NFL
The 2021-22 NBA season championship playoffs were some of the most exciting and surprising postseason games that we’ve seen in recent years. Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors to victory over the Boston Celtics. Could the Warriors make it a second consecutive win, like they did in 2016-17 and 2017-18? Or is this going to be the year that last year’s favorites the Celtics or the Milwaukee Bucks win it all?
Betting on the NBA is rapidly gaining ground and catching up with NFL betting in terms of popularity. On January 1, 2023, online sports betting in Ohio will become legal – this is perfect timing for NBA fans, who will be able to bet on the 2023 championship, since the playoffs start in April.
It’s still early days to begin placing futures bets on the championship but it’s never too early to start discussing who the favorites are for this year.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics came so close to winning the championship last season that it’s impossible not to consider them favorites for this season too. They are a powerful team with an intensity that is hard to match.
The one potential hurdle for the team is the move to a new head coach. Following Ime Udoka’s suspension for violating team policies, assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was moved up to replace him for the season. He’s already a familiar face, so this might not have too much of a negative impact.
Golden State Warriors
It’s hard not to describe the Golden State Warriors as dominant. Steph Curry’s ability to shine and to share glory has made the team one of the most balanced and well-meshed in the NBA. Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green have been the backbone of the team through their four championships.
With all of this talent on the court, coupled with head coach Steve Kerr’s tough but supportive style of coaching, they are well placed to replicate last year’s success.
Milwaukee Bucks
Any team with a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be a favorite to win the NBA championships. The two-time MVP was supported by a strong roster of players and was able to propel the Bucks through to the Conference Semifinals. Their loss to the Boston Celtics came as a bit of a surprise but might have been the push the team needed to keep them from getting too cocky and losing momentum.
Phoenix Suns
The most surprising team to be seen at the top of the list of favorites for last year’s championship was the Phoenix Suns. This year, however, their inclusion feels more natural. When head coach Monty Williams took charge of the Suns in 2019, he found himself with a struggling team that needed direction.
His work to restructure and revitalize the team is obvious in their record the last three seasons. They have been improving every year and despite not making it past the Conference Semifinals in 2022, they are definitely a team to watch this year.
