Oklahoma City Thunder Lead NBA Championship Odds for 2025-26 Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 NBA season as the favorites to win the championship, following an impressive performance last year that included 68 regular-season victories and a title. According to BetMGM, the Thunder are currently listed at +240, positioning them as the frontrunners for back-to-back championships. This season marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as they aim to become the first team to repeat since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2017 and 2018.

The Thunder’s roster remains largely unchanged, bolstered by the return of star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is expected to be a co-favorite for the MVP award alongside the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, combined with the talents of All-Star wing Jalen Williams and two-way big man Chet Holmgren, forms a formidable trio. The Thunder excelled last season, ranking in the top three for both offensive (third) and defensive (first) ratings, and their youthful roster suggests significant room for growth.

While the Thunder are favored, they face strong competition from the Nuggets, currently listed at +550. The Nuggets pushed the Thunder to a seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals last season and have made significant roster changes to enhance their championship prospects. After parting ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, Denver has restructured its lineup, including trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson. This move aims to bolster their defensive capabilities and improve their bench strength.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers stand out as the strongest contender with odds of +750. Emerging as the top seed last season, the Cavaliers are poised for another successful campaign, especially after injuries sidelined notable players like Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum. Cleveland returns its core players, including Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, while focusing on the development of young big man Evan Mobley, who is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success.

The New York Knicks follow closely with odds of +900. The team made headlines by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and hiring Mike Brown in hopes of revitalizing their playoff ambitions. With a solid core featuring Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks aim to improve their defensive performance to enhance their title chances.

As the Western Conference continues to dominate the championship landscape, teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves at +1300 and the Houston Rockets at +1400 are also in contention. The Timberwolves hope for a breakout season from Anthony Edwards, while the Rockets, bolstered by the acquisition of Kevin Durant, face challenges with the recent loss of point guard Fred VanVleet due to injury.

The NBA landscape is evolving as teams navigate new salary cap regulations, making it increasingly challenging to assemble super teams. The Thunder’s quest for consecutive championships will be closely watched, with the entire league vying for supremacy in a highly competitive environment. As the season unfolds, the dynamics of player health, team chemistry, and strategic adjustments will play critical roles in determining who ultimately claims the coveted NBA title.