The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder have been leading the Western Conference throughout the 2023-24 NBA season. These young and promising teams have been showcasing their exceptional basketball skills, ranking 2nd and 3rd in terms of wins, just behind the Boston Celtics.
Despite their impressive standings, the oddsmakers do not project either team to win the Western Conference. According to the odds board at BetOnline, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers are favored to take the top spot, both listed at +250. The Phoenix Suns trail behind at +650, while the Thunder, currently 1.5 games behind the Timberwolves, are listed at +700. Surprisingly, the Timberwolves, with the best record in the conference, have the 5th shortest odds at +750.
The current standings do not align with the odds, indicating that the oddsmakers anticipate significant changes in the final stretch of approximately 30 games. The Clippers will enter the post-All-Star break in 3rd place, trailing by 2 games, while the Nuggets are in 4th place, 3 games behind. The Suns are 6 games back, requiring a remarkable performance to surpass the Timberwolves.
Could a dark horse candidate emerge as the Western Conference winner? Similar to last year, when the Warriors and Lakers struggled during the regular season but excelled in April and May, they are listed at +1400 and +1600, respectively. The Mavericks share the same odds as the Warriors at +1400.
To maintain their position at the top of the Western Conference, the Timberwolves must overcome the Milwaukee Bucks in their first game back. They are expected to be favored in their subsequent three games against the Nets, Spurs, and Grizzlies.
The fate of several teams may be determined in the final days of the regular season. The Timberwolves will face crucial matchups against the Suns, Lakers, and Nuggets in their last six games, with three of those games taking place on the road.
According to the Source sportslens.com