The 2024/25 NBA season is now entering its business phase, with teams jostling for the final playoff spots. Some teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, have a stranglehold on the top spot in their respective conferences, whereas others—like the New Orleans Pelicans—should be preparing for next season, as this one appears to be a bust.
While there’s plenty of time for things to change in the coming weeks before the playoffs, now is a great opportunity for bettors.
Why? By this point, you’ve seen enough players and teams to make an educated guess about their playoff prospects (or even whether they’ll make it). And with much of the regular season still ahead, you might find value in the odds now rather than waiting for the playoffs.
Key Betting Markets to Watch
So, where to begin?
There are plenty of interesting betting markets, including NBA MVP odds that suggest a battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. But let’s start with perhaps the most intriguing team in the NBA this season – the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs are the surprise package of the 2024/25 season. It’s not that they were predicted to perform poorly—far from it—but rather that nobody expected them to be great, and they have far exceeded expectations. The Cavs hold a sizeable cushion over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference, and it looks like they are almost certain to secure the East’s No. 1 seed. Interestingly, the Cavs remain available at decent odds of 8/1 (+800) to win the NBA Finals. If you compare that to the Celtics, who are 2/1 outright favourites, you can appreciate that the Cavs will certainly attract backers.
The Celtics, along with the Thunder, have emerged as clear betting market leaders for the NBA Championship, which is understandable. The Celtics are the reigning champions and started the season as clear favourites. While they haven’t been as efficient in securing wins as last season, there’s an expectation that their nouse and experience will shine in the playoffs. As for the Thunder, they are a team on the rise with an MVP-worthy star in Gilgeous-Alexander.
Grizzlies Look Like an Interesting Long Shot
Yet, there are plenty of other teams that offer value picks.
The Memphis Grizzlies are available at around 30/1 if you’re up for a long shot. The team struggled with significant injuries last season, but those issues have been put aside this season. They will undoubtedly make the playoffs, so watch for a strong finish and see if they can build momentum. Their 12/1 odds to clinch the Western Conference looks attractive, even if you don’t expect them to go all the way,
There are undoubtedly other markets to explore. MVP betting is always enjoyable. While Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are the frontrunners, stars like Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson could offer big odds – so look out for a strong finish to their seasons.
There’s also a more open market for Rookie of the Year. While Stephon Castle leads the way, backing Kel’el Ware, Jaylen Wells, or Zaccharie Risacher at higher odds might be a more attractive proposition.
As for a standout pick overall, let’s return to the Cavs. While they might not win the NBA Championship, their odds scream value for a team that has boasted the NBA’s best record for much of the season. Nothing is inevitable, so if you’re reluctant to bet on the two favourites (Celtics or Thunder) at short odds, the Cavs certainly look like an interesting pick.
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