New contenders for the NBA

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More Teams Are Looking Good as NBA Contenders

The 2024-25 NBA season began with two clear favorites for the championship: the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams have lived up to expectations in the early weeks of the season, and their stats reflect that. The Celtics, with an impressive 10-3 record, lead the NBA in three-point attempts and makes, and have a net rating of +10.8 per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, the Thunder, with a 10-2 record, have dominated defensively, holding the highest defensive rating in the league.

But the big surprise comes when three new teams join the list of serious title contenders: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. What’s even more interesting is that these aren’t the teams everyone expected when the season began. Let’s take a look at why these teams are making waves and how the NBA odds are now including these new championship hopefuls!

Cleveland Cavaliers: A Historic Start

The Cleveland Cavaliers have shocked everyone with their incredible start to the season, going 13-0! This is one of the best starts in NBA history. The Cavs are dominating their opponents with a +11.7 net rating, placing them firmly in the contender conversation. With a historic offense that is averaging 121.7 points per 100 possessions, the Cavaliers are putting on a show.

New head coach Kenny Atkinson has figured out how to distribute the ball among his four stars: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. Mitchell, with an average of 23.6 points per game, has been extremely efficient, while Mobley, with 17.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, is proving to be the defensive force he was expected to be. Garland and Allen, for their part, are contributing with impressive numbers that have made the Cavaliers an unstoppable team.

Phoenix Suns: With Durant and Booker, the Title is Within Reach

The Phoenix Suns have been another surprising team, and while Kevin Durant’s recent calf injury (he’ll be reevaluated later this month) has paused his impressive performance, the team remains one of the strongest. Durant was playing at an MVP level, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his early games, and was expected to lead the Suns in close contests.

Although Durant’s future is now uncertain, the Suns still have other players like Devin Booker, who is averaging 23.3 points and 6.8 assists per game, and Bradley Beal, who continues to be a key offensive threat. If Durant recovers soon, the NBA ODDS could shift back in favor of the Suns, as they have a talented roster that could contend for the championship.

Golden State Warriors: Curry and Company Are Still Unbeatable

You can’t talk about contenders without mentioning the Golden State Warriors, who, with their mix of youth and experience, are showing themselves to be a very dangerous opponent. After a solid 9-2 start, the Warriors are in the conversation thanks to their balance between offense and defense. They currently rank second in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating, with a net rating of +11 per 100 possessions.

Stephen Curry remains the heart and soul of the team, averaging 23.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, while Draymond Green continues to anchor the defense. Additionally, the addition of Buddy Hield, who has been showing his best form with 17.6 points per game, makes the Warriors an even greater threat. Let’s not forget Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, who are both contributing as effective two-way players.

What Does This Mean for NBA Betting?

With the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors proving they’re ready to fight for the title, the NBA ODDS for the championship have become even more exciting. Bettors now have more options than ever to evaluate potential champions. While the Celtics and Thunder are still favorites, there’s no doubt that these three new teams are raising the level of competition.