Latest NBA Finals Odds | Favorites To Win 2026 NBA Title

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Who is favored to win the NBA Championship in 2026?

As of December 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to win the NBA Championship in 2026 with odds as short as +200 to repeat as NBA Finals Champions. As the regular season progresses, odds will likely shift, and our team of NBA betting experts will continue to provide updates.

Best 2026 Odds To Win The NBA Championship

Here are the best current 2026 NBA Championship odds. Be mindful that these odds will change throughout the NBA season.

Team	Best NBA Finals Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder	+265 (Caesars)
Denver Nuggets	+650 (ESPN BET)
Cleveland Cavaliers	+850 (DraftKings)
New York Knicks	+1000 (BetMGM)
Los Angeles Lakers	+1700 (DraftKings)

Latest NBA Finals News December 2025

The Thunder remain the favorite, but sportsbooks say they're receiving a smaller share of the handle than some rising challengers.
The Spurs and Warriors have seen notable futures money despite longer odds, suggesting heightened interest beyond the top tier.
Injuries in the East have opened value for teams like Cleveland and New York as their competitors navigate setbacks.
The Denver Nuggets' odds have tightened significantly (from about +1600 to +550), pointing to growing market confidence in their ceiling.
Offseason trades and depth upgrades are causing shifts in the longshot tier, making some +4000+ teams more intriguing.

NBA Finals Favorites

We define "favorites" as teams listed at even to +2000 — those with the most immediate shot, based on odds, roster construction, and depth.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Strengths: Championship core intact; elite young talent; home-court edge.
Weaknesses: Expectations high, less margin for error; other teams closing fast.

The Thunder checked all boxes last season and return with continuity and momentum. With Gilgeous-Alexander playing at MVP level and Holmgren anchoring a top-tier defense, they're built to repeat.

Denver Nuggets

Strengths: Major offseason improvement; balanced roster; strong playoff experience.
Weaknesses: Coaching change; need to prove chemistry with new pieces.

Denver's makeover is already reflected in the futures market — their odds have collapsed from +1600 to around +525. They're no longer just a contender: they're a legitimate favorite.

Los Angeles Lakers

Strengths: Star power and veteran experience; playoff proven.
Weaknesses: Health concerns; age and depth may be limiting factors.

If the Lakers stay healthy and their big men perform, they can ride a familiar path toward contention. Their odds place them in the favorite tier, but they'll need to show more consistency early.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Strengths: Young core with upside; improved depth; fresh coaching.
Weaknesses: Relative lack of Finals experience; Eastern field still competitive.

Cleveland has risen quietly but steadily. Their futures odds reflect the market's belief that the East is open — and they're positioned to seize it.

New York Knicks

Strengths: Defensive backbone; emerging star talent; momentum build.
Weaknesses: Need better guard play and playoff poise to advance deep.

New York's recent season-ending push gives them value. At +900, they're firmly in the favorite class though not yet the frontrunner.

NBA Finals Contenders

"Contenders" are teams in the +2000 to +5000 range — those who may not be favorites today but have clear paths to challenge.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Strengths: Two-way young core; athleticism and versatility.
Weaknesses: Playoff inexperience; need to prove finishing ability.

Minnesota's ceiling is high, and their placement among contenders reflects upside more than certainty.

Houston Rockets

Strengths: Offensive explosion potential; young rising stars.
Weaknesses: Defensive questions; health and playoff toughness still unproven.

If health holds and they gel, they're a serious threat. As of now, they fall just inside the contender tier.

San Antonio Spurs

Strengths: Rising investments in youth; surge in futures betting interest.
Weaknesses: Still in build mode; not yet seasoned as a contender.

The market is tracking San Antonio's progress, which is why they fall into the contender tier — with upside and risk.

Golden State Warriors

Strengths: Championship DNA; still dangerous in playoff format.
Weaknesses: Aging roster; consistency concerns.

While not as short on odds as the others, Golden State earns a spot among favorites due to their pedigree and the market's respect for their ceiling.

Philadelphia 76ers

Strengths: Star big man; transitional offseason that could unlock value.
Weaknesses: Health history; guard play and playoff performance need upgrade.

Philly sits on the cusp of the favorite/contender line and looks to break through this year.

Orlando Magic

Strengths: Emerging core; improved spacing; dark-horse appeal.
Weaknesses: Depth, experience, and postseason track record gap.

Orlando slips comfortably into the contender bucket — too risky to be a favorite, but with more upside than a typical longshot.

Atlanta Hawks

Strengths: Upset-style potential; dynamic wings.
Weaknesses: Defense, consistency, and margin of error lagging top teams.

Atlanta's odds put them at the high end of the contender class. They have potential to overachieve, but need to hit milestones first.

Detroit Pistons

Strengths: Young core with high upside; improving culture.
Weaknesses: Lack of playoff experience; depth still developing.

As a longshot, Detroit presents speculative value — not a favorite today, but a storyline worth watching.

Boston Celtics

Strengths: Championship culture; strong identity.
Weaknesses: Roster turnover; aging elements; hybrid status.

Given their history, the Celtics qualify as longshots this year rather than favorites — value emerges if they regain momentum.

NBA Finals Longshots

"Longshots" are teams at +5000 or more — high risk, high reward, and worth watching if circumstances align.

Los Angeles Clippers

Strengths: Two stars; playoff experience.
Weaknesses: Health and consistency concerns overshadow upside.

The Clippers slide into the longshot tier here due to health variables despite talent.

Milwaukee Bucks

Strengths: Giannis-led; proven in big games.

Weaknesses: Supporting cast questions; aging roster.
Milwaukee's +6000 odds make them a classic longshot with path—but depend heavily on health and matchups.

Miami Heat

Strengths: Culture, coach, playoff savvy.
Weaknesses: Youth/inexperience among core; rebuilding phase.

Miami's longshot status reflects a transitional state: intriguing if momentum builds.

Toronto Raptors

Strengths: Young talent and upside.
Weaknesses: Depth, star power, and readiness to contend now.

Toronto is firmly in the longshot pool. A major improvement would be necessary to shift that profile.

How To Bet On NBA Championship Odds 2026

When diving into NBA Finals odds betting, aim to back the team with the grit and depth to conquer the playoffs. Don't be swayed by midseason standings—look deeper into a team's potential. Assess each conference's strengths, acknowledging all of the rising elite teams across the league. Keep an eye on injury risks; a sidelined star can flip the odds. Scrutinize schedules and load management tactics; a tough early schedule might mask a team's true prowess, while strategic player rests can impact performance. Choose wisely for a winning bet.

Get ahead in NBA betting by monitoring opening odds in the offseason, then refining your picks as the season unfolds. Spot teams with potential despite slow starts. Track injuries, suspensions, and trades—they all influence Finals odds. With strategic analysis, you can confidently pick winners and maximize returns.

How Are NBA Finals Odds Determined?

During the offseason, NBA Championship opening odds are set for all 30 teams, adjusted as the regular season progresses based on bettors' opinions. Success lies in strategic analysis—spotting potential winners early on, even if they start slow. Factors like injuries, suspensions, and trades shape Finals odds throughout the season. As NBA Playoffs approach, sportsbooks tweak NBA Finals Odds based on matchups. When the NBA Finals arrive, oddsmakers switch to American Odds for the final showdown between the last two teams standing.

Where Can I Bet On 2026 NBA Championship Odds?

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Opening NBA Championship Odds 2026

Below are the opening odds to win the NBA Championship in 2025. These odds were released before the start of the NBA regular season.

Team	Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder	+225
Houston Rockets	+700
Cleveland Cavaliers	+850
New York Knicks	+850
Denver Nuggets	+1100
Minnesota Timberwolves	+1300
Los Angeles Lakers	+1400
Orlando Magic	+1900
Los Angeles Clippers	+3000
Dallas Mavericks	+3000
Philadelphia 76ers	+3500
Golden State Warriors	+3500
Boston Celtics	+4000
Milwaukee Bucks	+4000
San Antonio Spurs	+5500
Atlanta Hawks	+5500
Detroit Pistons	+7500
Indiana Pacers	+11000
Memphis Grizzlies	+20000
Miami Heat	+25000
Toronto Raptors	+25000
New Orleans Pelicans	+25000
Sacramento Kings	+50000
Phoenix Suns	+60000
Brooklyn Nets	+80000
Portland Trail Blazers	+80000
Chicago Bulls	+80000
Charlotte Hornets	+100000
Utah Jazz	+100000
Washington Wizards	+100000

Recent NBA Championship Winners

Below are the winners of the NBA Finals dating back to the 2013-14 NBA season.

Season	NBA Finals Winner	NBA Finals Losers
2024-25	Oklahoma City Thunder	Indiana Pacers
2023-24	Boston Celtics	Dallas Mavericks
2022-23	Denver Nuggets	Miami Heat
2021-22	Golden State Warriors	Boston Celtics
2020-21	Milwaukee Bucks	Phoenix Suns
2019-20	Los Angeles Lakers	Miami Heat
2018-19	Toronto Raptors	Golden State Warriors
2017-18	Golden State Warriors	Cleveland Cavaliers
2016-17	Golden State Warriors	Cleveland Cavaliers
2015-16	Cleveland Cavaliers	Golden State Warriors
2014-15	Golden State Warriors	Cleveland Cavaliers
2013-14	San Antonio Spurs	Miami Heat

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