As the excitement builds for the2024-2025 NBA season, basketball fans and analysts alike are turning their attention to the top contenders for the ultimate prize: the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Opening night is set for October 22, and with roster moves, rising stars, and veteran players ready to hit the hardwood, the race to the championship is wide open. So, which teams are best positioned to take home the title this season?
In this breakdown, we’ll analyze the latest odds for each team and highlight the squads that are expected to make a serious run for the 2025 NBA Championship. Here are the top teams favored to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, along with key insights into why they’re the ones to watch.
Kevin Durant’s humiliation to Bronny James
Boston Celtics: (+320) Championship Favorites
At the top of the list are the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions. After a dominant 2023-2024 season where they secured 64 wins and steamrolled their way through the playoffs, the Celtics are once again the favorites to win it all, with odds sitting at +320. Despite questions surrounding the health of Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s depth and continuity make them a top contender.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchor a team that boasts one of the best defensive units in the league, and if Porzingis returns fully healthy, Boston could defy the recent trend of unique champions year after year.
Denver Nuggets: (+500) Defending the West
The Denver Nuggets, fresh off a Western Conference title, enter the 2024-2025 season with odds of +500 to win the NBA Championship. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have proven they can compete at the highest level. While the team lost some depth over the offseason, their core remains intact, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. set to play significant roles once again.
The biggest question for Denver will be whether their bench can provide the necessary support for Jokic in what is expected to be a grueling Western Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks: (+450) Giannis Leads the Charge
In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is projected to average over 30 points per game, remains the focal point of a team built around his versatile skillset. With +450 odds, the Bucks have the talent and experience to compete for another title, but they’ll need to stay healthy and avoid the injury bug that has plagued them in past seasons.
The Bucks will face stiff competition in the East, but with Giannis at the helm, Milwaukee is always a legitimate threat.
Los Angeles Lakers: (+600) A Season of Uncertainty
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a season filled with unknowns. With odds of +600, the Lakers are still in the conversation for the championship, but there are significant concerns about the team’s ability to stay healthy. LeBron James is nearing his 40th birthday, and Anthony Davis’ injury history is well-documented. Add in a rookie head coach, J.J. Redick, and it’s clear that the Lakers will need everything to go right for them to make a deep playoff run.
Phoenix Suns: (+170) Betting on the Big Three
The Phoenix Suns are banking on their Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to lead them back to championship contention. Despite a disappointing early exit in last season’s playoffs, the Suns remain a strong contender with odds of +170 to win the Pacific Division. If their star trio can gel, and the supporting cast steps up, Phoenix could make a deep playoff run.
New York Knicks: (+500) Rising in the East
The New York Knicks are one of the teams to watch in the Eastern Conference, with +500 odds to win the NBA title. After adding Karl-Anthony Towns to their roster, the Knicks hope to build on their 50-win campaign from last season. The loss of Mitchell Robinson due to injury will test their interior defense, but the arrival of Towns should help soften the blow. With a strong core of wing players like Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby, the Knicks could be a sleeper team this season.
Top 10 Teams Favored to Win the 2024-2025 NBA Championship
- Boston Celtics (+320)
- Denver Nuggets (+500)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+450)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+600)
- Phoenix Suns (+170)
- New York Knicks (+500)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+330)
- Miami Heat (+102)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+250)
- Golden State Warriors (+1000)
Oklahoma City Thunder: (+330) The Dark Horse in the West
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA. With a roster filled with young talent, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are poised for a breakout season. Their odds to win the Western Conference stand at +330, and if they continue their upward trajectory, they could find themselves contending for the NBA title for the first time since 2016.
Miami Heat: (+102) Always a Contender
The Miami Heat consistently find ways to outperform expectations. After winning 46 games last season despite major injuries to key players, Miami enters the 2024-2025 season with odds of +102 to make a deep playoff run. If they can stay healthy and replicate their gritty playstyle, the Heat could be one of the most dangerous teams in the East.
A Competitive Season Awaits
The 2024-2025 NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With a mix of established powerhouses and rising stars, the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is wide open. Whether you’re placing bets or simply following the action, this season is shaping up to be one for the history books. Keep an eye on the top contenders and expect surprises along the way as teams battle for basketball’s ultimate prize.
