The Miami Heat’s miraculous run to the 2023 NBA Finals proved that the Eastern Conference is wide open. As we approach the 2024 postseason, however, things are looking a bit more top-heavy.
The East is loaded with talent. Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo could each lead their respective teams to an NBA Finals appearance this year — and the list doesn’t end there.
Here are the latest NBA Eastern Conference odds for the 2023-24 season.
bet365 Sportsbook provides NBA lines for the 2024 NBA East winner, which are current as of Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. ET:
NBA Eastern Conference Betting Odds 2024
Track line movement for the NBA Eastern Conference Winner with our odds widget below:
- Boston Celtics (+110)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+225)
- New York Knicks (+700)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+1000)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+1400)
- Miami Heat (+1800)
- Indiana Pacers (+3000)
All remaining teams have odds of (+6600) or longer.
Who Will Win The NBA Eastern Conference?
Boston Celtics (+110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics have been the league’s most dominant team this season, and it hasn’t been particularly close. Jayson Tatum is playing like an NBA MVP candidate, Jaylen Brown made the All-Star team for the third time in the last four seasons, and Boston has the No. 1 record at the All-Star break (43-12).
This group is flourishing on both ends of the floor, thanks in part to the additions of former All-Stars Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. Derrick White has also become one of the league’s most underrated players thanks to his offensive versatility on offense and stellar defensive play.
The Celtics were one game away from reaching the NBA Finals in 2023. I don’t expect them to repeat their mistakes in 2024, which is why they’re my NBA bet of the day.
NBA Eastern Conference Favorites
Milwaukee Bucks (+225)
bet365 Sportsbook
Milwaukee seemingly has it all. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, Damian Lillard is one of the finest scorers and shooters in league history, and Doc Rivers is one of a handful of active head coaches with an NBA title.
Despite that, it’s difficult to be confident in the Bucks’ chances of winning the Eastern Conference. This team has been plagued by defensive issues all year, and although Rivers has championship experience, it’s concerning that he hasn’t been back to the NBA Finals since 2009-10.
Despite its 35-21 record and fifth-ranked offense, Milwaukee looks vulnerable. Considering the circumstances — and overall strength of the Eastern Conference — I can’t recommend a bet at (+225).
New York Knicks (+700)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
This isn’t a bet I would’ve suggested in December, but the Knicks have looked like a different team since the calendar turned to 2024. OG Anunoby has helped turn this team into a defensive juggernaut, while Jalen Brunson has carried the load on offense as a first-time All-Star.
Since Jan. 1, New York has limited opponents to just 104.4 points per game, which would place first among season-long rankings. During that same stretch, Brunson has averaged 30.3 points and 7.2 assists per game on .497/.360/.862 shooting splits.
The Knicks beefed up the roster ahead of the trade deadline by adding Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks, and acquiring Precious Achiuwa via the Anunoby deal has paid dividends while Julius Randle (shoulder) remains sidelined.
New York can get it done on both ends of the floor and has a real chance to be one of the last two teams standing in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Eastern Conference Contenders
Cleveland Cavaliers (+1000)
bet365 Sportsbook
Cleveland has surged to the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference standings as winners in 18 of their last 20. Donovan Mitchell has played phenomenal basketball during that stretch, averaging 29.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 49.3% from the field.
However, where the Cavaliers have really excelled over the last 20 games is on defense, where they’ve held opponents to 104.0 points. Teams have failed to score 100 points in seven of them.
With that said, I’m holding out on Cleveland for now. Just seven of those 20 came against teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, and the Cavs still have tough matchups ahead with the Celtics, Timberwolves, Clippers, Nuggets, and Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers (+1400)
bet365 Sportsbook
Philadelphia is in free fall without Joel Embiid (knee). The reigning MVP is without a timetable for return, and while the franchise is reportedly hopeful that he’ll be back for the postseason, the team could have an uphill battle ahead by then.
The 76ers have won three of their last 12 games, and coming out of the All-Star break, they’re just three losses ahead of the eighth-place Magic. A lot could change for Philadelphia between now and the end of the regular-season, and that could include falling into play-in territory.
- See where the 76ers rank in the latest 2024 NBA Finals odds.
There’s still some solid value here at (+1400), but it’ll only be worth the price if Embiid can guarantee a relatively healthy return in time for the playoffs. Otherwise, the Sixers won’t have a chance of reaching the NBA Finals.
NBA Eastern Conference Sleepers
Miami Heat (+1800)
bet365 Sportsbook
It’s not easy to figure out the Heat. This team has had an up-and-down season — occasionally teetering on the brink of .500 — but they entered the All-Star break at 30-25 with the league’s eighth-most efficient defense.
As usual, what’s most impressive about Miami is its ability to overcome injuries and absences. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro have only appeared in 37 and 35 games this year, and yet the group remains squarely in the playoff picture.
- Find out how the other half of the NBA shakes out in our Western Conference odds.
The Heat will always remain in the mix so long as they have Erik Spoelstra on the sidelines, but if they were to meet the Celtics in the playoffs again this season, I would have to give the edge to Boston. This Miami squad is just missing something.
Indiana Pacers (+3000)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 Units
The Pacers are one of the NBA’s most exciting teams, and fortunately, they may not be that far off from competing for an Eastern Conference title.
Indiana is on track to lead the league in scoring (123.7 PPG), and their impressive run to the NBA In-Season Tournament title game could be indicative of what’s to come in April and May. Knocking off the Celtics and Bucks en route to the championship remains an impressive feat.
Tyrese Haliburton is an offense all by himself, and we’re still waiting to see what this team can do once they figure out how to play with Pascal Siakam. If Indiana stays hot and plays with confidence, it could make a surprise run.
