5 Teams to Fade Heading Into the 2024 NBA Playoffs: Beware of Mavericks
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Oklahoma City Thunder
There are many real reasons to buy into the Oklahoma City Thunder this year. Still, we're not quite there yet with this group. There's a case where the Thunder can make us look silly after capturing the top seed in the Western Conference, but there's a strong likelihood they will get their beaks wet in the playoffs but only get a small taste of success. The Thunder have the makings of a championship core; we're just not sure it will come to fruition in 2024.
NBA Championship Odds: +1600
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Dallas Mavericks
Without looking at the NBA title odds, would it surprise you that the Dallas Mavericks are tied for the third-shortest odds to win it all? Yes, Luka Doncic was elite this season, and we know what Kyrie Irving can do in the postseason. Still, the Mavericks don't inspire confidence with their playoff track record. There are some differences with the 2024 version of the team, but not so much that we're willing to pay the price they're listed at. We're content with fading Dallas at this number.
NBA Championship Odds: +1500
Phoenix Suns
Even with all of the Phoenix Suns star power, this group hasn't played to a level they're capable of. You never want to count out a team with this many legitimate stars, but they've yet to make it work consistently, and it's hard to see them flipping a switch. The Suns have underachieved with their core, and anything less than a title run is disappointing. We're putting our money on the disappointment continuing.
NBA Championship Odds: +1900
Philadelphia 76ers
You never want to count out a team in the NBA postseason with a dominant force such as Joel Embiid, but it doesn't feel like it's the Philadelphia 76ers' year. The core of this group is solid, but it's hard to claim that they've ironed out the kinks when Embiid has been sidelined for so much of the season. It would hardly be a surprise to see the 76ers win a round or two, but that's far from a guarantee in this climate.
NBA Championship Odds: +1600
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Milwaukee Bucks
If you're looking for a team with bad vibes around it entering the postseason, the Milwaukee Bucks are it. Giannis Antetokounmpo has plenty of injury concerns, and it's far from a lock that the Bucks can take down the Indiana Pacers in the opening round. This doesn't even factor in the Doc Rivers postseason effect. The Bucks have several quality weapons on this roster, but we can't buy into this group right now.
NBA Championship Odds: +1500
Oklahoma City Thunder
There are many real reasons to buy into the Oklahoma City Thunder this year. Still, we're not quite there yet with this group. There's a case where the Thunder can make us look silly after capturing the top seed in the Western Conference, but there's a strong likelihood they will get their beaks wet in the playoffs but only get a small taste of success. The Thunder have the makings of a championship core; we're just not sure it will come to fruition in 2024.
NBA Championship Odds: +1600
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Dallas Mavericks
Without looking at the NBA title odds, would it surprise you that the Dallas Mavericks are tied for the third-shortest odds to win it all? Yes, Luka Doncic was elite this season, and we know what Kyrie Irving can do in the postseason. Still, the Mavericks don't inspire confidence with their playoff track record. There are some differences with the 2024 version of the team, but not so much that we're willing to pay the price they're listed at. We're content with fading Dallas at this number.
NBA Championship Odds: +1500
