The 2021-22 NBA Finals have been concluded and new Champion reigns in the NBA. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee Bucks were unable to defend their 2020-21 title as they lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of this year’s NBA playoffs. Even though the offseason has just begun, sportsbooks have already begun posting odds for every NBA team to win next season’s Finals. According to Wynnbet Sportsbook, the Milwaukee Bucks are tied with two other teams with the second best odds to win next year’s Championship. The Golden State Warriors, the new defending champs, have the best odds.
The Odds for Each NBA Team to Win the 2022-23 Finals
- Golden State Warriors: +550
- Milwaukee Bucks: +750
- Boston Celtics: +750
- Brooklyn Nets: +750
- Los Angeles Clippers: +800
- Phoenix Suns: +1000
- Miami Heat: +1200
- Dallas Mavericks: +1500
- Memphis Grizzlies: +1500
- Philadelphia 76ers: +1500
- Denver Nuggets: +1800
- Minnesota Timberwolves: +4000
- New Orleans Pelicans: +4000
- Chicago Bulls: +5000
- Toronto Raptors: +5000
- Utah Jazz: +6000
- Atlanta Hawks: +7500
- Charlotte Hornets: +7500
- New York Knicks: +7500
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +10000
- Portland Trailblazers: +10000
- Detroit Pistons: +20000
- San Antonio Spurs: +25000
- Houston Rockets: +50000
- Indiana Pacers: +50000
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +50000
- Orlando Magic: +50000
- Sacramento Kings: +50000
- Washington Wizards: +50000
Notable Observations for the Milwaukee Bucks
There are several interesting observations fans of the Milwaukee Bucks. The first is that Milwaukee has, by far, the best odds of any team within their division. After the Bucks’ +750 odds to win it all, the next closest team is the Chicago Bulls at +5000. Based on these numbers, it can be concluded that the Bucks are the easy favorite to win their division.
Another interesting observation is that the Bucks’ competition in the East is projected to be relatively the same. The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets each are tied with the Bucks with +750 odds to win it all. Boston, of course, won the Eastern Conference Finals in their first season under head coach Ime Udoka. The Nets are expected to retain Kyrie Irving and still have Kevin Durant. It will be interesting to see what Ben Simmons brings to the team as well.
Note: During the writing of this, Shams Charania of The Atheletic broke the news that the Nets and Kyrie Irving are at an impasse. His future with the Nets is now uncertain. This may affect Brooklyn’s odds of winning the Championship next year.
Sources: Kyrie Irving, Nets are at impasse in conversations about his future in Brooklyn, clearing way for the seven-time All-Star to consider the open market. Lakers and Knicks expected to emerge among potential suitors.
Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/VbOOtrzdTB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
What is interesting to note is how far the Philadelphia 76ers have fallen. Despite boasting perennial MVP contender Joel Embiid as well as James Harden, they have the same odds to win as the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks.
Why the Bucks Have Such Favorable Odds to Win the 2022-23 NBA Finals
There is much speculation around the NBA that if Khris Middleton had been healthy for the series against the Boston Celtics, the Bucks would have won, and likely would have repeated as NBA Champions. Even without Middleton, Milwaukee had their chances to win the series. After all, they led Boston 3-2 at one point, but could not close out the series.
Of course, the Bucks will return in 2022-23 with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Jrue Holiday all healthy and rested. After their Finals run last year, both Middleton and Holiday won Gold Medals for Team USA at the Olympic Games. This did not provide them with much of an offseason. Now, however, all three stars will be fully rested and hungry to return to the Finals. Jon Horst recently said that Middleton has barely even left Milwaukee as he works to rehab from his injury.
Finally, Giannis Antetokounmpo will always provide the Bucks with great chances to compete for NBA titles. He once again made All NBA First Team and All Defensive First Team. With him locked up for the foreseeable future, we can get used to seeing the Bucks near the top of odds-makers’ lists of title favorites.
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