Author: Monojit Mandal
After the latest NBA draft, the Boston Celtics made a bold move that quickly elevated them to the top of the title contenders for the 2023-24 season, causing a seismic shift in the NBA landscape. Renowned bookmaker FanDuel has adjusted its post-draft odds, and the Celtics have overtaken the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, as the team to beat. The addition of former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis has greatly improved Boston’s chances, putting them among the favorites to win their 18th title.
Previously, the Celtics were rated +500, suggesting that a $100 bet would result in a $500 profit if Boston won the championship. With the addition of Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, the Celtics’ odds have risen to +460, which means that a successful bet of $100 now generates a return of $460. This transaction certainly changed the NBA landscape, as Washington’s title odds dropped from +37000 to +50000, potentially culminating in a $50,000 reward for a $100 winning bet on the Wizards.
According to sources, the Wizards and Celtics have agreed to a three-team trade, with Marcus Smart being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal. Porzingis joins the Celtics after exercising his player option for next season, bringing his imposing 6’10” frame to the team’s arsenal. In return, the Grizzlies will acquire Smart, the coveted 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, as well as first-round selections in the 2023 and 2024 drafts from Boston. According to sources, the Wizards will acquire point guard Tyus Jones from Memphis, as well as forwards Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari and a second-round pick this year from Boston.
Porzingis joins the Celtics after a strong season with the Wizards, when he averaged 23.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, the best of his career. His durability has also improved, as he has played 66 games this season, the most since his time with the New York Knicks in 2016-17. The signing of Porzingis gives the Celtics a potent weapon to avenge their seven-game loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers’ title odds on FanDuel have dropped from +1400 to +1700. Speculation surrounding the possible departure of All-Star point guard James Harden in the imminent free agency season seems to have contributed to Philadelphia’s downward trend.