Boston Celtics Favored to Repeat
The Boston Celtics are the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship. Fresh off their 18th championship, the Celtics have been installed as the top contender with odds of +300. They defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games to win the 2024 Finals. With key players like Jayson Tatum and reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are poised for another strong season.
Philadelphia 76ers Make Big Moves
The Philadelphia 76ers have significantly improved their championship odds after signing superstar Paul George to a four-year, $112 million contract. Their odds have improved from 12-1 to 8-1. The 76ers also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. for $16 million and brought in Eric Gordon on a veteran minimum contract. Additionally, they acquired versatile swingman Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat. These moves have positioned the 76ers as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference.
New York Knicks Strengthen Roster
The New York Knicks have also made significant moves to improve their chances. They traded for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract. These additions have boosted their odds to +950. The Knicks are now third in the Eastern Conference with +450 odds to win the East and +825 to win it all.
Milwaukee Bucks Remain Contenders
The Milwaukee Bucks have championship odds of 11-1. They are the favorites to win their division with odds of -160, the shortest for any division title future. The Bucks continue to be a strong team in the Eastern Conference, with key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way.
Western Conference Favorites
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to represent the conference in the Finals with +800 odds. They made several impressive offseason moves, including acquiring Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls and signing former Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein. The Denver Nuggets, who were the 2023 champions, follow closely with +875 odds. The Dallas Mavericks, who were the 2024 finalists, have odds of 11-1. The Minnesota Timberwolves round out the Western favorites with a championship odd of 10-1.
Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers re-signed LeBron James for $104 million over two years. Their odds to win the 2025 NBA Championship remain around +3000. Potential roster additions like DeMar DeRozan could impact their odds. The Lakers also made history by drafting Bronny James in the second round, allowing him to play alongside his father, LeBron James.
Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey from Purdue with the ninth overall pick in the draft. Edey is expected to be a day-one starter. The return of Ja Morant brings hope for playoff contention after an injury-plagued season. The Grizzlies are looking to bounce back and make a strong push in the Western Conference.
Miami Heat’s Challenges
The Miami Heat had an injury-plagued season and lost key free agent Caleb Martin to the 76ers. They will likely rely on internal development and better injury luck moving forward. The Heat’s odds have taken a hit, but they remain a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks’ Draft Decisions
The Atlanta Hawks held the number one overall pick but selected Zaccharie Risacher from the French league instead of trading it for assets. They also traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for multiple players and future draft picks. Trae Young’s trade value is reportedly at an all-time low, impacting the Hawks’ odds.
Betting Insights and Market Trends
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 a significant volume of wagers and money at sportsbooks. Bettors can wager on Eastern and Western Conference winners, division winners, and specific player awards like Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year.
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA title race is shaping up to be highly competitive. The Boston Celtics lead the pack, but teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Oklahoma City Thunder are making significant moves to challenge them. With the season set to begin on October 24, 2024, fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating the action. For the latest odds and updates, visit ESPN BET and other reputable sportsbooks.
