{"id":95447,"date":"2024-09-12T19:02:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T23:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=95447"},"modified":"2026-03-11T00:19:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T04:19:27","slug":"nba-odds-breaking-down-the-favorites-in-the-atlantic-division","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/12\/nba-odds-breaking-down-the-favorites-in-the-atlantic-division\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Odds: Breaking Down the Favorites in the Atlantic Division"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NBA Atlantic Division has a long history of excellence in the Eastern Conference. The division is home to the current NBA Champions, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/07\/boston-celtics-win-total-odds-and-betting-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Celtics<\/a>. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are also projected to be two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference next season. The NBA Atlantic Division will be competitive and we are going to take a look at the NBA odds and see which team is the best bet to win.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>NBA Odds: Breaking Down the Favorites in the Atlantic Division<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"input-box\" spellcheck=\"false\">\n<div id=\"waffle-rich-text-editor\" class=\"cell-input editable disabled-input\" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"combobox\" contenteditable=\"false\" aria-autocomplete=\"list\" aria-label=\"B6\" tabindex=\"0\">[tgdcta items=&#8221;1&#8243; id=&#8221;170476&#8243;]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h3><strong>Boston Celtics: The Defending Champions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/10\/nba-star-releases-basketball-childrens-book-baby-dunks-a-lot\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Celtics<\/a> are both the defending Atlantic <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/10\/nba-odds-breaking-down-the-favorites-in-the-pacific-division\/\" target=\"_self\">Division<\/a> and NBA Champions. They were the best team in the league last season and have not changed their <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/02\/top-5-nba-power-forwards-heading-into-the-2024-25-season\/\" target=\"_self\">roster<\/a> much. Despite their dominant performance last season, the team still faces the challenge of the championship hangover.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jayson Tatum predicted a rematch for the 2025 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks.  <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/1tfllnlcoy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/1tfllnlcoy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sixfivelando\/status\/1834098095556006073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically, defending champions have struggled to meet or exceed their win total projections in the following season. While the Celtics roster only seems to be getting better, the physical and mental toll of a championship run (and Olympic participation from three key players) could impact their performance. The Celtics are currently -145 to win the NBA Atlantic Division. Expect another strong season from the Celtics roster this year. However, a step back from last season opens an opportunity for another team to take the division.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>New York Knicks: Aiming for More<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bing Bong! The Knicks are officially back. The team won 50 games for the first time since 2013 and has only improved upon last year\u2019s team. The New York Knick roster is one of the deepest in the league and will likely contend as one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Knicks 2024-25 odds project to win 53.5 games this year after a successful offseason.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"input-box\" spellcheck=\"false\">\n<div id=\"waffle-rich-text-editor\" class=\"cell-input editable disabled-input\" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"combobox\" contenteditable=\"false\" aria-autocomplete=\"list\" aria-label=\"B3\" tabindex=\"0\">[tgdcta items=&#8221;1&#8243; id=&#8221;170466&#8243;]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The highlight of the Knicks offseason was making a blockbuster trade for <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bridgmi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikal Bridges<\/a>. Bridges, former Villanova teammate of Knick\u2019s <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brunsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Brunson<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hartjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Hart<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/divindo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donte DiVincenzo<\/a>, adds another defensive-minded scorer to the Knicks roster. With Bridges and a full season from <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/anunoog01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">OG Anunoby<\/a> (they were 20-3 when he played last season) the Knicks can contend for a championship next year. Taking them at +300 to win the NBA Atlantic <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=division\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Division<\/a> could be a solid NBA <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/10\/nba-odds-breaking-down-the-favorites-in-the-central-division\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">bet<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jalen Brunson is 27.<br \/>Mikal Bridges is 27.<br \/>OG Anunoby is 26.<br \/>Julius Randle is 29.<br \/>Mitchell Robinson is 26.<br \/>Deuce McBride is 23.<br \/>Donte DIvincenzo is 27.<br \/>Josh Hart is 29.<\/p>\n<p>The Knicks have an elite rotation, and not one player has even turned 30 yet. Here to stay. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/flO58oUIxV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/flO58oUIxV<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KnicksMuse\/status\/1806090625827451115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Philadelphia 76ers: Health is Key<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The time bomb begins on <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/embiijo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Embiid<\/a>&#8216;s tenure with the 76ers. Headed into a contract year your feelings about the team\u2019s chances could be boiled down to your thoughts on Embiid. Embiid\u2019s ability to show up during the regular season and especially the playoffs will be a determining factor of 76ers success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Philadelphia 76ers roster <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/02\/early-winners-and-losers-of-nba-free-agency\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">won the offseason<\/a> with the addition of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgpa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul George<\/a> joining in free agency. Sixers roster excitement also extends to the additions of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martica02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caleb Martin<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/drumman01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andre Drummond<\/a>. The Sixers won 47 games last season and are projected for <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=regular-season-wins\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">52.5<\/a> this season. The Sixers&#8217; odds to win the NBA Atlantic Division is +310, but expect them to focus more on being healthy for the playoffs than regular season wins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">BREAKING: Free agent F Paul George has agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. George committed in a meeting with Sixers officials and returns East to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of an NBA title. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pkCfGu3hyp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/pkCfGu3hyp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1807678190078308537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Toronto Raptors: Young and Hungry<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Raptors added young talent through the draft and re-signed their core players, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barnesc01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scottie Barnes<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quickim01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a>, to long-term deals. The focus on youth suggests they are not aiming for immediate playoff contention, but the Raptors roster is ready to compete. The Raptors might be able to sneak into the play-in tournament in the bottom-heavy Eastern Conference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Raptors only won 25 games last season. The NBA betting odds are projecting them to win<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=regular-season-wins\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> 30.5<\/a>\u00a0games in the 2024-25 season. Despite the expected improvement, the Raptors are long shots to win the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/10\/nba-odds-who-will-win-the-nba-southeast-division\/\" target=\"_self\">division<\/a> at +<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=division\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">50000<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"input-box\" spellcheck=\"false\">\n<div id=\"waffle-rich-text-editor\" class=\"cell-input editable disabled-input\" dir=\"ltr\" role=\"combobox\" contenteditable=\"false\" aria-autocomplete=\"list\" aria-label=\"B6\" tabindex=\"0\">[tgdcta items=&#8221;1&#8243; id=&#8221;170476&#8243;]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong>Brooklyn Nets: Potentially Worst Team in the NBA<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Brooklyn Nets roster is looking rough. This offseason, the Nets embraced a full rebuild, trading Mikal Bridges and prioritizing future draft picks. The Nets roster\u2019s remaining veteran talent, including <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnsca02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Johnson<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/finnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a>, could be moved soon as well. While they have some young players with potential, the Nets are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league this season.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Nets won 32 games last season, however, NBA odds makers are expecting them to take a big step back. Their 2024-25 NBA odds are projecting them for 18.5 <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=regular-season-wins\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wins<\/a>. Like the Raptors the Nets are +<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsbook.fanduel.com\/navigation\/nba?tab=division\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">50000<\/a> to win the NBA Atlantic Division. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA Atlantic Division has a long history of excellence in the Eastern Conference. The division is home to the current NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are also projected to be two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference next season. The NBA Atlantic Division will be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5284,"featured_media":95499,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[49087,1608,5,6,62,12,13,14],"tags":[49059,49445,1530,1417,267,1004,1484,408,50],"class_list":["post-95447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball-betting","category-basketball","category-celtics","category-nets","category-nba","category-knicks","category-76ers","category-raptors","tag-2024-nba-free-agents","tag-2024-25-nba-schedule","tag-donte-divencenzo","tag-jalen-brunson","tag-joel-embiid","tag-josh-hart","tag-mikal-bridges","tag-nba-championship","tag-paul-george"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5284"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95447"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":181063,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95447\/revisions\/181063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}