Here's How Celtics Projected Win Total Compares to Top Title Contenders

Jan 2, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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Yes, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finally broke through to their first NBA championship, leading the Celtics to a league-record 18th Banner. But the franchise has already turned the page to their upcoming title defense.

"You get more motivation to follow it," Jaylen Brown told this author at Summer League. "So, for me, it's back to ground one. So, my mindset is, championship, it's over now, and now we've got to get back to work."

The three-time All-Star also shared during that mid-July night in Las Vegas, "I've already talked to Al (Horford) and talked to some of the guys to see when to get back in the gym," adding, "Just continue to do what we've always been doing: build a great culture, a great energy, (and) great chemistry amongst our group. We've got a special amount of guys, and we're running it back next year."

The continuity that comes with 15 of the 17 players from last season's title team, including those on two-way deals, returning for the 2024-25 campaign is an advantage that boosts the prospects of Boston becoming the first franchise since the 2017 and 2018 Warriors to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy in consecutive years.

And with the Celtics still boasting the most talented top eight in the Association, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the reigning NBA champions as the team with the highest projected regular season win total.

Here are their top eight over/under win totals for next season.

Boston Celtics: 58.5

Oklahoma City Thunder: 56.5

New York Knicks: 53.5

Minnesota Timberwolves: 52.5

Philadelphia 76ers: 52.5

Denver Nuggets: 51.5

Milwaukee Bucks: 50.5

Dallas Mavericks: 50.5

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Further Reading

Top 5 Games on Celtics' 2024-25 Schedule

Sam Hauser Grateful for Extension with Team That Gave Him His First Chance

Brad Stevens Shares Encouraging Rehab Update on Kristaps Porzingis

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About 'Challenging and Humbling' Olympic Experience

Jrue Holiday Makes History in Team USA's Gold Medal Win

Fenway Sports Group Considering Buying the Celtics

Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange

Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player


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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.