2023-2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Most and Least Likely to Make Playoffs
An Early Power Rankings Based on Playoffs Odds
Boston Atop, Washington on Bottom
The 2023-24 NBA schedule is soon to be released. With that, the bookmakers have wasted no time putting out the early 2024 NBA playoffs odds. Unsurprisingly, teams like Boston, Denver, and Milwaukee are available at hefty prices to make the postseason. And on the other end, Washington and San Antonio are longshots. Using these odds, here is an early edition of the NBA Power Rankings.
Preseason NBA Power Rankings
Using the 2024 NBA playoffs odds, this is the tentative Power Rankings for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. Tiebreakers are based on each team’s ceilings – so Washington stays last as it does not have a Victor Wembanyama to excite us.
Tier S: Playoff Locks
Boston Celtics (-6000)
Milwaukee Bucks (-5000)
Denver Nuggets (-4000)
It would be a total shocker if any of these three teams miss the postseason. Denver, the defending champions, could still make it in if two-time MVP Nikola Jokic suffers an injury. Boston and Milwaukee are also deep with experienced talent that they can win 50+ games even if they deal with numerous injuries.
| Team | Odds *Last Updated: 8/9/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
 | Cleveland Cavaliers | -1200 |
 | Phoenix Suns | -900 |
 | Miami Heat | -800 |
 | Philadelphia 76ers | -800 |
 | Golden State Warriors | -500 |
 | Los Angeles Lakers | -400 |
 | New York Knicks | -400 |
Also coming in at short 2024 NBA playoffs odds are the rest of the top 10. All these teams made the playoffs this past season and are heavily expected to make it. Phoenix and Golden State both made big changes by acquiring superstars Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, respectively.
The Heat lost a handful of key role players. But the team might land Damian Lillard, the seven-time All-Star. The Lakers also re-tooled. They could be the most improved team this season even if the aging LeBron James and injury-prone Anthony Davis miss several games.
| Team | Odds *Last Updated: 8/9/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
 | L.A. Clippers | -250 |
 | Memphis Grizzlies | -250 |
 | Dallas Mavericks | -225 |
 | Atlanta Hawks | -220 |
 | Sacramento Kings | -180 |
 | New Orleans Pelicans | -150 |
The middle of these rankings have teams that could either go up or down the rankings depending on factors like injuries and trades.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have never played more than 56 games in a regular season for the Clippers. Ja Morant will miss the Grizzlies’ first 25 games due to a suspension. And the Pelicans have only had star forward Zion Williamson for 29 games in the past two seasons combined.
For the Hawks and Mavericks, these would-be contenders could create trades that will shake up the odds. Atlanta is pursuing All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam while Dallas could acquire center Clint Capela. Either way, the NBA playoff bracket should feature these teams if all goes swimmingly for them.
| Team | Odds *Last Updated: 8/9/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
 | Minnesota Timberwolves | -150 |
 | Oklahoma City Thunder | -135 |
 | Chicago Bulls | +150 |
 | Indiana Pacers | +150 |
 | Brooklyn Nets | +150 |
 | Orlando Magic | +165 |
 | Toronto Raptors | +180 |
These teams are potential playoff contenders, but they’d likely have to win an extra game or two to make it. Minnesota has the same odds as New Orleans. But the team just does not have the same potential given its porous NBA defense ranking despite the presence of Rudy Gobert.
The Thunder nearly made it to the playoffs last season. The team has shown plenty of flashes and will now have 2022 second overall pick Chet Holmgren to bolster their ranks. They might just be the hippest team to bet online.
As for the rest, they’re stuck in purgatory. These teams are not bad enough to “tank” but not good enough to be a true contender. Look for them to either be buyers or sellers at the NBA Trade Deadline depending how their season goes.
| Team | Odds *Last Updated: 8/9/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
 | Utah Jazz | +350 |
 | Charlotte Hornets | +475 |
 | Houston Rockets | +550 |
 | Detroit Pistons | +800 |
 | Portland Trail Blazers | OTB |
 | San Antonio Spurs | +850 |
 | Washington Wizards | +850 |
Opposite of Tier S, it would also be surprising to see any of these teams make the playoffs. The Jazz and Hornets may just make the play-in tournament, however.
Utah won 37 games last season and scored the seventh-most points. Charlotte, on the other hand, has plenty of reinforcements. The team drafted Brandon Miller second overall then re-signed Miles Bridges. LaMelo Ball should also be healthier. This team could be a sleeper given its odds.
The rest are fodder at best. The Blazers do not have odds for now due to the Lillard situation. The team could trade him or sit him and just develop its young talent. Either way, Portland will not make the playoffs.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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