2025 NBA Season Preview – Odds, Favourites & Predictions

The NBA odds at the beginning of the season give fans and bettors an early glimpse of how the championship race might unfold. The 2025-26 campaign tips off on October 21. All teams have made their squad adjustments during the offseason. Now they're aiming to reach the playoffs and compete for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. This year will also feature the third NBA Cup, which is held mid-season. The tournament provides teams with a chance to test their strengths against each other in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment.

We at MightyTips bring you detailed insights on offseason trades, current team form, and tactical setups. We'll also share our expert predictions for potential championship winners, MVP candidates, and other betting picks worth your read.

Bookmakers have already revealed how they rate each team heading into the new season. There are strong title favourites and dangerous outsiders to look out for. These early numbers will help you find the best betting value there is. 

NBA Championship odds

Take a look at the NBA title odds before the season. We've listed the top 10 contenders to reach the final and their chances of winning the championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the way at 3.40, after their strong rise last season. The Denver Nuggets at 8.00 and the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8.50 follow closely. The New York Knicks sit at 10.00, and the Houston Rockets, priced at 13.00, round out the top five.

At the top of the NBA championship odds, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand out as the clear favourites. After last year's dominant 68-win campaign and their first championship title, OKC enter the new season with confidence. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, leads a young core featuring Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. The Thunder had the league's best net rating last season and unmatched depth across all positions. This leaves them with high expectations for this year.

"You’ve got to have core values that you stick by, and I think as a team we have those.”

✍️ @shaiglalex

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 7, 2021

Right behind the OKC Thunder, the Denver Nuggets remain serious contenders. After pushing the Thunder to seven games in last year's playoffs, they've strengthened their squad with Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and a returning Bruce Brown. With Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray remaining one of the NBA's most effective duos, the Nuggets are ready for another deep postseason run.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the top favourites in the Eastern Conference as of now. Despite early injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus, their strong team setup makes them a reliable pick to dominate their conference once again. Donovan Mitchell remains their offensive engine, while Evan Mobley is set to continue evolving into a two-way star on the court.

Next are the two teams capable of surprising everyone. The New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets have the potential to challenge the very best this season. The Knicks kept their core with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. They've also added Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson this offseason to aim for a stronger backcourt rotation. Houston, on the other hand, landed Kevin Durant in a blockbuster seven-team trade and strengthened their frontcourt with Clint Capela. Both teams have integrated important changes, so it's a matter of time for us to see their progress on the field.

NBA regular season odds

The NBA regular season odds highlight the Oklahoma City Thunder to top the standings once again, priced at 1.80. Behind them are the Cleveland Cavaliers at 6.50 and the Denver Nuggets at 11.00. These teams are seen as strong contenders, while the Knicks at 13.00 and Rockets at 15.00 offer solid outsider value.

NBA Eastern Conference Odds

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently priced at 2.05 to win the East. The team finished last year with a 64-18 record. It is the best result in the conference and second only to Oklahoma City in the league. The New York Knicks sit at 3.40, showing strong faith in Mike Brown's steady progress with the team, reaching the East finals last year. 

The Orlando Magic are listed at 6.00, and could become this season's surprise. After battling injuries last year, their young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane looks ready to challenge the East's top teams. If they can stay healthy and consistent, of course. 

Further down, Atlanta at 11.00 and Detroit at 19.00 round out the list. The Hawks still rely on Trae Young's offensive creativity and added Kristaps Porziņģis in the offseason, and Cade Cunningham carries the Pistons' young roster. These teams might not win the East yet, but they're clearly on the right track.

NBA Western Conference Odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are priced at 1.43 to win the Western Conference. Mark Daigneault's youthful team has energy and chemistry on its side. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren have been able to stay fresh throughout the busy schedule and are ready for another run. 

Right behind them, the Denver Nuggets, at 6.50, continue to be the most experienced challengers. It's the first full season for head coach David Adelman, after years of working as an assistant. This means he already has the trust of the locker room. Denver's stability and playoff track record will make them dangerous again.

The Houston Rockets, listed at 7.50, are intriguing after adding Kevin Durant to their squad. Unfortunately, Fred VanVleet is out for the season with a torn ACL, so the team's depth will be tested. The Timberwolves at 16.00 and Clippers at 21.00 have the talent to make noise, but consistency remains their biggest obstacle in the stacked Western Conference race.

NBA regular season MVP odds

The race for the NBA Most Valuable Player award is wide open this year. The latest odds place Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top with 2.75, followed by Nikola Jokić at 3.50 and Luka Dončić at 5.00. Behind them, Giannis Antetokounmpo sits at 11.00. Young stars Victor Wembanyama at 15.00 and Anthony Edwards at 26.00 headline the next tier of contenders. Further down, Cade Cunningham and Kevin Durant both stand at 51.00, offering strong outsider value in a season which might be full of potential surprises.

The battle for the Most Valuable Player status this season is set to revolve around a familiar trio. It's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić. Gilgeous-Alexander is the current MVP, averaging over 30 points per game last season. However, maintaining that level of dominance will be tough. After such a successful year, it's difficult to see how he could raise the bar even higher, unless the team is aiming for a 70-win season this time, which is unlikely.

Nikola Jokić being Nikola Jokić at media today (always keeps it fun and real 😂) pic.twitter.com/B0qzEbSswP

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) October 10, 2025

Jokić remains consistent and durable. The Serbian centre has won the MVP award three times and continues to anchor Denver's offence with near triple-double averages. Dončić, meanwhile, enters his first full season with the Lakers, where his usage may dip slightly. Still, his improved conditioning and leadership could make him a narrative favourite if Los Angeles performs well enough.

Outside the main trio, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama remain intriguing options, though health and team success may limit their chances. Anthony Edwards is coming off back-to-back West Finals runs. He should be another strong dark horse if Minnesota pushes higher in the standings. Cade Cunningham and Kevin Durant round out the field. Their three-pointers can help them force their way into the discussion with big statistical seasons.

The 2025-26 NBA season begins with a rare team balance. Seven different champions in seven years have proven how unpredictable the NBA can be, but this year feels like the OKC Thunder can finally break that streak. The team might not chase the same number of wins as last season. Still, with their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren intact, this team looks like a strong contender ready to defend its crown. We tip the OKC Thunder to go back-to-back at 3.40 this year.

The MVP race is shaping up as another battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić. We at MightyTips believe that Jokić looks like the smartest MVP bet this season, priced at 3.50. Denver is built to win big again, and Jokić's all-around dominance guarantees strong numbers every night. This makes him the safest long-term wager. Gilgeous-Alexander remains the main rival, but Oklahoma City could start managing minutes more carefully to give its star enough rest.

KEVIN DURANT’S FIRST BUCKET AS A HOUSTON ROCKET 🚀 🔥pic.twitter.com/xQ1h7LGNAx

— RocketsMuse (@RocketsMuse) October 9, 2025

For your consideration, the Houston Rockets reaching the finals at 8.50 is another interesting long shot. Kevin Durant could transform the team into a legitimate contender if he stays healthy. For future bets, the Cleveland Cavaliers over 56.5 wins priced at 1.90 looks strong. It's the best team in the East, and they surely will dominate the conference this season. The Cavs already showed how strong they are, finishing last season with 64 wins. We don't see a reason why they can't do it again.

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