It’s finally time for the NBA play-offs. Teams have fought through a slog of an 82-game season, with ups and downs, big injuries, big scandals, and big performances. But all of it means nothing if these teams can’t back it up with big performances in the play-offs.
Over a seven-game series, teams will battle it out for a shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy and a chance at immortality, and it’s anyone’s game. Can the Oklahoma City Thunder be the first team in a decade to go back-to-back? Will Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs take the first step towards a dynasty? Or will one of the league’s legends have something to say?
Here’s a breakdown of the current odds for the favourites for the NBA title.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+115)
OKC have been the favourites for the title since they lifted it last summer. They started the season at 24-1 and were being eyed as potential challengers to the Warriors famous 73-9 season. They’ve closed out the season on a high, and have taken the #1 seed in the strong Western Conference.
With the return of Jalen Williams, and the frontrunner for MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander enjoying one of the most efficient seasons we’ve ever seen from a guard, they’re heading into the post-season strong.
Their odds reflect their confidence. All eyes are on Oklahoma City in the play-offs, as they remain the team to beat. Their talent, their depth, and their coaching all mean they are favourites.
San Antonio Spurs (+410)
The San Antonio Spurs have seen one of the biggest jumps in recent NBA history. After going 34-48 last season, they’ve jumped up to 60 wins, and look one of the most complete teams in basketball.
Victor Wembanyama has taken another leap, and, if fit and healthy, is one of the most impactful players in the league. His supporting cast is great too, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell all playing at a top level.
Their confidence will lie in their incredible record against the OKC Thunder, whom they beat 3-1 across the season. It makes the Spurs a great pick for an outsider bet at the Championship, especially if Wembanyama stays fit. If you’re looking to hunt down a special offer to place a bet, GOAL.com compares betting promotions for you to find the best bargain bet possible.
Boston Celtics (+550)
To think some people considered 2025-2026 to be a tanking year for the Boston Celtics. With the achilles injury to Jayson Tatum and the trading of Kristaps Porzingis, it was looking like an off year for the Celtics, but with Jaylen Brown becoming one of the best players in the East, the team has continued to perform. Now, Jayson Tatum is back, and looks remarkably close to his former self considering it’s been less than 12 months since his horror injury.
This team suddenly looks like genuine title contenders. Their low odds come from being the obvious standout in a weak Eastern Conference, and would no doubt face an uphill battle against OKC or the Spurs. Still, if Tatum keeps improving, their odds will start to look more and more like a bargain.
Denver Nuggets (+900)
With odds quite far beyond the rest of the contenders, Denver seems to be drifting out of the title conversations. That being said, an incredible overtime win against the San Antonio Spurs late in the season will have buoyed hopes for Nikola Jokic and the team.
With the 3rd seed secured, Denver will have home-court advantage in the 1st round, before likely coming up against the Spurs in the 2nd round. This team has two things most others don’t, firstly, a wealth of play-off and Championship winning experience. Secondly, they have Nikola Jokic, arguably one of the best offensive players in NBA history. With the skill and experience, it is impossible to count them out.
