NBA Central Division Winner Odds, Predictions, Picks 2023/24

• The Milwaukee Bucks are the favorite to win the Central Division in 2023-24.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers are Milwaukee's most likely challenger for the division crown.
• Last year's Central Division winner was the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the favorites to win the Central Division in 2024! As the excitement builds for the impending 2024 NBA season, devoted fans and enthusiastic bettors are gearing up for an electrifying showdown set to unfold in the heart of the Central Division. They're eager to examine the intricate tapestry of betting odds that will shape their decisions in the coming months.

In this exclusive dive into the 2024 NBA Central Division betting odds, we'll offer a comprehensive glimpse into each team's prospects, tracing their offseason strategies and developments. Here, you'll find insights on the coming NBA season. As the curtain rises on opening night, we invite you to join the seasoned experts at WSN.com to explore the division's dynamics and the myriad opportunities it unveils for passionate fans and astute sports bettors.

2024 NBA Central Division Odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Check out our list of the best NBA betting sites for more betting opportunities.

WSN's Pick

• Our Pick: Milwaukee Bucks to Win Central Division (-220)

The clear choice to win the Central Division title is the Milwaukee Bucks. Not only were they the runaway winners of the division last season, but they won the first seed in the conference and will return this season with their core intact. Barring significant injury or an unprecedented jump in quality from their competitors, the depth of talent in Milwaukee should guarantee their position at the top of the Central Division.

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Who Is the Favorite to Win the Central Division in 2024?

Milwaukee Bucks

Head Coach: Adrian Griffin

Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton

Key Additions: Malik Beasley, Robin Lopez, Adrian Griffin (coach)

Key Losses: Jevon Carter, Joe Ingles, Wes Matthews

The Milwaukee Bucks struggled through much of last season due to injury but were able to rally and achieve first in the Eastern Conference as a championship-caliber team does. However, after a first-round knockout in the post-season, Milwaukee has re-evaluated its course and made some changes to maintain its title aspirations going into the 2023-24 season.

Milwaukee's most significant change this offseason was firing 2021 NBA Champion head coach Mike Budenholzer. In his place is former Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin, who also spent time under Budenholzer in Milwaukee. Their free agency acquisitions have been much more modest, bringing in Malik Beasley and Robin Lopez.

The Bucks hope to remain competitive with the improved health of their star trio of Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and Middleton. They maintain solid role players off the bench and remain one of the league's most balanced teams. Milwaukee is the clear favorite for the Central Division and a top competitor for the Eastern Conference!

Who Are the Contenders to Win the Central Division in 2024?

Cleveland Cavaliers

Head Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff

Key Players: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen

Key Additions: Georges Niang, Max Strus

Key Losses: Robin Lopez, Cedi Osman, Raul Neto

The Cleveland Cavaliers project to give Milwaukee the toughest test for the division crown, given the potential of their young talent. After a disappointing post-season elimination by the Knicks in 2023, the Cavaliers added more shooting to give their talented guards and big men more outlets for success.

Cleveland was able to strengthen their roster this offseason. While they lost longtime Cavalier Cedi Osman and big man Robin Lopez, they brought in marksmen Georges Niang and Max Strus. Donovan Mitchell will still lead this team, but those additions and the growth of young stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley make their roster very interesting.

The Cavs are the most threatening team to Milwaukee's division title, but they still lack depth at point guard and center. Expect a few more moves before the summer ends, but with their current crop of talent, the Cavaliers can compete with the best in the league.

Chicago Bulls

Head Coach: Billy Donovan

Key Players: DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic

Key Additions: Jevon Carter, Torrey Craig

Key Losses: Patrick Beverly, Derrick Jones Jr.

The Chicago Bulls struggled through much of their 2023 campaign due to poor defense and lingering injuries to key players. Despite that, they rallied and qualified for the Play-In Tournament before being knocked out by eventual Eastern Conference Champion, the Miami Heat.

They enter this season with minor changes but a strong core if they can remain healthy.
Through the offseason, the Bulls' front office strengthened their defensive presence with the additions of Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig. By extending Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls have committed to the core of Vucevic, DeRozan, and LaVine to bring them to the post-season.

The Bulls don't expect to have Lonzo Ball back on the court anytime soon, and the measure of his injury leaves many wondering how productive he can be when he eventually returns. Chicago's roster could be more inspiring, but it has the qualities to compete for playoff position given their quality - and the potential improvements on defense. Don't expect them to compete for the division crown, though.

Indiana Pacers

Head Coach: Rick Carlisle

Key Players: Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner

Key Additions: Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin

Key Losses: Oshae Brissett, Chris Duarte

The Indiana Pacers may have yet to finish strong last season, but they were a surprising outfit given the performance of some of their young stars. With some minor additions to a solid young core, the Indiana Pacers are set on reaching the playoffs this coming season.

The most significant move of the Indiana Pacers' offseason was extending the contract of All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, who established his place among the league's elite last season. Regarding free agency, the Pacers hit a home run by signing recent NBA Champion Bruce Brown to provide defensive toughness and winning experience to a young side.

The Pacers did bring in some great young players, like forward Jarace Walker, through the draft. They're not a finished product, but the potential of Indiana's roster around the play of Haliburton and Myles Turner is an exciting prospect. They're a long shot to win the division, but expect an improvement on last season.

Detroit Pistons

Head Coach: Monty Williams

Key Players: Cade Cunningham, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jaden Ivey

Key Additions: Joe Harris, Monte Morris, Ausar Thompson, Monty Williams (coach)

Key Losses: Cory Joseph

Last season, the Detroit Pistons were among the worst teams in the NBA. Despite their dreadful record, they finished at the bottom of the league and missed a top-three pick. They enter this season with even more young talent and one of the league's brightest coaches to lead them.

The Pistons added a bit of productive veteran experience this offseason through the acquisitions of Joe Harris and Monte Morris. Expectations are also high for their top draft pick in 2023, Ausar Thompson. However, fans and bettors alike are anxious to see the return of 2021's top draft pick, Cade Cunningham, to the Pistons lineup.

Expectations are low for the Detroit Pistons, as their youth and inexperience suggest they'll struggle again this season. While they're sure to make small strides through the 82-game schedule, without consistent production to support the play of a healthy Cunningham, the Pistons project to be lottery-bound for another season.