The Milwaukee Bucks are considered title favorites for next season

The Denver Nuggets have yet to have their championship parade but popular betting site FanDuel has already pegged the Milwaukee Bucks as a team that could win it all next season. Although the Bucks have their own issues to resolve, especially involving their free agents led by starting big man and to-way ace Brook Lopez, oddsmakers believe Milwaukee has enough firepower and championship savvy to bounce back from their horrendous first-round exit from this season’s playoffs.

NBA Championship Odds for 2023-24 pic.twitter.com/2lKLhnNzaA
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) June 13, 2023

Title favorites

The Nuggets and the Bucks are tied for the best championship odds at +460, with the Boston Celtics coming in at +500. The Nuggets, by virtue of their spectacular run through the Western Conference and then the Finals, have rightfully earned their spot atop the title favorites list. They have a chance to retain their crown as they return much of the same talent next season, led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

The Bucks, however, are the more interesting team in this conversation. After all, they were the overwhelming pick to win it all this season, thanks to a talented and veteran-led crew led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Stars Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Lopez.

However, it was not meant to be, as Giannis missed several games in the first round due to an injured back, and the Bucks squared off against a Miami Heat squad that was clicking on all cylinders.

Can the Bucks bounce back?

The Bucks’ road to redemption should begin with bringing back Lopez—the team’s unquestioned man in the middle. Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor, paired with his steady defensive presence in the paint, gives Milwaukee one of the league’s best two-way centers.

Milwaukee must also retain Middleton, who has a player option he has yet to decide on. Middleton has been one of the few constants in an ever-changing roster over the years and was a huge part of the team’s title run in 2021. He is a multi-faceted player who can hit threes, create for himself off the dribble, and guard multiple positions.