Can Celtics Snap Streak of Faltering NBA Favorites?

Can Celtics Snap Streak of Faltering NBA Favorites?
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Fact Checked by Michael Peters

We’re a few weeks away from the opening tip of the Boston Celtics season, with veteran guard Jrue Holiday’s arrival in Beantown giving fans reason for optimism.

Entering the season, the Celtics' championship odds are tied for first with Milwaukee. As the Celtics prepare for their regular season opener at New York on Oct. 25, BetMassachusetts.com took a look at where recent champions ranked in the preseason.

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Preseason Odds for NBA Title Teams

Year Champ Preseason Odds/Rank
2023 Denver +1800/T9th
2022 Golden State +900/T3th
2021 Milwaukee +550/2nd
2020 L.A. Lakers +450/2nd
2019 Toronto +1850/5th
2018 Golden State -187/1st
2017 Golden State -128/1st
2016 Cleveland +280/1st
2015 Golden State +2800/9th
2014 San Antonio +1200/T4th
2013 Miami +225/1st
2012 Miami +225/1st
2011 Dallas +2000/7th
2010 L.A. Lakers +225/1st
2009 L.A. Lakers +350/T1st
2008 Boston +1000/T5th
2007 San Antonio +450/2nd
2006 Miami +350/2nd
2005 San Antonio +400/1st
2004 Detroit +1500/T7th
2003 San Antonio +1100/T4th
2002 L.A. Lakers +200/1st
2001 L.A. Lakers +180/1st
2000 L.A. Lakers +180/1st

Boston is a clear favorite among betting apps and online Massachusetts sportsbooks in the Atlantic Division at -250. Philadelphia is second at +350.

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Five-Year Streak of Favorites Faltering

Since 2000, the average preseason odds of the year-end NBA champion were +755, with the longest shot being the 2015 Golden State Warriors (+2800) and the shortest being the 2018 Warriors (-187).

The Celtics’ current +400 title odds at MA mobile sports betting apps would place them between 2006 Miami and the 2009 L.A. Lakers — who entered the year at +350 apiece — and the 2000 L.A. Lakers and 2005 San Antonio, who were +450 apiece in their championship seasons. Boston’s +400 title odds would be the shortest of an NBA champ since the 2018 Warriors, who were also the last preseason favorite to win the title.

Celtics Sports Betting Promos

With the 2023-2024 season starting soon, keep an eye out for Celtics betting promos, such as the FanDuel Massachusetts welcome bonus.

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NBA Championship Odds

Team Odds
Boston +400
Milwaukee +400
Denver +550
Phoenix +650
L.A. Lakers +1300
Golden State +1400
L.A. Clippers +2000
Philadelphia +2000
Cleveland +2500
Dallas +2500
Memphis +2500
Odds provided by BetMGM Massachusetts.
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Author

Christopher Boan

Christopher Boan has been covering sports and sports betting for more than seven years, including stops at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly and the Green Valley News.

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