Last season was a historic one for the Denver Nuggets. Michael Malone’s team was the most impressive squad night in and night out, and it ultimately resulted in a trophy. Led by Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are widely considered the best-positioned team for a back-to-back title season. However, things won’t be that easy this year.

There’s at least one team ahead of the Nuggets as the biggest favorite, or a few considering which bookies you’re looking at. The league is very much different this year. We’ll explore the biggest threats for the Nuggets this year in the text below.

What’s Changed?

Not much has changed for the Nuggets going into the new season. The team lost defensive specialist Bruce Brown, yet the team hasn’t changed much. The Nuggets are sitting near the top of the Western conference which is finally being ruled by young stars and team cores such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. But, make no mistake – the Nuggets will be right near the top—if not on top—of the conference come season’s end.

While the Nuggets haven’t changed, the league has. Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t have a running buddy like Damien Lillard last year. The Clippers didn’t have James Harden. OKC and the Wolves were not nearly as good as this season. Boston’s playing with championship resolve this year, and were close to the Finals last year.

There are many favorites for the title, even though the Nuggets are close to the top at every sportsbook/casino online hybrid. The Celtics are among the betting favorites too, and so are the Clippers and Bucks. Nikola Jokic leads the MVP betting field, and when it comes to the Finals matchup, it seems that bookies think that Denver will play Boston. We’ll take a look at everyone’s chances below.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are the most likely team to win the NBA title this year according to most bookmakers. They’re currently ranking top and have been even before the season began. Which isn’t a surprise. Last year, the team was just a step away from the Finals. If it wasn’t for Jimmy Butler’s heroics, the C’s might have proven a tougher opponent for the Denver Nuggets lead by Jokic and Murray.

But, it was not to be. It may be this year, though, as the Celtics have more firepower. They’ve added veteran presence by acquiring Jrue Holiday which improves them on both ends. Kristaps Porzingis gives the team a new scoring outlet and length should they face the Nuggets. That’s not counting Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, both of which are on a stellar run. The Celtics are much more dangerous than last season, and look primed for a title.

Denver Nuggets

Defending champs Denver Nuggets are either on top of the trophy favorite list or right behind the Celtics at most sportsbooks. That shouldn’t surprise anyone even with the Wolves and Thunder stealing the headlines so far. Nikola Jokic looks like an MVP favorite, Jamal Murray has been great, and so have Aaron Gordon and the bench firepower led by Reggie Jackson.

With Jokic’s dominant play and Murray’s offensive masterclass, the Nuggets are ready to compete. They are flying under the radar a bit this year, but come playoff time, Mike Malone and his squad will be ready.

Milwaukee Bucks

It’s been quite a turbulent season for the Milwaukee Bucks. The team landed Damian Lillard—albeit against his Heat wishes—to form a scary duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The return so far is mixed. While the Bucks are still competitive and almost on top of the Eastern conference, a coaching mid-season chance has surprised some experts.

With Doc Rivers on board, they gain a lot of experience. However, Rivers’ record in the playoffs is less than stellar. Nevertheless, the Bucks are a dangerous team with Lillard in the fold, and are hungry for a title after the one in 2021.

LA Clippers

There’s no team more star-studded than the Clippers in the NBA. There’s Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and now James Harden too. The team struggled after Harden arrived from Philadelphia, but has been on a great run since then. Harden is running the offense, propelling the Clippers high atop the Western conference and close to the top spot.

Many bookies and experts believe that this might finally be the year for the Clippers. There’s no shortage on talent on this team. It will depend a lot on injuries, but so far, the Clips have been good. A potential matchup against the Nuggets will be tantalizing, especially from a neutral basketball fan’s point of view. Harden is reportedly happy to be in LA, and his form will have a major impact on the Clippers and their title aspirations.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers’ chances for a trip to the final will largely depend on Joel Embiid. He’s probably the most-hated player in the NBA, but also one of the most talented. This year, Embiid is among the top scorers and dropped a 70-piece which is incredible. If he stays in that groove and with Tyrese Maxey to back him up, the 76ers can make a deep playoff run.

Winning the title is still a long shot, but hey, stranger things have happened. We know the world would love a matchup between Jokic and Embiid.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns have had a disappointing start of the season, but have gradually improved a lot. Star-wise, the team is as stacked as the Clippers. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker have been playing at a high level, and if the Suns tie a string of runs post the All-Star break, they can be in a good position for a playoff run.

Like the Sixers, the Suns’ odds for the title are a long shot. But, make no mistake. Durant has a championship pedigree and has been in great form this season, and his presence alone can help the team win it all.