The Boston Celtics are poised to make history as they stand just four wins away from becoming the first preseason title favorite since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to lift the NBA Finals trophy. Despite a challenging journey filled with ups and downs, the Celtics have emerged as strong contenders in their quest for the championship.

At the start of the 2024 season, the Celtics were among the top favorites, sharing the co-favorite spot with the Milwaukee Bucks at +400 according to BetMGM. Both teams experienced fluctuations in their odds throughout the offseason. Boston bolstered their roster with the acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, while Milwaukee made a significant trade, sending Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Damian Lillard.

If the Celtics can overcome either the Dallas Mavericks, their likely Finals opponent, or the Minnesota Timberwolves, a highly unlikely scenario, they will break the preseason favorite curse that has plagued NBA teams in recent years. The last team to successfully fulfill their preseason favorites status was the 2018 Warriors, who were determined to clinch their third consecutive Finals win.

Unfortunately, the highly favored Warriors faced a series of setbacks in the playoffs, with Kevin Durant sustaining a ruptured Achilles in the Finals and Klay Thompson suffering a torn ACL. The Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard, emerged victorious that season, capitalizing on a trade for Leonard and securing a 58-24 regular-season record.

In the tumultuous 2020 season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles Lakers were the close second favorites to the Clippers. Despite initial struggles in LeBron James' first season in Los Angeles, the Lakers made a pivotal move by acquiring Anthony Davis before the 2019-2020 season. Guided by the dynamic duo of James and Davis, alongside key role players, the Lakers cruised through the Western Conference playoffs, winning each series in five games before triumphing over the Miami Heat in six games in the Finals.

Meanwhile, the Clippers, buoyed by the signings of Leonard and Paul George, held the favorites' spot but faltered against the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals. Failing to break 100 points in Games 6 and 7, the Clippers allowed the Nuggets to advance in the playoffs.

In the following season, the Lakers were favored to repeat their success, yet injuries to James and Davis limited their playing time, resulting in a lower seed and a first-round exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

The Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference and triumphed over tough opponents, including the Brooklyn Nets, to reach the Finals. Antetokounmpo's dominant performances, scoring over 40 points in three Finals games, propelled the Bucks to their championship victory.

Looking back at recent seasons, the Brooklyn Nets headed into the 2021-22 season as overwhelming favorites. Armed with the lethal trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets were primed to be an offensive powerhouse. However, injuries limited their playing time, resulting in a modest regular-season record and a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Celtics.

The Warriors, with Thompson's return from injuries, secured the third seed in the West. Behind the scoring prowess of Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole, the team dominated their early playoff matchups before eventually outdueling the Celtics in six games. It may have been their last stand as the Warriors dynasty, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining a top status year after year.

The Denver Nuggets, despite missing Jamal Murray due to injury, opened the 2022 season with 18-1 odds to win the title. Powered by the unstoppable duo of Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets claimed the number one seed in the West and went on to win the NBA Finals, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.

As the Celtics embark on their Finals journey, they aim to defy the odds and break the preseason favorite curse. With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, Boston hopes to join the ranks of the few teams who have successfully fulfilled their preseason expectations and bring home the championship.