As is usually the case, the Atlantic Division is stacked with talent as we approach the 2023-24 NBA season. The Boston Celtics appear to be the team to beat after winning the division this past year, but there are other candidates on the rise that could make things difficult for the defending champs.
It’s also worth noting that this is a regular-season honor, so playoff performance and standings don’t matter. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest odds.
NBA Atlantic Division Betting Odds 2023
Track line movement for the NBA Atlantic Division Winner with our odds widget below:
Caesars Sportsbook provides NBA lines for the 2024 NBA Atlantic winner, which are current as of Thursday, July 6, at 9 a.m. ET:
- Boston Celtics (-400)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+500)
- New York Knicks (+900)
- Brooklyn Nets (+2500)
- Toronto Raptors (+4500)
Who Will Win The NBA Atlantic Division?
Boston Celtics (-400)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
It should come as no surprise to see Boston atop the board. Not only did the Celtics win the Atlantic in 2022-23, but this team made noticeable improvements in the offseason that should significantly raise their ceiling on offense.
Losing Marcus Smart hurt, but adding Kristaps Porziņģis to the frontcourt provides this team with a versatile, offensive-minded seven-footer who can stretch the floor more effectively than Al Horford. That’s a big-time move that should help them rack up the regular-season wins.
Barring a significant injury to either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have what it takes to pace the Atlantic in wins. It’s up to you to determine if the value is there at (-400), but for now, I’m recommending this as my NBA bet of the day.
NBA Atlantic Division Favorites
Philadelphia 76ers (+500)
What will happen with James Harden? That’s the most significant determining factor in how Philadelphia’s 2023-24 campaign will play out.
The Sixers do still have what it takes to be a formidable force in the Atlantic thanks to reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who could put up even larger stats this coming season with Nick Nurse replacing Doc Rivers as head coach.
Tyrese Maxey also appears to be an All-Star in the making, but without a third star in the mix, Philadelphia could struggle to keep up with the Celtics. Until we know what happens next with Harden, I’m staying off the Sixers.
New York Knicks (+900)
There’s still time for them to add a star, but so far, I haven’t been all that wowed by New York’s offseason. Re-signing Josh Hart was a plus, but I’m not as high on Donte DiVincenzo as others seem to be, and the Knicks didn’t return any contributors in the Obi Toppin trade.
- See where the Knicks stand in the latest NBA Eastern Conference odds.
New York had a great campaign in 2022-23, and the emergence of Jalen Brunson as an All-Star caliber talent can’t be overstated. However, until they add another top-tier player and prove they can go head-to-head with the Atlantic’s best, I can’t recommend a bet on them.
NBA Atlantic Division Contender
Brooklyn Nets (+2500)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.1 Units
The Nets aren’t in the position to win now, and they don’t need to be, either. However, Brooklyn continues to pop up in potential trade conversations for Damian Lillard, which makes you wonder if the franchise is ready to pull the trigger and compete this year.
They certainly have the assets: Brooklyn owns a slew of future draft picks, and there’s no shortage of young talent on this roster. By pairing a superstar with the likes of Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, the Nets could reasonably contend with the Celtics and Sixers.
There’s a slim chance that the Nets decide to go all-in this season, but I’d rather get in before this price tag shrinks dramatically.
NBA Atlantic Division Sleeper
Toronto Raptors (+4500)
After losing Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets, the Raptors appear to be heading toward a rebuild sooner rather than later. Toronto is still hanging on to Pascal Siakam at the moment, but it no longer feels as though he’ll be with the franchise long-term.
It’ll take a move beyond imagination for the Raptors to suddenly become an Atlantic Division contender. This roster doesn’t have what it takes to compete right away, and there are only a handful of stars in the league that would elevate them to that status.
