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NBA Championship Odds For 2023-24 Season: Celtics Favored?

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1 week ago

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NBA championship odds for the 2023-24 season are featured here from the BetOnline sportsbook. The Boston Celtics (+500) and Denver Nuggets (+500) hold the best odds to win the 2024 championship. Check out the full list below for all 30 teams.

The 2023-24 NBA regular season runs from Oct. 24, 2023, through Apr. 14, 2024. The NBA will hold its inaugural in-season tournament from Nov. 3 to Dec. 9. All games except the final count toward the regular season standings.

The 2024 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The play-in tournament is scheduled for April 16-19, and the playoffs are set to begin on April 20. The NBA Finals are scheduled to start on June 6, 2024.

NBA Championship Odds For The 2023-24 Season: Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets Hold Best Odds To Win 2024 Title

Boston Celtics (+500)

Last season, the Boston Celtics went 57-25 and lost to the Miami Heat in seven games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Naturally, Boston made changes this offseason. As part of a three-team trade in June, the C’s acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards after the All-Star center opted into his $36 million contract for 2023-24.

The Celtics then traded 2022 DPOY Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. In the trade, the C’s also sent their 35th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to Washington. The Wizards received Danilo Gallinari, Julian Phillips, and Mike Muscala from the Celtics as well. Furthermore, Memphis then sent its 2023 and 2024 first-round picks to Boston.

Next, Boston signed former Toronto Raptors guard Dalano Banton to a two-year, $4.2 million contract. Banton, 23, was selected 46th overall by the Raptors in the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Jaylen Brown, 26, also agreed to a five-year supermax extension worth up to $304 million with the Celtics. The deal is fully guaranteed with a trade kicker and no player option. This is the richest annual contract in NBA history.

Brown is now under contract through the 2028-29 season. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum will be eligible for a five-year contract extension next summer worth over $300 million.

Are the Celtics’ NBA championship odds too high? Boston could still very well win the Eastern Conference in 2024, but only time will tell if losing Marcus Smart was a bad move.

Denver Nuggets (+500)

Moreover, the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA title in their 47-year history last season against the Miami Heat. Nikola Jokic finished as MVP runner-up in the 2022-23 season, but the five-time All-Star went on to win his first NBA Finals MVP and NBA championship ring. During the offseason, he also won Best NBA Player at the 2023 ESPYS.

Now, Denver’s win total for the 2023-24 season is set at 54.5 wins. The Nuggets ended 2022-23 with a 53-29 record. Denver is capable of repeating in 2024, but the Western Conference favorites lost a few vital pieces this offseason.

During the 2023 free agency, Bruce Brown Jr. declined his $7.77 million player option and inked a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

However, the champs’ biggest loss this offseason was arguably Jeff Green. Of course, Green signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Houston Rockets. The veteran forward played 56 games during the regular season and appeared in all 20 of Denver’s playoff games.

Green saw almost 20 minutes per game in coach Michael Malone’s rotation. Similar to the Celtics, the Nuggets could take a step back in terms of overall wins. This all depends on whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns can emerge as legitimate title threats.

Phoenix Suns (+650)

The Phoenix Suns hold third-shortest NBA championship odds for the 2023-24 season. Out of all 30 NBA teams, the Suns have undergone more changes this offseason than any other top contender.

In February, Mat Ishbia and Justin Ishbia became the official new owners after Robert Sarver sold the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury club. In the 2022-23 season, the Suns went 45-37 and ranked fourth overall in the Western Conference standings.

During the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Phoenix lost in six games to the Denver Nuggets. More importantly, Denver won 125-100 at Footprint Center in Game 6. Phoenix suffered a blowout loss on its home court in the semifinals for the second straight year.

The Suns fired head coach Monty Williams two days following their postseason exit after four seasons with the team. On June 6, the Suns hired former Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

During the 2023 offseason, the Wizards traded Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd to the Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, six second-round draft picks (2024-28, 2030), four first-round draft picks (2024, 2026, 2028, 2030), and $3.5 million cash. Paul was then traded to the Golden State Warriors.

Phoenix also signed center Drew Eubanks (two-year, $5 million), forward Keita Bates-Diop (two-year, $5 million), center Chimezie Metu (one-year, $2.35 million), forward Bol Bol (one-year, $2.17 million), forward Yuta Watanabe (two-year, $5 million), and forward Toumani Camara (four-year, $7.64 million).

Plus, the Suns inked deals with guards Eric Gordon (two-year, $6.55 million), Damion Lee (two-year, $5.37 million), and Josh Okogie (two-year, $5.77 million).

Not to mention, Phoenix traded forward Isaiah Todd, a 2024 first-round draft pick, and a 2030 first-rounder for a 2025 second-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 second-rounder.

There was a lot to unpack here. If bettors feel confident in trusting the Suns to win it all, go for it.

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Trail Blazers not interested in trading for Bulls star Zach LaVine

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6 mins ago

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September 21, 2023

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The Portland Trail Blazers are not entertaining any trade packages from the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine, according to reports. The Bulls were rumored to enter the Damian Lillard trade sweepstakes. However, it seems Portland is demanding more from Chicago than LaVine and multiple first-round draft picks.

“PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck upped the ante late Wednesday by saying on his outlet’s podcast that the Bulls ‘might be trying to move LaVine as part of a multi-team deal just to see if they can get into the Lillard sweepstakes,’” The Athletic’s Kelly Iko wrote.

“Multiple league sources indicated throughout the offseason that the Trail Blazers showed little interest in acquiring LaVine directly, mostly because he doesn’t match their rebuilding path and commitment to a young backcourt of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.”

According to a few NBA betting sites, the Chicago Bulls hold 22nd-ranked odds to win next season’s championship in 2024. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets.

Zach LaVine, 28, has spent the last six NBA seasons (2017-23) with the Bulls. In 77 starts last season, the guard averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and a career-high 35.9 minutes per game. Plus, the two-time All-Star shot 48.5% from the floor and 37.5% beyond the arc.

In Chicago’s 132-118 win over the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 30, the guard scored a season-high 43 points in 39 minutes as a starter. He finished 15-of-20 (75%) shooting from the floor and drained five 3-pointers, along with tallying three rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Portland Trail Blazers not entertaining Zach LaVine trade packages from the Chicago Bulls; a three-team trade is not out of the question?

Last July, Zach LaVine signed a five-year, $215.16 million max extension with the Bulls. His deal includes a $48.96 million player option for the 2026-27 season and a 15% trade bonus. The nine-year veteran is projected to earn $40.06 million in 2023-24 and $43.03 million in 2024-25.

Both the Trail Blazers and the New York Knicks could be scratched off LaVine’s trade list. In June, the Bulls let a news story leak suggesting that LaVine’s camp would not be negotiating any potential trades with teams that have a biased history of preferring clients of Creative Artist Agency (CAA).

“A source said the LaVine camp isn’t interested in dealing with the Knicks, who have a reputation around the league of favoring clients of CAA, the agency that employed Leon Rose before his move to the Knicks front office,” wrote New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy. LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports CEO and agent Rich Paul.

Would Damian Lillard want to play in Chicago? That’s another point to consider. He prefers the Miami Heat. Although the Bulls are up to establishing a Lillard-LaVine-DeMar DeRozan trio, this plan seems unlikely. Chicago will have to trade away one of the two aforementioned players. A lot of unknown variables come into play here.

Of course, the Portland Trail Blazers hold all the cards.

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Clippers sign guard Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract

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10 hours ago

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September 21, 2023

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The Los Angeles Clippers are signing free agent guard Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to reports. Moon, 28, went undrafted out of Morehead State University in 2017.

On Aug. 10, 2017, Moon signed his first professional contract with ALM Évreux Basket of the LNB Pro B. After six months, Moon left the team due to disagreements with his coach and returned to the states.

In 2018, the 6-foot-2 guard joined the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League (TBL). Moon averaged 18 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game and was named North American Premier Basketball (NAPB) Rookie of the Year.

Moon then signed with London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada on Sept. 7, 2018. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in 40 games.

Furthermore, the Alabama native went on to play for the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Edmonton Stingers. In his first game on May 11, 2019, he scored 36 points in a 118-105 overtime win against the Niagara River Lions.

Moon averaged 19.3 points and 5.7 assists per game for Edmonton and was named league MVP. He led the team to the semifinals before losing to the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Following the season, Moon tried out for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League, but he was later waived.

On Nov. 15, 2019, the guard re-signed with the NBL’s London Lightning. Moon averaged 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game during the shortened 2019–20 season and was named to the First Team All-NBL Canada. On Jan. 4, 2020, he scored 39 points in a 113-97 victory over the KW Titans.

Los Angeles Clippers sign G League star Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract; the 6-foot-2 guard won two CEBL Final MVPs

Additionally, Xavier Moon signed with Wilki Morskie Szczecin of the Polish Basketball League on June 25, 2020. However, it was short-lived. The Morehead State product decided to re-join the Edmonton Stingers for the 2020 CEBL season.

In Edmonton’s 90-73 win against the Fraser Valley Bandits in the championship game, he scored 31 points and was named the Final MVP. After averaging 19.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0, boards, and 1.8 steals per game, Moon won his second MVP award as well.

In August 2020, Moon signed with Maccabi Hod HaSharon of the Israeli National League. In 31 appearances, he averaged 24.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Nevertheless, that was it with the ISL.

Following the season, the guard returned to the Edmonton Stingers of the CEBL for the 2020-2021 season. He won his third CEBL MVP award, his second CEBL championship, and his second CEBL Final MVP Award.

In October 2021, Moon signed with the Agua Caliente Clippers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League affiliate. Of course, Agua Caliente is now known as the Ontario Clippers. In 14 games of the 2021-22 G League season, he averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

On Dec. 26, 2021, Moon signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. The undrafted guard made his first NBA career appearance in the Clippers’ 124-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 27.

Los Angeles then signed Moon to a second 10-day contract. In 10 games off the bench in the 2021-22 NBA season, he averaged 5.8 points, 1.4 boards, 2.4 assists, and 13.7 minutes per game.

Moon could receive the Clippers’ final two-way spot, joining forwards Moussa Diabate and Jordan Miller

Moreover, in the Clippers’ 138-88 regular-season finale win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 10, 2022, the guard recorded career highs of 17 points and seven assists in 27 minutes as a reserve.

In March 2023, Xavier Moon signed a two-way contract with Los Angeles. Not to mention, he averaged 1.8 points, 1.3 assists, and 5.0 minutes per game in four appearances off the bench.

As a result, his NBA career might not be over just yet.

While with the G League’s Ontario Clippers last season, Moon made 20 starts in 29 games. The guard logged 22 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 32.8 minutes per contest. Also, he was named to the All-NBA G League Third Team.

Moon finished fourth in points (638), seventh in steals (30), 10th in blocks (35), second in field goal percentage (51.9%), second in field goals (250), and eight in offensive rating (114.8).

Regarding his new contract, training camp deals are one-year, minimum-salary contracts. An Exhibit 10 contract can be converted into a two-way deal before the regular season begins. Forwards Moussa Diabate and Jordan Miller occupy two of the Los Angeles Clippers’ three two-way slots.

Each NBA team can now sign a maximum of three two-way players, per the new CBA. As a matter of fact, Moon could receive the third spot. Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed, allowing teams to waive the signee without taking a cap hit.

If Xavier Moon is waived by the Los Angeles Clippers, he will be eligible to receive a bonus worth between $5,000 to $75,000 by joining the Ontario Clippers and spending at least 60 days with the G League team.

Because of his work ethic, he should have no problem making a roster spot.

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Cavaliers President Koby Altman Perform Sobriety Test

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14 hours ago

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September 21, 2023

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Watch Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman perform a field sobriety test in front of Ohio State Highway Patrol officers prior to his arrest for an operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) charge on Friday night for impaired driving.

The incident occurred at 8:53 p.m., when Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers saw a white 2022 Lexus committing a traffic violation on Route 2 near East 55th Street in Cleveland. Watch Altman attempt the walk and turn test below. The second video was taken from the officer’s body cam.

Before initiating a traffic stop, officers said the driver, who was identified as 41-year-old Altman, showed indications of impairment. Altman was placed under arrest for OVI and soon after offered a breath test, which he refused. The NBA executive is being charged with committing a marked lanes violation and OVI, per the official police report.

The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) consists of three separate standardized tests:

  • Horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN test)
  • Walk and turn test (WAT test)
  • One leg stand test (OLS test)

Watch Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman perform field sobriety test before arrest, blames Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper for his lack of balance

“Troopers initiated a traffic stop and during their interaction with the driver indicators of impairment were observed,” the Ohio State Patrol said in a statement. “The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for OVI and soon after offered a breath test, which he refused.”

The Cavaliers commented on Altman’s arrest: “We are aware of an incident involving Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman. We are currently gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”

If convicted, the Cavs president will likely face punishment from the league office. The NBA suspended San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte’ Graham for the first two games of the 2023-24 regular season after his driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction.

In the third video below, watch Altman blame the officer for his lack of balance.

In Ohio, a driver can be convicted of a “per se” alcohol OVI for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher (or urine alcohol concentration of .11% or more).

An OVI can be a felony if the offender had three or more prior convictions and caused injuries or deaths.

Last season marked the first time the Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs without LeBron James on the roster since 1998. Altman joined the Cavaliers’ front office in 2012.

The UMass alumnus was the director of pro personnel when LeBron James and the Cavs won their first NBA championship in 2016. Altman became assistant general manager ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The Brooklyn native was then promoted to general manager in July 2017. He became Cleveland’s 11th G.M. in its franchise history.

In January 2022, Altman signed a new long-term contract with the Cavaliers, as he was promoted to president of basketball operations.

To watch other NBA-related miscellaneous videos, go to the main page.

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