Top 5 teams with best odds to win NBA Emirates Cup

The NBA Emirates Cup will begin group play on Tuesday night with eight games scheduled. The league's in-season tournament continues in its second year, with the LA Lakers looking to win it back-to-back. But which teams have the best odds to win it?

The Lakers played well in the group stage last year, building a 4-0 record to top their group. They outlasted the Phoenix Suns in the first round before dismantling the New Orleans Pelicans in the semifinals. They faced the upstart Indiana Pacers in the final and dominated the game to become the first-ever NBA Cup winners.

This year's edition has the same rules, with six teams qualifying for the knockout rounds if they top their respective groups. Two more teams will make it to the next round based on a points system. The semifinals and final of the NBA Emirates Cup will be played in Las Vegas, Nevada.

---

Top 5 teams with best odds to win NBA Emirates Cup

---

#5 - Denver Nuggets (+1100)

The Denver Nuggets had a rough start to the season, but they have bounced back and won five straight. Nikola Jokic is playing like an MVP again and could be looking for his fourth title in five seasons.

Christian Braun, Peyton Watson and the rest of the Nuggets' young core have stepped up as well. They are in a tough group with the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.

---

#4 - Minnesota Timberwolves (+1000)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are still adjusting to their new roster following Karl-Anthony Towns' trade. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are slowly blending in, while Anthony Edwards has taken control.

Naz Reid remains an X-factor and will have a huge role in the team's success this season. The Timberwolves are in the same group as the LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers.

---

#3 - Cleveland Cavaliers (+1000)

At the start of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't have the best odds to win the NBA Emirates Cup. But with their 12-0 start, they have the third-best odds to lift the Cup just ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Donovan Mitchell is having an MVP-caliber season, while Evan Mobley looks like an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year. The Cavaliers are in a group with the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.

---

#2 - New York Knicks (+950)

Surprisingly, the New York Knicks have the second-best odds to win the NBA Emirates Cup. The Knicks are off to a poor start to the season with a record of 4-5 three weeks into the campaign.

Despite the losing record, the Knicks have a favorable group to be successful in the in-season tournament. They are grouped with the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets.

---

#1 - Boston Celtics (+400)

Just like for the NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics are also the favorites to take home the Emirates Cup. The Celtics are doing well despite injuries to Kristaps Porzingis to start the season.

Jayson Tatum is playing like an MVP and Payton Pritchard has a shot at taking home the Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards. The Celtics have a rougher schedule since they are in the same group as the Cleveland Cavaliers.