There’s a chill in the air, and fall has arrived. That means it’s also basketball season. The 2025-26 NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 21st, and this year’s title race looks as wide open as ever.

Superstars have switched teams, contenders have reloaded, and a few surprise risers are showing real value in the futures market. Unfortunately, injuries to several big-name players have already impacted the 2025-26 NBA championship odds in a major way.

Below, we’ll take a look at the latest title odds, evaluate the top favorites, find the best value bets, and highlight one longshot that could make noise come playoff time.

Looking for more NBA futures? Check out our full previews for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, or visit our main NBA betting page for expert analysis.

NBA Championship Odds

Check out the latest NBA Championship odds, courtesy of the best sports betting sites:

Overall, the board is tighter than usual, with nearly half the league sitting at +4000 or shorter. The Oklahoma City Thunder are clear favorites after capturing their first-ever championship a season ago, and they’ll be difficult to dethrone if they stay healthy. The West won’t be easy, however, with all of Houston, Denver, Minnesota, and both Los Angeles teams lurking and preparing to pounce.

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NBA Championship Favorites

The following teams are considered the top favorites to win the 2026 NBA Championship:

Oklahoma City Thunder (+245)

The Thunder are coming off a historic 68–14 season that ended with their first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swept the major honors, becoming the first player since 2000 to win the scoring title, regular-season MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year. Behind him, OKC became the NBA’s top-rated defense, turning an elite regular season into a dominant playoff run.

Continuity is their biggest weapon. The Thunder return 95% of their minutes from last year’s championship team, including all 13 of their top rotation players. Their core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are all locked into long-term extensions, while General Manager Sam Presti has done a masterful job of rounding out the roster on the margins. Oklahoma City’s complementary pieces – Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Aaron Wiggins, and others – help to prop up the stars.

Defensively, OKC was suffocating. They posted the highest point differential and most double-digit wins in league history, finishing with a +566 turnover margin. Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Wallace all ranked in the NBA’s top seven in steals, and the team’s ability to turn defense into offense powered them through the postseason.

Jalen Williams is the clear X-factor. The 24-year-old earned his first All-Star nod, plus All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors, while averaging 21.6 points and 5.1 assists. His 40-point eruption in Game 5 of the NBA Finals confirmed his rise to stardom. With its entire championship core intact and improving, Oklahoma City looks every bit capable of repeating at +245.

Houston Rockets (+1100)

The Houston Rockets’ rise from a 22–60 team just three years ago to a 52–30 contender has been one of the NBA’s fastest rebuilds. They finished second in the West last season but were upset by Golden State in the first round, prompting a summer overhaul. Houston added Kevin Durant and Clint Capela in the league’s first-ever seven-team trade, sending out Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green in the process. Durant’s arrival gives the Rockets a proven Finals MVP and four-time scoring champion who can help elevate the franchise into true title contention.

Even with Durant’s addition, Houston managed to keep most of its young core intact – Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard – along with veterans Steven Adams and Aaron Holiday. Head coach Ime Udoka now has a roster that mixes experience with youth, and its capable of competing on both ends of the floor. Losing Fred VanVleet to an offseason ACL injury hurts their backcourt stability, but the Rockets’ depth and versatility remain major strengths.

Amen Thompson is the key. The 6’7” wing was named to the All-Defensive First Team last season after averaging at least 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game – the only player in the league to do so. His elite athleticism and defensive instincts make him one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in basketball, while his transition play continues to fuel Houston’s fast-paced attack.

Houston’s offense should take a major leap with Durant in the mix. The Rockets ranked 14th in scoring last year at 114.3 points per game, and adding a top-tier scorer alongside Sengun and Smith gives them a far more dangerous half-court presence. Their title odds have slipped slightly from +700 to +1100 following VanVleet’s injury, but this team still looks like the biggest threat to Oklahoma City’s repeat bid in the West.

Denver Nuggets (+600)

The Denver Nuggets’ front office wasted little time reshaping the roster around Nikola Jokic after a second-round playoff exit. The Nuggets finished 50–32 last season, good for fourth in the West, and pushed the eventual champions in a back-and-forth seven-game series. With Jokic still in MVP form and a retooled supporting cast, Denver once again looks like a legitimate threat to reclaim the title it won in 2023.

The Nuggets parted ways with Michael Porter Jr. in favor of Cameron Johnson, a 39% career three-point shooter who adds much-needed spacing alongside Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Denver also signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. while trading for Jonas Valanciunas, giving the team its deepest rotation around Jokic since its championship run. JoVal, in particular, provides reliable backup minutes, which is something the team had lacked in recent years.

Jokic is the straw that stirs the drink. The three-time league MVP became the first player in NBA history to finish top three in points, rebounds, and assists in a single season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. His 31-point, 21-rebound, 22-assist performance stood out even in a season full of highlights. Surrounded by better shooting and veteran depth, the Joker doesn’t need to carry as heavy a load for Denver to thrive in 2025–26.

Denver’s path back to the Finals hinges on internal growth from players like Christian Braun, who doubled his scoring average last year while shooting 58% from the field. With Braun’s development, added shooting from Johnson and Hardaway, and the return of Brown, the Nuggets’ roster looks more balanced than it has in years. At +600, they’re once again among the NBA’s most complete teams.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+850)

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with the NBA’s best regular-season record last year at 64-18, dominating the East behind a top-ranked defense and a balanced offensive attack. Cleveland produced three 2025 All-Stars – Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley – while Mobley also claimed NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors. Despite sweeping Miami in the first round, the Cavs fell in the conference semifinals for the second straight year, losing to Indiana in rather shocking fashion.

The front office made practical upgrades. Lonzo Ball arrived via trade to bolster playmaking next to Garland, with Thomas Bryant and Larry Nance Jr. joining through free agency. Meanwhile, Isaac Okoro was moved to Chicago, Ty Jerome departed, and Max Strus (foot surgery) is out until at least the season’s first month. The Cavs return their core four – Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen – plus De’Andre Hunter entering his first full season after a midyear trade.

Mobley’s development will be key to whether the Cavs will finally take the next step. The 7-footer continues to evolve on both ends, improving his shooting to 37% from three and setting career highs of 18.5 points and 3.2 assists per game in 2024-25. His ability to protect the rim, switch defensively, and now stretch the floor gives Cleveland a legitimate two-way star capable of anchoring another elite defense.

Health will determine whether the Cavs can take the next step. They’ve shown they can dominate the regular season, but injuries have derailed their last two playoff runs. If Garland and Strus return to form by the spring, this group has the balance, continuity, and frontcourt defense to finally push through the East – making Cleveland a serious contender at +850.

New York Knicks (+850)

The Knicks cemented themselves among the league’s elite with a 51–31 record and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, falling just short against Indiana. Behind Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points and 7.3 assists while earning Clutch Player of the Year honors, New York proved it could win late in games. Karl-Anthony Towns quickly fit in after his trade from Minnesota, earning another All-Star nod, while OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart formed one of the NBA’s most ferocious defensive wings.

The offseason brought stability and depth. Bridges signed a four-year extension, and New York added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, two veterans who bolster a second unit that struggled in last year’s playoffs. With Mike Brown taking over for Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks enter a new era of leadership without losing their defensive identity. Clarkson, who has led the NBA in bench points since 2020, adds instant scoring punch, while Yabusele provides frontcourt versatility after a strong season in Philadelphia.

Bridges is an important piece. Acquired last year in a blockbuster deal with Brooklyn, he delivered when it mattered most, hitting clutch shots and forcing key turnovers in the postseason, including steals off Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum that swung games in the Celtics series. Now fully integrated, Bridges’ two-way impact gives the Knicks a legitimate third star alongside Brunson and Towns.

Depth was the missing piece, and the front office answered that question. The Knicks’ bench lackon to win the title, but it’s hardly a foregone conclusion, especially if those teams beat each other up en route to the Finals.

NBA Championship Betting Value

Looking for teams that might outperform their odds? Here are two with sneaky title potential:

Orlando Magic (+2200)

Orlando enters 2025–26 as one of the most intriguing value plays on the board. The Magic have increased their win total in each of the past four seasons, capped by a 41–41 finish and a Play-In berth despite a rash of injuries to key players. With a young core led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic now look poised to take another step forward in an Eastern Conference that’s suddenly wide open with Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by Achilles injuries.

The front office was aggressive this offseason, acquiring ex-Grizzlies Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones in separate deals that addressed the team’s two biggest weaknesses – shooting and playmaking. Bane’s elite 41% career three-point clip gives Orlando the perimeter scoring punch it lacked, while Jones adds reliable point guard depth and control. Combined with the steady development of Banchero and Wagner, the Magic now boast one of the most balanced starting fives in the conference.

Jalen Suggs’ return to form will be important. Before a season-ending knee injury in March, Suggs was enjoying a breakout year, setting career highs in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks while earning All-Defensive Second Team honors. His on-ball defense and relentless energy make him the tone-setter for a unit that already ranked second in defensive efficiency last year. A healthy Suggs would immediately restore Orlando’s defensive identity and leadership.

The Magic’s ceiling depends on health and cohesion, but their foundation is strong. Banchero (25.9 PPG) and Wagner (24.2 PPG) are entering their prime, and the team’s new additions address its offensive flaws without sacrificing defense. If the young core stays on the floor, Orlando has the upside to rise into the East’s top three – and at +2200, the Magic offer one of the best risk-reward bets on the board.

Los Angeles Lakers (+1400)

The Los Angeles Lakers’ blockbuster midseason trade for Luka Doncic transformed the franchise overnight, pairing him with LeBron James in one of the league’s most talked-about duos. Despite the excitement, the Lakers were bounced in the first round by Minnesota after a 50–32 regular season. With a full offseason to build chemistry and a revamped supporting cast, Los Angeles enters 2025–26 aiming to maximize its superstar window.

This summer, the Lakers locked in both Doncic and James to new deals while adding key depth pieces. Deandre Ayton joins the frontcourt as a strong interior presence, alongside Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia – both known for their defense and toughness. With Austin Reaves returning, the roster looks far more balanced than it did a year ago. LeBron will miss opening night with sciatica, meaning Luka will shoulder a heavy early-season workload as he leads the offense.

LeBron is the X-factor. Entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season, he continues to defy time, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games last year at age 40. Only five other players in history have ever matched that level of production. James’ consistency and leadership set the tone for a team blending generational star power with new pieces eager to prove themselves under second-year coach J.J. Redick.

How quickly Doncic and James can find full synergy will determine L.A.’s ceiling. These are two generational playmakers, albeit in vastly different parts of their respective careers. With Ayton reinforcing the paint and Smart boosting the perimeter defense, the Lakers have a clearer identity and better depth than a year ago. If Doncic can carry the offense early and LeBron returns healthy, Los Angeles could emerge as a dangerous value play at +1400.

The Best NBA Championship Longshot

The Atlanta Hawks (+4500) enter 2025–26 hoping to finally escape the Play-In rut after four straight appearances. The Hawks have hovered around .500 since 2022, but their latest roster overhaul could mark a turning point. Trae Young is the offensive engine, coming off a league-leading 11.6 assists per game and his fourth All-Star nod. With a retooled supporting cast that now includes Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and sharpshooter Luke Kennard, Atlanta is banking on balance – not just star power – to climb the Eastern ladder.

Porzingis is the headline addition. Limited to 42 games last season, he returned healthy after offseason ankle surgery and a bout with illness, recently suiting up for Latvia in EuroBasket. His floor-spacing and rim protection fill long-standing frontcourt gaps while complementing a young, athletic core led by Jalen Johnson, last year’s breakout forward who averaged career-bests before a shoulder injury ended his season. If KP stays on the floor, Atlanta suddenly boasts one of the East’s most versatile front lines.

Dyson Daniels is an emerging star. The reigning steals champion became the first player in more than 40 years to average at least three steals per game, wreaking havoc on opposing ball handlers while locking up elite scorers. Paired with Alexander-Walker – an underrated perimeter stopper who thrived in Minnesota’s defensive system – Daniels gives the Hawks two elite guards who can turn defense into instant offense.

After years of hovering around the Play-In bubble, Atlanta finally looks positioned to break through. The additions of Porzingis, Alexander-Walker, and Kennard give Young more spacing and defensive help than he’s ever had. With Johnson healthy and the backcourt anchored by Daniels’ defensive instincts, the Hawks’ mix of youth and experience makes them a dangerous sleeper pick at +4500 to finish among the East’s top six – or better.

NBA Championship Predictions

The Nuggets enter 2025–26 looking like the most complete team in basketball. After a busy offseason that brought in Brown, Cameron Johnson, Hardaway Jr., and Valanciunas, Denver has surrounded Jokic with the deepest rotation he’s had since their 2023 championship run. Jokic is coming off one of the most dominant statistical seasons in NBA history, and he’s flanked by a young core that continues to develop under coach David Adelman. The pieces around him finally make sense again: shooting, size, and enough defensive depth to survive when the MVP rests.

This roster feels built for another deep playoff run. The Nuggets’ retooled supporting cast gives them flexibility they lacked last spring, and they still have the best player in the league anchoring the offense. If Braun continues his rise and the new wings stretch the floor the way management envisioned, Denver’s blend of star power and balance will be tough to match. At +600, they’re the smart pick to reclaim the throne and bring another championship back to Colorado.

See all of today’s expert NBA picks for more futures and game-day betting predictions.

Bet: Denver Nuggets (+600)

NBA Finals Winners

The following is a list of the most recent NBA Champions: