Denver Nuggets 2024-25 Season Preview, Betting Odds

Many expected their 2023 NBA championship to be the start of a potential dynasty, but after falling in the Western Conference semifinals this past season and then losing key cogs to their title roster over the summer, the Denver Nuggets may have their work cut out for them returning to the mountaintop. 

As part of our 2024-25 season preview, here's a look at all betting odds involving the Nuggets as they once again ride their three-time Most Valuable Player, regroup, and hopefully improve off of what was a disappointing finish to the playoffs. 

Denver Nuggets' 2024 Offseason Acquisitions 

Denver Nuggets' 2024 Offseason Departures

Denver Nuggets' 2025 NBA Championship, Western Conference, Northwest Division Betting Odds

Odds as of October 17, 2024 at FanDuel

Losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope doesn't appear to be a devastating blow on paper, but he was arguably Denver's best perimeter defender and an elite 3-point marksman who knew his role and played it well.

Russell Westbrook is a suitable replacement for Reggie Jackson, but he's 36 years of age with his best years behind him. At the very least, the nine-time All-Star will keep in check with the understanding that this may be his best and perhaps last true shot at the Larry O'Brien trophy.  

Best Bet: Denver Nuggets To Win Western Conference, +500

Managing to take three-straight games versus the Minnesota Timberwolves after losing the first two at Ball Arena showcased the perseverance of a still motivated Nuggets squad coming off a championship, even though it still ended in heartache. Nikola Jokic was a monster statistically despite having to battle the three-headed monster of Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid. If that couldn't put a sizeable dent in his production, then nothing will. 

The ungodly talent Jokic possesses keeps Denver in the title hunt and overshadows the issues currently plaguing the roster. The Nuggets already had a bottom-third second unit which only got weaker, and an injury-riddled Jamal Murray just put forth a noticeably putrid performance in Paris as a part of Canada's national team at the Olympic Games. 

There's too many red flags to gloss over, but Jokic keeps the team's ceiling high as long as he's healthy. He'll forever be a matchup nightmare, and is undoubtedly the primary reason why Denver continues to have favorable odds at winning a second championship in three years. Getting out of the Western Conference is doable, but teams like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers would likely be favored in a seven-game Finals series if it reached that point.

Denver Nuggets' 2024-25 NBA Win Total, Make Playoffs Odds

Odds as of October 17, 2024 at FanDuel

The Nuggets have finished with a winning percentage of .560 or better every year since 2018, with a 57-25 record (.695) in 2023-24 tying a franchise record for the team's best-ever record since coming over from the ABA. 

Best Bet: OVER 49.5 Wins, -106

Oddsmakers are rightfully pessimistic about Denver's chances of repeating such a mark, even though its managed to win at least 53 games each of the last two years.

The core four of Jokic, Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. is still enough to exceed this total, and at plus money, you really can't go wrong. It's basketball blasphemy to suggest a team led by Jokic can't win 62 percent of the time, so trust the numbers and trust the Joker. 

Denver Nuggets' 2024 NBA Cup Odds

Odds as of October 17, 2024 at FanDuel

Denver finished with a 2-2 record in West Group B during the inaugural in-season tournament, finishing fourth in what was unquestionably the toughest group in the conference. Even though they're second in the odds race in West Group C this time around, the Nuggets still got a tough draw needing to fend off the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Denver Nuggets' 2024-25 NBA Awards Odds

Odds as of October 17, 2024 at FanDuel

Best Bet: Nikola Jokic For NBA Most Valuable Player, +480

It can't be overstated how sensational Jokic's numbers were en route to his third MVP in four years, a feat which hadn't been accomplished by a center since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1973-74 to 1976-77. He averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists across 79 appearances, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to rank in the top five in those three categories in multiple seasons. 

Only Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently possess greater odds of capturing MVP than Jokic. It's only a matter of time until those two take home the trophy, and what plays into their favor is voter fatigue from those reluctant to crown Jokic once again. 

With Denver expected to take somewhat of a dip, justifying another MVP for Jokic will prove to be more difficult than it's been during this stretch. However, the near 7-footer is on such a level above his competition that he'll be insanely difficult to ignore when the time comes to vote. Jokic would be the sixth player to snag four MVPs, and if it's not this season, it should come at some point.

2024-25 NBA Team Previews, Betting Odds