Image Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

2025-26 NBA Championship Odds: Favorites, Best Bets and Longshots

Who are favored to be the 2025-26 NBA champions? Let's find out.

Image Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The NBA 2025-26 season is moving towards its final stretch and teams are aiming to make the most of it. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who entered the season on the back of a historic campaign, have solidified their status as the clear favorites to win the NBA Championship at +135 on FanDuel. The Thunder own a balanced and explosive roster, and though a few key injuries have had a direct impact on their campaign, the reigning champions are still on the top.

They are being followed by the Denver Nuggets, who are seeded fourth in the West with a 37-22 record, while the surging San Antonio Spurs are third favorites at +950. The next two spots have been occupied by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. However, considering how both conferences have amped up, they face a tough path ahead.

Here, we will talk about the latest 2025-26 NBA Championship Odds, key contenders, value players as well as the longshots. The trends rely on their current form, team seeding, playoff experience, as well as injuries, and late-season surges. With the All-Star break passed, it is the prime time to see for the right value before trends start shifting frequently.

2025-26 NBA Championship Odds: Top Contenders

Team	Best Odds	Implied %	Notes
Oklahoma City Thunder	+135	42.7%	Reigning champions, elite defense
Denver Nuggets	+600	14.29%	Nikola Jokic-led offense, strong position in West
San Antonio Spurs	+950	9.52%	Leap in current season, young core fueled surprising rise
Cleveland Cavaliers	+1000	9.09%	East powerhouse, grabbing fourth spot in conference
Boston Celtics	+1200	7.69%	Consistent contender, strong position in East
Detroit Pistons	+1300	7.1%	Carried by Cade Cunningham, going strong in East
New York Knicks	+1700	5.56%	Consistent in the East, recent losses have led to slip in odds
Houston Rockets	+2500	3.85%	Rising West Squad, can be a threat if they push higher.

Odds from FanDuel, accurate as of Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:51 pm ET. Lines may move as the playoffs approach.

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Favorites to Win the NBA Championship This NBA Season

Oklahoma City Thunder (+135)

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the season on the back of a historic campaign, and while their NBA Finals rivals went on to have a disappointing season, the Thunder maintained their strong form. They are leading the league with superior defense, efficient offense and a deep rotation, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Owing to their most-recent experience, the Thunder hold an upper hand over their foes.

They are priced high due to their consistency and a historic pace. However, their odds might have seen a slip due to recent losses and setbacks. However, odds at +135 reflect high probability, and books are weighing their top-seed path.

Denver Nuggets (+600)

The Denver Nuggets have been occupying the second spot with odds as favorable as +600. They are being led by Nikola Jokic, who continues to deliver MVP-caliber numbers, enabling the Nuggets to maintain a strong position. However, the Nuggets need to push themselves if they want to acquire a higher seed in the West.

+600 odds offer a solid appeal as compared to their preseason odds, with a strong implied probability of over 14%.

San Antonio Spurs (+950)

The Spurs had a disappointing campaign last season and were marred by key injuries. However, they made a remarkable comeback this season, and established their dominance amongst their rivals. A young core with names such as Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and others, has led them to establish their defensive identity as well as into the playoffs’ contention.

At +950 odds with implied probability around 9.5%, the Spurs stand out as one of the better mid-value teams.

Contenders With Betting Value

Cleveland Cavaliers (+1000)

Donovan Mitchell’s offense and Evan Mobley’s dominance on both ends of the court has helped the Cavaliers position themselves as a top threat. While they didn’t have the best start to the season, the Cavs are now a strong record holder and have been solidifying their playoff spot with every passing game.

The value at +1000 makes the Cavaliers a realistic conference finals contender.

Detroit Pistons (+1300)

Cade Cunningham continues to lead the Pistons for yet another season, but his and the rest of the team’s effort showed up as the side positioned itself at the top of the conference. As of now, the Pistons are just a couple of games behind the Thunder and given their current form, are highly likely to take over the reigning champions.

At +1300, the Pistons offer strong value to the bettors if they continue their momentum.

Longshot Picks and Sleepers

Houston Rockets (+2500)

The Young Rockets have been playing good basketball this season. While they are highly likely to book a playoff spot for the second straight season, the Rockets are less favored than the Nuggets even after maintaining a better record. They need a late surge in order to move up the odds and probabilities.

NBA Championship Odds Movement and Market Storyline

The NBA 2025-26 Championship preseason odds opened with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the charts at +240. They were followed by the Houston Rockets at +750, and Minnesota Timberwolves at +1400. The Spurs were one of the least favorites, but they took one of the biggest leaps to now emerge as highly favorites.

Key turning points included injury management of key players, as well as the Pistons’ unexpected push in the East. The books are now emphasizing on current seeding, defensive ratings and playoff chances over preseason hype.