The Thunder clinched the 2024-25 NBA championship after defeating the Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. With the 2025-26 preseason currently in full swing, the spotlight turns to whether the Thunder can retain their title.

Will the Thunder make it back-to-back championships? The Rockets, who recently executed a significant trade for Kevin Durant, have their sights set on victory. Or will other key players from the summer rosters rise to the occasion?

As of October 10, these are the odds for winning the NBA title at FanDuel Sportsbook:

NBA Finals Predictions for the 2025-26 Season

• Oklahoma City Thunder: +210 (Wager $10 to receive $31 total)
• Cleveland Cavaliers: +650 (Wager $10 to receive $75 total)
• Denver Nuggets: +750 (Wager $10 to receive $85 total)
• New York Knicks: +1100 (Wager $10 to receive $120 total)
• Los Angeles Lakers: +1600 (Wager $10 to receive $170 total)

The odds have adjusted for various teams following pivotal moves. Specifically, Oklahoma City’s odds improved to +210 after starting at +260 post-championship. Over the summer, they secured their young talents, re-signing Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Key Contenders

Following the Thunder, the Cavaliers and Nuggets are the significant challengers. Notably, Denver was active in summer trades, parting ways with Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas, while also bringing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. on board.

East Disruptions

The Pacers’ star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum also tore his Achilles in the playoff run. Both players are candidates to miss the entire upcoming season. Additionally, the Pacers lost Myles Turner to free agency while the Celtics traded Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday while also seeing Al Horford depart in free agency. This uncertainty opens the Eastern Conference, with Cleveland (+650) and New York (+1100) as the early favorites.

Western Conference Leaders

Among the ten squads with the best title odds, six are from the West, including the Thunder (first), Nuggets (third), Lakers and Wolves (T-fifth), Clippers (seventh), and Rockets (eighth). The Warriors (11th) and Mavericks (15th) are not in a favorable position, with the Mavericks eagerly awaiting Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn ACL.

Notable Changes

The Rockets’ odds dropped from +900 to +1700, primarily due to Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury. Meanwhile, the Bucks saw their odds shift from +4200 to +6500, and the Suns dropped drastically from +31000 to +75000 after losing both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

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