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 |
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