Current Favorites for the 2025 NBA Championship
The race for the 2025 NBA title is heating up as the playoffs reach their final stage. According to the latest odds from top sportsbooks, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favorites to win the championship. Their odds have been listed as short as -750 at several major betting sites, including ESPN BET and Caesars Sportsbook. This strong position comes after the Thunder secured their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years, following a dominant run through the Western Conference. The Thunder finished the regular season with an NBA-best 68 wins, giving them home-court advantage in the Finals. Their impressive performance has made them the team to beat, and many experts believe they have the best chance to claim the NBA championship this year.
Challengers: Pacers and Knicks Still in the Hunt
While the Thunder are the favorites, the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are still fighting for a chance to face them in the Finals. The Pacers currently lead the Eastern Conference Finals series against the Knicks, holding a 3-2 advantage. Sportsbooks have given the Pacers the second-shortest odds to win the title, with most listing them at +650 or +700. This reflects their strong playoff run and the fact that they are just one win away from reaching the Finals. The Knicks, on the other hand, are seen as long shots, with odds as high as +1600 or even +2800 at some sites. Despite these long odds, the Knicks have shown resilience throughout the playoffs and cannot be counted out just yet. The outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals will have a major impact on the final odds for the championship.
Historical Context: A New Champion Awaits
One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s NBA Finals is that none of the remaining teams have won a title in the last 45 years. The Indiana Pacers have never won an NBA championship, though they did claim three ABA titles in the 1970s. The New York Knicks last won a title in 1973, while the Thunder franchise’s only championship came in 1979, when they were still known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder have not won a title. This means that no matter which team wins, fans will witness a historic moment and a new champion will be crowned. The long droughts for all three teams add extra excitement and drama to this year’s Finals.
Key Players and Finals MVP Odds
Individual performances often play a huge role in the outcome of the NBA Finals, and this year is no exception. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder is the current favorite to win the Finals MVP award, with odds as short as -600. His leadership and scoring ability have been crucial to the Thunder’s success. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton has the second-best odds for Finals MVP at +875, reflecting his breakout postseason. Other notable players in the MVP race include Jalen Brunson of the Knicks at 25-1, Pascal Siakam of the Pacers at 30-1, and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren of the Thunder at 40-1 and 80-1, respectively. These odds highlight the importance of star power in the playoffs and show which players are expected to have the biggest impact on the championship series.
How Sportsbooks Set and Adjust NBA Futures Odds
NBA futures odds are set by oddsmakers based on a variety of factors, including team performance, injuries, trades, and public betting trends. As the playoffs progress, these odds are updated to reflect the latest results and developments. For example, the Thunder’s odds shortened significantly after they eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves and secured their place in the Finals. Similarly, the Pacers’ odds improved as they took control of their series against the Knicks. Sportsbooks also consider their own risk management, as certain outcomes can lead to larger payouts depending on how much money has been wagered on each team. This year, sportsbooks like BetMGM have expressed relief at the elimination of teams like the Lakers and Warriors, who were major liabilities due to heavy betting earlier in the season.
Where and How to Bet on the NBA Finals
Fans interested in betting on the NBA Finals have a variety of legal options in the United States. Major sportsbooks such as ESPN BET, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and DraftKings all offer futures odds, as well as a range of other betting markets. These include bets on the series winner, individual game outcomes, player awards, and more. Many sportsbooks also provide bonus codes and promotions for new users, making it easier for fans to get started. In addition to championship odds, bettors can wager on conference and division winners, as well as specific player props like Finals MVP. Tutorials and resources are widely available online for those new to basketball betting, helping fans make informed decisions.
Upcoming Schedule and How to Watch
The 2025 NBA Finals are set to begin on Thursday, June 5, with Game 1 hosted by the Thunder. The series could run through Sunday, June 22, if a Game 7 is needed. All games will be broadcast on ABC and available for streaming on fuboTV, giving fans multiple ways to follow the action. The full schedule includes up to seven games, with the Thunder holding home-court advantage throughout the series. Fans are encouraged to check their local listings or streaming platforms to ensure they do not miss any of the excitement. The NBA Finals are always one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, and this year’s matchup promises to deliver plenty of drama and memorable moments.
What to Watch For as the Finals Approach
As the Finals draw near, several storylines are worth following. The Thunder are looking to cap off a remarkable season with their first title since moving to Oklahoma City. The Pacers hope to make history by winning their first NBA championship, while the Knicks aim to end a 50-year drought. Key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson will be under the spotlight, and their performances could decide the outcome of the series. With the odds heavily favoring the Thunder, it will be interesting to see if they can live up to expectations or if an underdog can pull off a surprise. No matter what happens, the 2025 NBA Finals are set to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable season.