2025 NBA Championship Odds and Analysis
Written by: Sukh Brar
Published: Wed Apr 02, 2025, 9:20 pm ET
Read Time: 8 minutes
nba
The NBA season is coming to an end and the playoffs are nearly here. Fans are about to be spoiled with what should be an amazing playoffs. The Thunder are the betting favourite but the Celtics are not far behind them. Let's break down the odds for the 2025 NBA championship.
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The Thunder have the best record in the NBA. Can the best regular season team be the best in the postseason?
2025 NBA Championship Odds and Analysis
Keep scrolling for the complete list of odds as well as one reason why every team can win and one reason why they won't!
The following odds are accurate as of April 2nd, 2025 via BetOnline.
The likely MVP has been all smiles all year.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+180)
Why will they win? First, they have been the best team in basketball all season long. They are elite on both ends of the court. Lead by a two-way player that is the favourite for the NBA MVP. They have been incredible with never having their true starting lineup for any extended period of time. Moreover, the Thunder are also very well coached and have cultivated a culture of inclusion and excellence.
Why won't they win? They've never lost. The old adage may prove here; "you have to lose before you can win." Ask last year's champions in the Celtics.
Tatum and the Celtics are looking to go back-to-back.
Boston Celtics (+180)
Why will they win? They won it last year pretty easily. Something, something…Jayson Tatum.
Why won't they win? Complacency. The Celtics were not even the best team in the East this year. Additionally, they weren't even the 2nd best team overall in the regular season. Can you coast then simply turn it on and win it all? Maybe.
The Cavaliers have held onto the number one seed in the East nearly all year.
Cleveland Cavaliers (+500)
Why will they win? A fantastic starting lineup is bolstered by an impressive second unit. They have a front court with All-Star level players and a back court with All-Star level players. Therefore, the Cleveland Cavaliers could win the NBA championship on talent alone.
Why won't they win? Donovan Mitchell is probably All-NBA but is he a top five NBA player? That's what it takes to be an NBA champion. You must have a top five NBA player. Additionally, they have a very undersized backcourt when defending. Teams can hunt both Mitchell and Garland who are good but small.
LeLuka.
Los Angeles Lakers (+900)
Why will they win? Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Why won't they win? That front court will be their biggest barrier to winning playoff series. This team desperately needs a starting calibre center. Luka and The King are fun however they lack the cohesive roster conducive to winning 16 NBA postseason games.
Jimmy is happy in his new home.
Golden State Warriors (+1400)
Why will they win? Jimmy Buckets and Chef Curry.
Jimmy Butler has led a team to the NBA finals. Steph Curry has led a team to the championship multiple times. Both of these guys are proven winners whenever they step on the floor. Moreover, they could win if Steph Curry goes nuclear on a Davidson style run. Stranger things have happened.
Why won't they win? They lack a bonafide third scoring option. Their three top players are also older than you'd like.
The Joker recently had a 60-point triple double.
Denver Nuggets (+1600)
Why will they win? The Joker. Have you seen him play basketball? Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Why won't they win? Unfortunately, their depth is shallower than a kid's pool.
The Big Bodega has been holding it down without Brunson.
New York Knicks (+3300)
Why will they win? Because they are elite on offence. They have two All-NBA calibre stars with Bridges and OG as two elite wing defenders. Then you mix in Josh Hart and you have chaos from the Mecca.
Why won't they win? They're not deep enough. KAT and Brunson aren't the kind of players who lead teams to a championship.
The Beard has been fierce in a rejuvenated bounce back season.
Los Angeles Clippers (+5000)
Why will they win? Kawhi Leonard has already led a team to lifting Larry. Harden is hungry.
Why won't they win? Health and age. Although, they are a great story and a competitive basketball club, however they are likely not a true contender.
The Stifle Tower and The Ant-Man.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+6000)
Why will they win? Ant-Man has "it."
Furthermore, their style of basketball gives them a chance every single night. Relentless on the offensive glass, and 2nd chance points, while having a true number one option in Edwards. Then you add in defensive playmakers and versatile bigs plus a DPOY. This team has so many of the characteristics of a true contender.
Why won't they win? They need a second star. This teams feels one piece away. Until then? Disappointing early exit out of the playoffs.
Baby Jokic is growing before our eyes.
Houston Rockets (+12500)
Why will they win? Defence.
Why won't they win? Offence.
The Rockets are a great example on how to build a great basketball program. From front office to the end of the bench there is talent here. Unfortunately, they do not have the fire power to keep up with the best in the association. When the Rockets shooters go cold they go on losing streaks. Hard to win in the NBA playoffs without elite shooting. Their elite defence brought them to the big dance but that is where their ceiling this season is.
Thanks for reading!
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