NBA Eastern Conference betting: Analysis & best bets ahead of preseason

Training camp is nearly underway, so it means that it’s already time to take a look at the NBA Eastern Conference odds 2023. The East figures to be even better than it was last season, so it feels like the Conference could be up for grabs this time.

NBA Eastern Conference odds 2023

For the first time in years, it feels like it doesn’t matter who’s on top of the NBA Eastern Conference odds 2023. There are at least five teams with legit NBA championship aspirations in the East, and it’s hard to predict who’s going to fall off to the play-in tournament.

All odds taken September 13 at FanDuel Sportsbook

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the teams expected to make the most noise out of the East, those with the best odds to win NBA Eastern Conference, and our best NBA futures bets ahead of the much-awaited 2022-23 campaign.

Favorites

Bucks (+330)

People seem to forget that the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship just two seasons ago. They have the same core and have proven to be dominant on both ends of the floor when they’re all healthy, even despite some questionable coaching by Mike Budenholzer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best two-way player in the world right now, yet the Bucks don’t get enough credit and recognition. Don’t sleep on them, as they’ll enter the season healthier than they did last year, and they have one of the best team defenses in the Association.

Nets (+360)

The Brooklyn Nets held their ground and didn’t trade Kevin Durant. Kyrie Irving opted in on the final year of his contract, Ben Simmons will be ready to go to start the season, and they also managed to land a couple of solid reinforcements in free agency.

Right now, the Nets look like the most stacked team in the league, and it’s not even close. But then again, we’ve seen them constantly shoot themselves in the foot, so we’re pulling the brakes on their championship parade. Steve Nash needs to prove that he can coach, and their egos could stand in the way.

Celtics (+270)

The Boston Celtics pulled off a major move by trading for Malcolm Brogdon. They were already deep and now have one of the most intelligent and versatile combo guards in the league, another shot-creator, and a guy who can guard multiple positions.

The Celtics are the reigning Eastern Conference champions, so it’s not a surprise to see them have the best NBA Eastern Conference odds 2023. This time, however, Jayson Tatum will need to prove that he can step up when it matters the most.

Sign-up to FanDuel Sportsbook for up to $1000 free bets

Dark horses

76ers (+850)

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the biggest winners of the offseason. They added P.J. Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, Danuel House, and De’Anthony Melton, all while getting James Harden to take a pay cut. Moreover, Harden is reportedly in the best shape of his career and finally locked in to win an NBA championship.

The Sixers have one of the deepest rosters in the league and a perennial MVP and DPOY candidate in Joel Embiid. Doc Rivers has a long and well-documented history of playoff meltdowns and shortcomings, but this team is too good to be overlooked.

Heat (+800)

Talking about teams one should never count out, we need to address the Miami Heat. They were in the mix for Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, so it’s clear that they’re looking to add another scorer next to Jimmy Butler, and we should keep an eye on them for any move or star that becomes available.

Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league. The Heat have a solid defense and a versatile roster, and they’re the kind of hard-nosed team you never want to meet at home. Tyler Herro could finally break out as the dominant scorer we know he can be, and that could mean trouble for the rest of the league.

Best NBA Eastern Conference futures bet

76ers (+850)

As we mentioned before, the Philadelphia 76ers had a near-perfect off-season. Props to Daryl Morey for adding more firepower to every position and addressing all of their issues with more size, defense, and shooting. Their second unit could finally be good enough.

Doc Rivers’ rotations will always be questionable, but at least the Sixers finally now have the depth to allow him to rest his starters for six minutes straight as he often does. Also, early reports have Tyrese Maxey as a leading candidate to win Most Improved Player, and some expect him to have a bigger offensive impact than James Harden.

Fancy the Sixers at +850? Sign-up to FanDuel Sportsbook for up to $1000 free bets

Harden finally looks committed and has worked out tirelessly during the offseason for the first time in his career. And we already know that the only thing that could stop Joel Embiid on either side of the floor is his own body. There’s no way to contain him if he’s healthy.

So, yeah, the Nets may have the most offensive prowess, but what about their defense and, more importantly: their ego? The Bucks also have a solid team, but maybe the rest of the league has figured them out already. And will the Celtics get over the hangover of losing the NBA Finals? All these questions make us take a leap of faith on Doc Rivers’ gang in 2023.

Also, don’t hesitate to visit our other NBA futures picks page so you can make the most of these odds before the start of the season.