Nuggets 2024-25 Betting Preview: Prediction, Roster Projection

The Denver Nuggets couldn’t repeat as NBA champions last year, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals after a 57-25 campaign.

After losing their starting shooting guard this past offseason, the Nuggets’ stock has dropped in the betting market. But does that mean Nikola Jokić and Co. are now underrated?

NBA futures odds are available at the online sportsbook, including Denver Nuggets odds for NBA champion, division winner, and player awards.

Nuggets Futures Odds

Win Total: 51.5
Northwest Division: +325
Western Conference: +500
NBA Championship: +1100

The NBA odds have cooled on the Nuggets entering this season, at least compared to last summer.

After winning the 2023 NBA championship, Denver was +550 to repeat this time last year. The Nuggets also had +375 odds to win the Western Conference.

Denver has cleared its win total in eight consecutive seasons, dating back to the 2016-17 campaign. The Nuggets won 57 games last year with a preseason win total of 52.5.

Nuggets Offseason Moves

The Nuggets lost a critical rotation player for the second consecutive offseason while having championship aspirations.

Additions

Departures

A year after Bruce Brown left for free agency, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope earned a payday to leave Denver. He signed a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic.

While the new CBA makes it more difficult for teams to commit too much of their bankroll, the Nuggets shouldn’t have let their starting shooting guard walk for nothing when their team is good enough to contend for a title.

Denver traded up for center DaRon Holmes II in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft. Holmes suffered a torn right Achilles during his NBA Summer League debut, and there is no timetable for his return.

Nuggets 2024 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Nuggets Under 52.5 Wins (-110)

Note: This line has dropped to 51.5 since the prediction was shared in September.

All good things must come to an end.

I’m not talking about Denver’s status as a contender, but rather its regular-season success after clearing its win total for eight straight seasons. This team pushed for the No. 1 seed last year, leading to tired legs in the postseason.

The Nuggets won’t make the same mistake, especially with Jokić and Jamal Murray playing in the Olympics. Denver’s only concern is being healthy in the postseason.

In addition, the Western Conference isn’t getting any easier. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Timberwolves will be primary challengers in Denver’s division.

The Nuggets should take a step back this regular season, but remain a threat to win the West if they claim a top four seed.

2024-25 NBA Team Previews & Predictions