By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Celtics are currently leading the latest NBA championship odds to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy for the second season straight. However, an exciting race is expected to develop among the top teams in the league.
The Celtics are firmly ahead of the rest at +240 odds like they were throughout the offseason, with the Oklahoma City Thunder ranking second at +450 following their impressive start this season with a 12-4 record. Here is a look at the 2024/2025 NBA championship odds on favorites alongside some early predictions as the race to the finals intensifies.
2025 NBA Championship odds on Favorite
Celtics (+240)
While some basketball fans understandably expected the Boston Celtics to start the season slow after proving they were the best team last championship triumph, that hasn’t been the case. Instead, the Celtics only reinforced the belief that they are the clear favorite this season too.
Boston kicked off the 2024/2025 NBA season by crashing the skilled New York Knicks 132-109 on the opening night and they haven’t looked back since. The team currently has an impressive 13-2 record, with the only three blemished on their resume being a tough loss against the Warriors, an overtime defeat by the Pacers, and an in-season tournament defeat by the Hawks.
The Celtics’ biggest competition in the Eastern Conference is in their division between the Cavaliers and Knicks. However, a complete analysis of every NBA matchup by experts on SportyTrader suggests the Celtics have the best chance of reaching the 2025 NBA finals. That’s especially considering early-season results for the Knicks and Cavaliers.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+450)
The Oklahoma City Thunder took NBA fans by surprise after winning 57 matches a season ago and finishing their campaign as the best team in the Western Conference. As such, NBA teams are no longer underestimating the Thunder this season. However, their record last season hardly mattered after opening the season with nine wins in their first 11 matches.
Their impressive performance is thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s still leading the team in steals, assists, and points. That’s great news for the Thunder as they might have a real chance of making it to the NBA finals this season. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will need to keep performing at his current level as Chet Holmgren hasn’t been at the top of his game after sustaining an injury early this season.
Top NBA Team to Watch this Season
Cleveland Cavaliers (+1200)
While there were several notable coaching changes during the offseason, the Cavaliers’ move to hire Kenny Atkinson was among the best early this season. Atkinson has taken firm control of this season’s odds for the NBA coach of the year after leading the team to an early 16-1 record at the beginning of the season. The Cavaliers are currently ranking first in offensive rating after ending the last season 18th offensively. The team seems more cohesive in their offense this season, and experts predict they might record better results than last season.