As the 2024 NBA season continues to unfold, the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets have emerged as the titans of their respective conferences, setting the stage for what could be an epic showdown in the NBA Finals. Both teams have been displaying a level of play that can only be described as dominant. Just one look at the betting odds will show you exactly how difficult a task it will be for anyone to stop either of these two heavyweights from going all the way.
The best NBA predictions for the NBA playoffs currently centre around the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics, who look set to be on a collision course to meet each other in the Finals. The former are the reigning champions and currently have the lead over LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers, just as they did last year in the conference finals. The latter, meanwhile, had a blistering regular season, finishing seven wins clear of the rest of the league and a whopping 14 points clear of anyone else out East. The Celtics are on course to secure redemption after last year’s shocking postseason exit and they have been made the +120 favourites to go all the way this term.
So, can anyone stop either of them and their date with destiny?
The Dominance of the Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the course of the regular season. They finished with the best record in the entire league after racking up a mighty 64 wins, 14 more than their closest rivals on the East Coast and seven clear of anyone in the league. Their blend of stellar defense, sharpshooting, and strategic depth has made them a nightmare for opposing teams, while the synergy between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has continued to flourish.
Last term, the Massachusetts side was upset by the eighth-seed Miami Heat in the conference finals. Jimmy Butler and Co. raced into a 3-0 series lead, before being clawed back to 3-3. Just when everyone thought their fairytale run was over, the Heat managed to secure a shocking upset victory on enemy territory to punch their tickets to the NBA Finals. This year, Jimmy Buckets is on the injury list and the Celtics have the chance to secure redemption as the pair meet in the opening round, and after three games the series is currently at 2-1.
The Reign of the Nuggets
Out West, the Denver Nuggets have been equally imposing. They are led by the transcendent talent of Jokić, whose unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the center position has redefined what’s possible in the modern NBA. Add to that the return to form of Jamal Murray, and it’s clear to see why the Nuggets have been firing on all cylinders as well.
The Nuggets’ supporting cast has also been crucial to their success. Michael Porter Jr.’s sharpshooting, Aaron Gordon’s athleticism, and the bench’s consistent contribution have made Denver an almost unstoppable force.
Challengers on the Horizon
Despite the apparent inevitability of a Celtics-Nuggets Finals, several teams have shown flashes of brilliance that could pose a threat to this dream matchup.
In the East, the Milwaukee Bucks stand out as potential spoilers. Even without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Wisconsin outfit possesses the star power and physicality to challenge anyone in a seven-game series. Just like the Celtics, they are buoyed by an urge to secure redemption after they were shockingly dumped out of the postseason by the Heat in the very first round last term in one of the greatest upsets in NBA history.
Over in the West, there’s a plethora of underdogs looking to claim the throne. Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves have thrilled everyone with their respective journeys to the playoffs, and they will be hoping that their respective Cinderella stories continue all the way to the Finals.