As we draw nearer to the end of 2023, there’s no better time to look back on this year in sports so far, and look ahead at what’s still to come in early 2024. While the many high-octane events provide plenty of chances for placing sports bets with trusted gambling websites in the US, they also make for exciting viewing. Fans and bettors alike have been surprised by some of the top teams’ performances so far this year, and there’s bound to be more twists and turns throughout the rest of the year and into early 2024.
The NBA: An Olympic Court-side Showpiece
Since its foundation, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has produced unrivaled athleticism, excitement, and drama that have cemented themselves into American sporting culture. The eagerly anticipated All-Star Game kicked off the 2023 season in February at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Team Giannis was victorious over Team LeBron, with a score of 184-175 in what was Giannis’ first victory and LeBron’s first defeat in such a game.
Then, the Finals clash in June between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat (which ended 4-1 to the Nuggets) created conditions worthy of watching for every sports enthusiast. Historically speaking, NBA Finals events have witnessed both new dynasties emerge and reigning ones fall during their history; a truly edge-of-your-seat event for both fans and bettors.
The Nuggets will be hoping for a rerun this season, and the odds at a selection of apps from readwrite.com suggest this could be likely. They’re currently at around +420 to win the title again this year, behind only the Cetics and the Bucks, at +389 and +400 respectively.
The NFL: Unmatched Gridiron Greatness
In February, Super Bowl LVII brought the NFL season to an exciting climax at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles final featured game days’ signature tailgate parties and on-field spectacles, as well as the traditional star-studded half-time show. The Chiefs managing to come out on top was a sight to behold, causing both thrill and agony across the country.
The season 2023-24 is now well underway, and last season’s finalists are, perhaps unsurprisingly, well-favored among bookmakers to go all the way again this season. Both are currently at odds of around +450, with the 49ers also attracting similar odds. At the moment, it’s anyone’s game.
The NHL: On Thin Ice
June saw the annual Stanley Cup Finals take place: this year, the championship series was between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers. Much like the NBA Finals, the NHL’s biggest event ended in a 4-1 victory overall, with the Vegas-based team claiming victory.
The 2023–2024 season commenced in October and is already delivering an action-packed experience with huge-stakes games. Sports bettors and avid fans alike look forward to the annual Winter Classic tournament. The next event is set to take place on New Year’s Day and will see the Seattle Kraken hosting the reigning Stanley Cup champions from Las Vegas.
Horse Racing, The Sport of Kings
This year’s biggest events in horse racing, the Triple Crown, have already come to a thrilling end. The Kentucky Derby kicked things off on May 6 at Churchill Downs. Known as “the fastest two minutes in sport”, this event represented an astounding blend of athleticism, high society, and fashion, all converging for one spectacular event. A few weeks later, the Preakness Stakes and later the Belmont Stakes brought the excitement to Maryland and New York. Perhaps the most thrilling of all was the conclusion of the trilogy, in which 7-1 Arcangelo put the favorite in second place, and made his trainer the first female to win a Triple Crown event.
Conclusion
2023 witnessed remarkable sports moments across the U.S., from the NBA’s intense finals to the NFL’s thrilling Super Bowl. The NHL and horse racing also provided unforgettable highlights, captivating fans and bettors alike. As 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for more exhilarating sports narratives and unexpected outcomes in these beloved American pastimes.
