5 teams that are dark horses to win 2024 NBA title

The Denver Nuggets beat the odds last season when they won the 2023 NBA championship. The Nuggets were not the favorites to win the title at the start of the season but proved that they were simply the best team in the league. They enter the upcoming campaign as the favorites to win back-to-back titles.

The Boston Celtics have the second-best odds heading into the season after making changes to their roster. They acquired Kristaps Porzingis but had to trade Marcus Smart. The Phoenix Suns are third due to their quartet of stars — Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and DeAndre Ayton.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are fourth despite getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and replacing their coach. The Miami Heat complete the top five, and their chances would increase once they acquire Damian Lillard.

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Dark horse teams that could win the 2024 NBA championship

Not many expected the Denver Nuggets to win the 2023 NBA championship at the start of last season. The Nuggets, though, slowly boosted their odds of lifting the title as the season progressed.

It could happen again this season, with several teams having the dark horse label to win the championship. On that note, here are the five teams that could unexpectedly win the 2024 NBA championship.

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#5 LA Lakers

The LA Lakers did a fabulous job rehauling their depth for next season. The Lakers added Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood in free agency. Anthony Davis is looking to build on his amazing postseason run, while LeBron James is ready for his 21st season.

Austin Reaves has more to prove after his time with Team USA, but the Lakers improved from last season. Injuries are going to be the main problem, though, considering that Davis and James have missed a lot of games since they teamed up.

Nevertheless, it's not far-fetched to think that the Lakers could win an NBA record 18th title next season.

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#4 Golden State Warriors

Some were surprised when the Golden State Warriors acquired Chris Paul this summer.

The Warriors traded one of the best young players in the league for the second-oldest one. Paul's arrival is certainly risky, but it was something newly promoted GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. had to do.

Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are looking to win their fifth NBA championship together. If Paul can stay healthy and possibly embrace a sixth man role, the Warriors could lift the title. They also just need to add a veteran big man to improve their depth.

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#3 Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers had the opportunity to finally get over the hump last season when Joel Embiid won the MVP.

However, they faltered again in the playoffs, losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Harden was ineffective at times, while Embiid was dealing with an injury again.

With Harden requesting a trade, Philly's future looks bleak, as no team could possibly cough up a lot of assets for him. Nevertheless, Embiid might want to prove his detractors wrong.

Hence, it might not be the worst idea to surround him with great role players rather than an aging superstar.

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#2 LA Clippers

The LA Clippers have all the tools to win an NBA championship. Two superstars on the roster? Check. One of the best coaches in the league? Check. Have an owner who is willing to spend a lot of money? Check.

However, it's been four years since Paul George and Kawhi Leonard teamed up, and this might be their last chance to win something.

Injuries have always decimated the Clippers, mostly to George and Leonard. If the two can stay relatively healthy during the regular season and completely healthy in the playoffs, the Clippers could have a real shot at winning the title. Russell Westbrook will also look to build on his rejuvenating stint with them last season.

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#1 Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have the tenth-best odds of winning the 2024 NBA championship.

The Mavericks have two of the best players in the league currently - Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. They had an entire summer to retool their roster and might have a chance to replicate their success in 2022.

Grant Williams provides the much-needed perimeter defense, while Dante Exum and Richaun Holmes are no slouches on that side of the ball either. If Doncic and Irving learn to play effectively together, the Mavs could surprise many next season.

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