The NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion.
Although the Boston Celtics secured their 18th championship at the conclusion of the previous season, achieving another title will be challenging due to the presence of several strong competitors in both conferences.
The Boston Celtics are getting a reality check as the Oklahoma City Thunder emerge as the new frontrunners for the 2024-25 NBA Championship. With the Thunder dominating the league and boasting the best record, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain competitive in their pursuit of staying among the elite teams.
At the same time, Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers are excited to have LeBron James back in action after he missed some games due to a groin injury. However, the Lakers have encountered a challenging stretch despite The King’s return, leading to a shift in their NBA odds as the Denver Nuggets surpass them in the race for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Let’s examine how the rest of the league is positioned.
2024–25 NBA Championship Odds
(Updated on April 8, 2025)
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +175 |
| Boston Celtics | +200 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +500 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1000 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1200 |
| Denver Nuggets | +2000 |
| New York Knicks | +3500 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +5000 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +6000 |
| Houston Rockets | +8000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +12500 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +20000 |
| Detroit Pistons | +25000 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | +25000 |
| Miami Heat | +100000 |
| Orlando Magic | +100000 |
| Chicago Bulls | +100000 |
| Atlanta Hawks | +100000 |
| Phoenix Suns | +100000 |
| Sacramento Kings | +100000 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +200000 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +200000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +200000 |
2025 NBA title odds favorites
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Tempest is Approaching
The Oklahoma City Thunder now hold the top record in the league.
The rest of the league is understandably anxious about this team’s potential to improve, particularly with the much-anticipated return of center Chet Holmgren. Even without their versatile big man, OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, especially following his career-high 54-point game against the Utah Jazz in January. Rising star Jalen Williams has been his reliable partner, helping keep the Thunder at the forefront of the Western Conference.
While OKC has the youngest roster in the league, Mark Daigneault’s team should not be underestimated because of their inexperience. As the NBA landscape evolves, the Thunder are positioning themselves for a successful postseason.
Boston Celtics: It’s time to take back what belongs to them
Following some inconsistent performances during the early part of the season, the Celtics still hold the No. 3 position in the NBA standings (and No. 2 in the Eastern Conference) without losing any traction.
Thanks to their depth and the capacity for multiple players to step up on any given night, the reigning champions are proving that they are here to stay.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Finding Their Rhythm Again
The Cavs have repeatedly demonstrated that they are a formidable team, but along with their successes come some challenges. Following an impressive winning streak, the Cavaliers are currently experiencing a minor slump. However, this is typical late-season fatigue, and Cleveland has the resilience to navigate through it.
Donovan Mitchell continues to deliver performances worthy of All-NBA recognition, as anticipated, but the standout narrative of this season has been the remarkable development of Evan Mobley. The USC alum is posting a career-high average of 18.8 points per game, thanks to increased involvement and a refined set of skills. Mobley is generating more offense off the dribble than ever before, consistently resulting in high-percentage shots for the Cavs early in the season.
Denver Nuggets: Aiming for the No. 2 Seed
The Nuggets spent a significant portion of the first half of the season outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference, but they’ve made a remarkable turnaround in the latter half. This resurgence can largely be attributed to Nikola Jokic, who is achieving a career-high average of 31.5 points per game.
The three-time MVP has already recorded 26 triple-doubles, and the Nuggets are starting to resemble the strong contenders we’ve come to expect from previous seasons, despite offseason departures and Aaron Gordon’s injuries that have kept him off the court for substantial periods.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference is well within their grasp. If they can successfully navigate the remaining games before the playoffs and hope for the surging Houston Rockets to cool off, the Nuggets could secure their position.
Los Angeles Lakers: Final Stretch Testing L.A.’s Resolve
The Lakers have certainly improved with Luka in the lineup, as the All-NBA guard has been an excellent complement to the 40-year-old LeBron James, who reached the 50,000-point milestone earlier this season. The team has finally welcomed James back following his recovery from a groin injury, but the path has been challenging with unexpected defeats against the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic. It may be late-season fatigue affecting the Lakers, but they need to shift their energy if they aim to enter the playoffs on a positive and energetic note.
That being mentioned, the center of the Western Conference standings is quite a spectacle, with the Rockets, Nuggets, and Lakers tightly bunched together. Los Angeles has an opportunity to rise from their current position at No. 4 to secure the No. 3 spot, but the remaining games in the regular season will pose challenges. With matchups against Golden State, Oklahoma City, and Houston still ahead, it’s clear that the Lakers will need to put in significant effort to improve their standings.
Which Teams are Likely to Face Off for the Larry O’Brien Trophy?
The battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is expected to feature several elite teams, with the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets often highlighted as frontrunners. Their stellar performances throughout the regular season have positioned them as favorites to reach the finals. However, teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors cannot be discounted, as they have the playoff experience and talent to make deep runs in the postseason.
Emerging teams, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, also have the potential to shake up the playoff picture. As the playoffs progress, analyzing each team’s strengths and weaknesses will be crucial for bettors looking to predict the final matchup. Understanding which teams are poised to challenge for the Larry O’Brien Trophy will help bettors identify value in the betting market and make strategic wagers leading up to the finals.
What Should Bettors Look for in Matchups?
When evaluating matchups for betting on the NBA Finals, bettors should consider several key factors that can influence game outcomes. Team dynamics, including injuries, recent performance, and player matchups, are essential components of this analysis. For example, if a team’s star player is returning from injury, this could significantly alter the odds and overall expectations for that team. Additionally, examining how teams have performed against each other in previous matchups can provide valuable insights.
Other factors to consider include coaching strategies and how teams adapt their game plans against specific opponents. Bettors should pay attention to trends in playoff performance, such as how teams respond to pressure situations and their ability to make adjustments on the fly. By thoroughly analyzing these aspects of matchups, bettors can develop informed strategies that enhance their chances of success when wagering on the 2025 NBA Finals.
What Are the Most Popular Online Sportsbooks for Betting?
With the rise of online betting, several sportsbooks have emerged as popular platforms for wagering on NBA games. Websites like Bet365, 1XBET, BetMGM, FanDuel, Stake and DraftKings offer competitive odds and a variety of betting options for fans looking to place wagers on the NBA championship. These online sportsbooks provide user-friendly interfaces, allowing bettors to navigate easily through different betting markets, including moneyline and point spread bets.
Each sportsbook also offers unique promotions and incentives to attract bettors, making it essential for fans to explore various options. Comparing bonuses, payout speeds, and customer service reviews can help bettors choose the right platform for their NBA betting needs. As the 2024-25 season approaches, being aware of the best online sportsbooks is crucial for maximizing betting opportunities and ensuring a seamless betting experience.
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