Although not likely to produce the 2024-25 NBA Champion, the Southeast Division is positioned for improvement. The NBA odds have been released and we are going to look at the Southeast Division odds. The Magic grabbed the NBA Southeast Division title last season and are favored to repeat as divisional champions in 2024-25. Let’s dive into each team’s odds and chances of winning the division.
NBA Odds: Breaking Down the Favorites in the Southeast Division
Last Year’s Southeast Division Champion
The Orlando Magic were one of the league’s surprises in 2023-24, finishing 47-35 and atop the NBA Southeast Division for the first time since 2018-19. Led by 21-year-old All-Star Paolo Banchero, the Magic have found their star of the future.
FIRST LOOK
Jordan Brand has unveiled Paolo Banchero’s first signature logo
pic.twitter.com/xJNlgqHU2n
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) August 31, 2024
Along with Banchero, the Magic roster will look largely the same next season. They signed Franz Wagner to a max extension and signed other role players to favorable deals. Their lone major addition is championship role player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will reinforce the Magic’s perimeter defense, which ranked second in team defensive rating last year.
According to FanDuel, the Orlando Magic’s odds to win the Southeast Division are currently -140. Coming off a successful season and having young players that are likely to improve, we like their chances.
Miami Heat: The Old Southeast Division Dominators
Jimmy Butler is 34 years old and returning from a sprained MCL. Bam Adebayo has an Olympic gold medal and looks to be entering his physical prime at the age of 27. Having two stars moving in the opposite career directions makes winning tough. A full season of Terry Rozier and a healthy year from Tyler Herro will likely be the difference makers.
That being said, the Heat have arguably the best coach in the NBA and an organization that keeps on winning. The Heat are listed at +160 to win the division. Notably, they’ve won three of the last five division titles.
REPORT: Jimmy Butler is “fond” of joining the Brooklyn Nets in 2025 free agency, per @NYPost_Lewis. pic.twitter.com/p5ctBABPvr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 7, 2024
Atlanta Hawks: Rebuilding or Contending?
After losing Dejounte Murray to New Orleans this offseason, Trae Young is now a one-man show. The Hawks have had success with Young as their lone star, but trading Murray for draft picks and getting the number one overall pick in this year’s draft, may indicate the Hawks moving in a different direction.
Atlanta’s roster is not talented enough to make any postseason noise, but if they don’t trade Young, they will likely have a solid offense. They are +1100 to win the NBA Southeast division.
Charlotte Hornets: Too Young to Win
The first question to answer for the Hornets is the health of 23-year-old star LaMelo Ball, who has played only 58 of 164 possible games the past two seasons. When he plays he looks like an elite young point guard, but he doesn’t play enough.
If Ball can stay on the floor, combining him with Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges could be exciting for Hornets fans and a potential headache for their Eastern Conference rivals. For now, their odds of winning the division title are +3500.
Washington Wizards: Aiming for the Future
The Washington Wizards are projected to be the worst team in the NBA. They have made significant additions in Jonas Valanciunas, Saddiq Bey, and Malcolm Brogdon, but it may not be enough to overcome their roster deficiencies. The Wizards will continue to focus on their rebuild and development of young talent. Their odds are +50000 to win the division.
Overall, the NBA Southeast Division is expected to be a competitive battle, with the Magic and Heat emerging as the top contenders. The Hawks and Hornets could be surprise challengers, but don’t expect much from the Wizards.
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