towering presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP and the 2021 Finals MVP, whose impact remains undiminished.

Giannis leads the Bucks with an impressive 32 points and 10 rebounds per game. Following closely behind is the newly acquired Damian Lillard, whose average of 24.8 points per game underscores his seamless integration into the team's dynamic.

Continued Interest

Phoenix Suns
The Suns faced a challenging initiation to their season, yet their inherent potential positions them as a favored contender in the NBA Finals predictions according to sportsbooks. Currently holding a record of 13-11, with a win rate of 54.2%, they are determined to overcome early obstacles and solidify their standing.

Noteworthy victories against the Pistons, Jazz, and especially the Warriors underscore their ability to overcome formidable opponents. Despite setbacks with losses to the 76ers and Lakers, as well as two defeats by the Spurs, these instances hint at areas for improvement.

Amidst the challenges, Kevin Durant has emerged as a beacon of scoring for the injury-riddled Suns, amassing an impressive 30.8 points per game and reinforcing his status as one of the premier scorers in the league. However, stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have faced significant time on the sidelines due to injuries. The Suns are keen on leveraging their potential and addressing areas for improvement to enhance their performance as the season progresses.

Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have encountered challenges after their hot start. Despite early-season hurdles with losses to the Suns and Cavaliers, victories against the Thunder, Pelicans, Rockets, Pistons, and notably, twice against the Kings, have reaffirmed their standing as a formidable force in the league.

Steph Curry has kicked off the season in MVP fashion, leading the Warriors in scoring with an impressive 28.6 points per game. His exceptional scoring ability, especially from long range, remains a pivotal element of the Warriors' offensive prowess.

The Warriors currently hold a record of 10-14, with a win rate of 41.7%, showcasing the challenges they've faced early in the season.

Adding to the Warriors' recent hurdles, key players such as Klay Thompson, Wiggins, and Kevon Looney were benched in the final quarter, not making an appearance. Furthermore, Draymond Green received a second-degree flagrant foul in a previous game against the Phoenix Suns, resulting in an indefinite suspension by the league. This suspension could potentially impact the Warriors' prospects, but the infusion of new talent might help compensate for this setback.

Jonathan Kuminga, averaging 12 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this season, is seen as a potential replacement for Green in the starting power forward position. Despite lacking Green's court vision, experience, and interior defensive presence, the 21-year-old player brings outstanding athleticism and boundless energy to the team. His contributions could play a crucial role in shaping the Warriors' future, especially considering the challenges they currently face.

Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers experienced a varied start to their season, securing victories against the Clippers, Magic, and Suns, demonstrating their ability to compete with some of the league's top teams. Particularly noteworthy is their triumph in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Currently holding a record of 15-11, with a win rate of 57.7%, the Lakers are determined to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.

LeBron James remains a stalwart for the Lakers, leading the team in scoring with an average of 25.2 points per game. His consistent offensive brilliance ensures that the Lakers stay competitive in every game. Anthony Davis closely follows suit, contributing 23.9 points and 12 rebounds per game, solidifying his position as a crucial player for the team.

Recent NBA champions