Boston Celtics Favored to Repeat
The Boston Celtics are the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship. Fresh off their 18th NBA title, the Celtics have been installed as the top choice with odds of +300. Their victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Finals has solidified their position as the team to beat. Key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the reigning Finals MVP, are expected to lead the charge once again.
Eastern Conference Contenders
The Philadelphia 76ers have made significant moves in the offseason, including signing superstar Paul George. This has improved their championship odds from 12-1 to 8-1. The 76ers are now second only to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference, with odds of +375 to win the conference. They have also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. and added Eric Gordon and Caleb Martin to their roster.
The New York Knicks have also made impactful moves, trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby to a five-year contract. Their odds to win the championship have improved to +950, making them the fourth-best on the board. The Knicks are now third in the Eastern Conference with +450 odds to win the East and +825 to win it all.
The Milwaukee Bucks are another strong contender in the East. Their championship odds are set at 11-1, and they have the shortest odds for any division title future at -160. The Bucks will rely on their core players to make a deep playoff run.
Western Conference Favorites
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to represent the conference in the Finals with odds of +800. The Thunder have made several impressive offseason moves, including acquiring Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein. These additions have bolstered their roster, making them a formidable opponent.
The Denver Nuggets, the 2023 champions, have odds of +875 to win the 2025 title. Led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are always a threat in the playoffs. Their consistent performance makes them a team to watch.
The Dallas Mavericks, who were the 2024 finalists, have championship odds of 11-1. The Mavericks have made key acquisitions, including Klay Thompson via a sign-and-trade deal involving the Golden State Warriors and the Charlotte Hornets. Thompson’s addition is expected to provide a significant boost to their championship aspirations.
The Minnesota Timberwolves round out the Western favorites with championship odds of 10-1. The Timberwolves have been steadily improving and are now considered one of the top teams in the conference.
Other Notable Teams
The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed LeBron James for $104 million over two years. Their odds to win the 2025 NBA Championship are around +3000. Potential roster additions, like DeMar DeRozan, could impact their odds. The Lakers also made history by drafting Bronny James, making LeBron and Bronny the first active father-son duo in the league.
The Memphis Grizzlies have improved their odds from +4500 to +4000 after drafting Zach Edey. They are looking forward to the return of Ja Morant, whose injuries hampered their previous season.
The Miami Heat had a quiet offseason, losing key free agent Caleb Martin to Philadelphia. They will rely on internal development and better injury luck for improvement.
The Atlanta Hawks held the No.1 overall pick but faced challenges due to a weaker draft class compared to recent years. They selected Zaccharie Risacher but traded away Dejounte Murray for multiple assets, indicating a rebuild phase.
Betting Market Insights
NBA Finals futures are posted soon after the previous season concludes and are adjusted throughout the summer based on trades and injuries. Regular season results also influence daily changes in NBA Finals odds. The futures betting market takes in the most volume of wagers and money at sportsbooks.
Historical Context and Trends
The Boston Celtics won their record-setting 18th title in the most recent season (2024). Historical dominance is highlighted by teams like the Celtics, who won eight straight championships from 1959 to 1966. This historical context adds weight to their current odds as favorites.
Where to Bet on the NBA Championship
Several legal sportsbook options are available in the U.S., including FanDuel and BetMGM, which offer specific promo codes for new users. These platforms provide various betting opportunities, from team finishes in the playoffs to individual game bets.
In conclusion, the 2025 NBA Championship race is shaping up to be highly competitive. The Boston Celtics lead the pack, but several other teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New York Knicks, are making significant moves to challenge for the title. As the season progresses, these odds will continue to evolve, making it an exciting time for NBA fans and bettors alike.
