2022-23 NBA Championship Futures Odds

Having a winning record isn’t a prerequisite to be among the favorites to win the NBA championship this year.

In the latest NBA championship futures odds at Bovada Sportsbook, two of the teams in the top six are currently under .500. The overall favorite doesn’t fit that mold, though, as the Boston Celtics are +400 favorites to win their 18th title in franchise history.

Celtics favored to capture 18th NBA championship

The Celtics lead the NBA with 14 wins and if they can keep that up and gain home-court advantage through the playoffs, it could be huge. At home so far this season, the Celtics have lost only once.

Following the Celtics on the NBA futures odds are the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors at +600 and the Milwaukee Bucks, also at +600.

The Warriors are one of the NBA teams among the favorites that are currently under .500 with a 9-10 record. Golden State has been fine at home this season with an 8-1 record, but the Dubs have been dreadful on the road at 1-9. It’s not time to hit the panic button in Golden State yet, as the Warriors still have plenty of time to right the ship and return to their dominant ways from a year ago. But bettors should keep a close eye on where Golden State is a month from now to see if they’re worth a bet on the futures.

Return of Middleton would make Bucks a solid bet

The Milwaukee Bucks started out the season on fire with nine straight wins. Since that red-hot start, they’ve gone 3-5. A bet on the Bucks at +600 might be a smart one right now, due to the imminent return of Khris Middleton.

Middleton has not played a game yet this season as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery on his wrist, which he injured in last year’s playoffs. Middleton was a key piece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Bucks’ championship season in 2020-21. If Middleton can return strong, the Bucks could be tough to beat in the playoffs.

Rounding out the top six on the NBA futures board are the Los Angeles Clippers at +700, the Phoenix Suns at +1000 and the Brooklyn Nets at +1200. The most interesting team from that trio is the Nets.

Brooklyn among title favorites despite losing record

Despite a lackluster 8-10 record, the Nets remain among the NBA championship favorites. There’s no doubting that they have talent with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, but constant distractions like the firing of Steve Nash, Irving’s suspension and Simmons’ inconsistent play keep Brooklyn down. If the Nets can ever find some stability and have their three superstars jell on the court, they could be worth taking a flier on for bettors.

The odds on a few other notable teams right now include the Memphis Grizzlies at +2000, Cleveland Cavaliers at +2200, Philadelphia 76ers at +2500 and Miami Heat at +4000.