The 2024-25 NBA regular season has officially concluded, paving the way for the NBA Playoffs starting Saturday. Out of the 16 teams in the playoff contention, only eight have been given a 40-to-1 or better chance to win the 2025 NBA Finals, and just five teams hold better than a 25-to-1 shot at the title. Here’s how we categorize those eight teams as championship contenders for 2025:
8. Denver Nuggets
NBA title odds: +4000
Regular season: 50-32; No. 4 seed in West
Preseason ranking: No. 3
The Nuggets have had a disappointing season, initially entering with +950 odds to win the NBA title. Their struggles led to the firing of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just before the playoffs. Nevertheless, writing off a team that won the championship two years ago and features the best player in the world, Nikola Jokić, may be premature—star power often drives success in the postseason. A coaching change could also provide them with the spark they need.
7. Los Angeles Clippers
NBA title odds: +2500
Regular season: 50-32; No. 5 seed in West
Preseason ranking: Not ranked
Entering the postseason with a remarkable eight-game winning streak, the Clippers are playing their best basketball at the right time. They’ve won 15 of their last 17 games, with three players averaging over 20 points per game: James Harden (22.8), Norman Powell (21.8), and Kawhi Leonard (21.5). Leonard has scored 20-plus points in 15 consecutive games, including a standout 33-point finale against the Golden State Warriors. Their first-round matchup against the Nuggets will be a significant test, especially with Denver holding home-court advantage. DraftKings sees the series as a toss-up, with both teams at -110 to win.
6. New York Knicks
NBA title odds: +2800
Regular season: 51-31; No. 3 in East
Preseason ranking: No. 5
The Knicks are poised to be a challenging opponent in any playoff series, led by the gritty Jalen Brunson, who can dominate as he demonstrated last year against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, doubts linger about their championship potential, especially after struggling against top-tier teams this season, finishing with an 0-10 record against the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavaliers.
5. Golden State Warriors
NBA title odds: +1600
Regular season: 48-34; No. 7 in West
Preseason ranking: Not ranked
The Warriors, four-time NBA champions since 2015, still earn respect in the playoffs, especially with 2022 Finals MVP Steph Curry showcasing his ability to shine in crucial moments, as seen in the Play-In victory over the Grizzlies where he scored 37 points. His support comes from in-season acquisition Jimmy Butler, who added 38 points and brings a formidable skill set to bolster postseason endeavors.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
NBA title odds: +1400
Regular season: 50-32; No. 3 in West
Preseason ranking: Not ranked
With superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the pack, the Lakers are undeniably in the title conversation.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA title odds: +700
Regular season: 64-18; No. 1 in East
Preseason ranking: Not ranked
In the realm of serious championship contenders, the Cavaliers excelled during the regular season, boasting the league’s second-best record and leading in scoring with 121.9 points per game. With seven players averaging at least 10 points, their challenge will be whether they can overcome the Celtics, who previously eliminated them in five games last postseason. The Cavs need to validate their regular-season success with a strong playoff performance.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA title odds: +165
Regular season: 68-14; No. 1 in West
Preseason ranking: No. 2
The Thunder enter as the favorites for the NBA championship, boasting the best record by four games and a stellar point differential (+12.9). Their ability to win in any setting, showcased by a 35-6 home record and 32-8 on the road, is vital for postseason success. With seven players averaging at least 10 points, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 32.7 points per game, their main hurdle is proving they are battle-tested after a second-round exit last season.
1. Boston Celtics
NBA title odds: +190
Regular season: 61-21; No. 1 in East
Preseason ranking: No. 1
The Celtics dominated the 2024 playoffs with a 16-3 record, following up with a strong 61-21 this season and an NBA-best 33-8 road record. Their defensive prowess allows them to thwart opponents, allowing just 107.2 points (second-best), coupled with a formidable offensive lineup featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and 7’2″ Kristaps Porzingis. With their combination of relentless offense and defense, defeating the defending champions is a monumental challenge.
