2025 NBA Championship Odds & Favorites: 76ers, Mavericks Rising After Free Agency Moves
As free agency begins, the Boston Celtics are currently leading the way as favorites to win the 2024-25 NBA championship according to the top NBA betting sites.
As teams make moves to improve their chances of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy, we have witnessed significant changes in the latest NBA championship odds.
Following their victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are still the top choice on our top sports betting platforms. The Mavericks have also taken steps to enhance their team by signing Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors to a lucrative three-year contract worth $51 million, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The most significant development up to this point is Paul George’s choice to depart from the Los Angeles Clippers and commit to a four-year max deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will now team up with Joel Embiid, a top contender for NBA MVP, on the second-ranked team in the championship race after the initial flurry of free agency moves.
Check out the most recent NBA championship odds, top contenders, and teams to keep an eye on.
NBA championship odds 2025
Here are the current NBA championship odds from our top sports betting apps as of July 2: Best odds: ⭐️Worst odds: ❄️
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | bet365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +295 ❄️ | +300 | +300 | +300 | +300 |
| 76ers | +800 | +850 | +800 | +700 ❄️ | +800 |
| Nuggets | +850 | +800 | +750 | +700 ❄️ | +750 |
| Thunder | +850 | +850 | +800 ❄️ | +900 | +850 |
| Knicks | +950 | +950 | +900 | +900 | +850 ❄️ |
| Timberwolves | +1000 | +950 | +900 | +1100 | +900 |
| Mavericks | +1000 | +1000 | +1100 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Bucks | +1100 ❄️ | +1500 | +1300 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Lakers | +3000 | +3000 | +3000 | +2500 ❄️ | +3000 |
| Suns | +3500 | +3500 | +3500 | +3500 | +3000 ❄️ |
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2025 NBA championship favorites
Celtics (+300)
The Celtics are the clear favorites to win next year’s NBA championship after dominating the 2024 NBA Finals with a 16-3 record. Although it was only their second title this century, Boston looks poised to compete for more with their current roster.
The team is planning to retain all of its key franchise players and top contributors. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have been the mainstays of the team, will continue to lead alongside Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford (if he decides not to retire) next season in Boston.
The Celtics’ primary playoff rotation consists of six players, all of whom are signed for at least another season. Even Payton Pritchard, the standout reserve, will return to the team. Additionally, Boston acquired Baylor Scheierman from Creighton with the last pick of the first round in the draft, adding a sharpshooter whose 3-point shooting will seamlessly integrate into the team’s playing style.
The Celtics have reason to worry about Kristaps Porzingis’ injury as they gear up for the upcoming season. Following a successful surgery to fix a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon, he is expected to be out for six months. However, there is hope for his return to the court in approximately five months.
It seems unlikely that any team will surpass the Celtics in the odds rankings without making significant changes in the offseason. Even with a major move, it may not be enough. The odds suggest that Boston has a 25% chance of winning the championship, with a $10 bet resulting in a $30 profit.
Top odds: +300 at BetMGM | Probability of winning: 25%
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76ers (+850)
Before free agency started on Sunday evening, the 76ers had odds as high as 14/1 to win the first championship of the Embiid era. However, everything changed when it was announced that George would be joining the Sixers in the East.
This led our top sportsbooks to place Philly in the second position, just behind the Celtics, who have the most talented roster on paper with two star wings and a great mix of role players. However, the 76ers are an intriguing rival with a dominant center who excels on both ends of the court, as well as two elite guards who can create scoring opportunities.
The primary concern for this group, as usual, is health. Embiid’s ongoing health issues are a constant worry, but George also faces uncertainty after playing 74 games last season, his highest total since 2018-19. Entering his age-34 season, George has a history of logging heavy minutes throughout his career.
If all goes according to plan for the 76ers, they have the potential to make a strong playoff push in the Eastern Conference and possibly win the championship. However, there is also a significant amount of risk involved, so it is important to proceed with caution.
Top odds: +850 on FanDuel | Probability of winning: 10.53%
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Nuggets (+850)
Despite their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 playoffs, the Nuggets are considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference heading into the 2024-25 season. Led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver remains a strong contender for the championship.
Jokic is still considered the top player in the world, having won three MVPs in the last four seasons. He joins a select group of just nine players in NBA history to achieve this feat. The Nuggets are also keeping most of their key players, ensuring a strong roster for the upcoming season.
Check out the NBA MVP predictions and expert picks for the 2024-25 season award.
In addition to Jokic, the Nuggets have secured Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon for another season. Reggie Jackson will also be returning in 2024-25 after exercising his player option, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is on his way to Orlando. Denver made a move in the NBA draft to acquire DaRon Holmes from Dayton, adding a skilled defender to their frontcourt.
Head coach Michael Malone now has the key players from a team that had a 57-25 record and ranked fourth in the NBA in net rating (plus-5.4) last season. As a result, the odds suggest a 10.53% chance that Denver will emerge victorious, with a $10 wager yielding an $85 profit.
Top chance of winning: +850 on DraftKings | Likelihood of winning: 10.53%
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Thunder (+900)
The Thunder’s offseason has been relatively low-key compared to other teams, with their most notable move being the signing of center Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million contract.
Having a roster already constructed for championship contention with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm is a luxury. Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished second in MVP voting last year and fifth the year before, is supported by a group of up-and-coming playmakers and a plethora of draft picks that OKC could leverage to acquire another star player to complement SGA.
A blockbuster trade could potentially happen this summer, at the deadline, or in the upcoming seasons. The uncertainty surrounding when it will occur makes Oklahoma City the league’s biggest sleeping giant. One game-changing move could elevate the Thunder from competitive West contenders to clear frontrunners for a championship.
Top odds: +900 at Caesars | Probability of winning: 10%
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Knicks (+950)
After the biggest trade of the offseason, the Knicks quickly climbed into the top five contenders for the NBA championship, despite initially being considered a second- or third-tier team when the odds first opened.
It is evident that New York is prioritizing winning now, especially after Jalen Brunson’s impressive playoff performance with an average of 32.4 PPG and 7.5 APG. Team president Leon Rose solidified the Knicks’ commitment to winning by trading multiple draft picks, pick swaps, two second-round picks, and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges.
This brings him back together with Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, all of whom were part of the Villanova team that won a national championship. Additionally, OG Anunoby has been re-signed and Julius Randle will be returning to full health. Despite the loss of key player Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson will be back on the court after being sidelined for most of the previous season.
The main concern surrounding this team is the health and depth of the roster, particularly with Tom Thibodeau’s tendency to heavily rely on his starters. Although the Knicks drafted Pacome Dadiet from France with the 25th pick, it is doubtful that the 18-year-old will make a significant impact in his first year in the league.
The Knicks are predicted to have a win probability of 10.53% based on these odds, and a $10 bet would result in a $95 profit.
Top odds: +950 on DraftKings | Probability: 9.52%
My NBA championship team to watch
Los Angeles Lakers (+3000)
Despite technically making the playoffs last season through the play-in tournament, the Lakers were eliminated in five games by the Nuggets. This disappointing outcome prompted Rob Pelinka to make changes, including firing Darvin Ham and appointing JJ Redick as the new head coach.
Clearly, Redick’s extensive experience in the game is evident. With 15 years in the NBA, a successful production company supporting his basketball podcast, and recent commentary on the NBA Finals for ESPN, he has certainly made a name for himself. Though there may be reservations about him, his recruitment may be crucial in enticing LeBron James back.
The Lakers wisely chose not to select Bronny James with the 17th pick in the draft, opting instead for Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht. Knecht was one of the top scorers in college basketball last season, averaging 21.7 PPG and shooting 39.7% from three. He is expected to make an immediate impact coming off the bench.
With LeBron James back and Anthony Davis returning, it is likely that the Lakers will try to acquire another star player to complement their dynamic duo. If this happens, the odds of the Lakers winning the championship will decrease. Currently at +3000, there is only a 3.23% chance of the Lakers winning it all, but a $10 bet could result in a $300 profit.
Top odds: +3000 on bet365 | Probability of winning: 3.23%
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NBA conference winner odds
Although the NBA season is still months away, our top sports betting sites are already offering odds on the winners of each conference. Unlike the NBA championship market, teams only need to win their conference and make it to the NBA Finals in order to win.
For instance, the Dallas Mavericks emerged victorious in the Western Conference last season, even though they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Those who placed bets on the Mavericks would still have come out ahead.
Odds via DraftKings.
| Eastern Conference | Odds | Western Conference | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +150 | Thunder | +400 |
| 76ers | +400 | Nuggets | +400 |
| Knicks | +450 | Mavericks | +475 |
| Bucks | +600 | Timberwolves | +500 |
| Heat | +1900 | Lakers | +1400 |
| Cavaliers | +2000 | Suns | +1500 |
| Magic | +2500 | Grizzlies | +1500 |
| Pacers | +2500 | Warriors | +1700 |
| Hawks | +16000 | Clippers | +2000 |
| Bulls | +25000 | Pelicans | +2200 |
| Raptors | +30000 | Kings | +2800 |
| Hornets | +50000 | Rockets | +6000 |
| Wizards | +60000 | Spurs | +7000 |
| Pistons | +60000 | Jazz | +60000 |
| Nets | +60000 | Trail Blazers | +60000 |
NBA championship odds over time
Odds via DraftKings.
| Team | June 17, 2024 (opening odds) | June 30, 2024 (before free agency) | July 1, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | +310 | +290 | +295 |
| Nuggets | +750 | +800 | +850 |
| Mavericks | +950 | +1200 | +1000 |
| Thunder | +950 | +850 | +850 |
| Bucks | +1000 | +1100 | +1100 |
| Timberwolves | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Knicks | +1600 | +850 | +950 |
| 76ers | +1600 | +1200 | +800 |
| Clippers | +2000 | +4000 | +5000 |
| Warriors | +2500 | +3000 | +4000 |
| Lakers | +2500 | +3000 | +3000 |
| Suns | +2500 | +3000 | +3500 |
| Heat | +3500 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Grizzlies | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Cavaliers | +5000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Pacers | +5000 | +6000 | +6000 |
| Pelicans | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
| Magic | +5000 | +8000 | +7500 |
| Kings | +5000 | +7500 | +7500 |
| Hawks | +10000 | +40000 | +40000 |
| Rockets | +10000 | +10000 | +13000 |
| Spurs | +10000 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Bulls | +15000 | +80000 | +80000 |
| Raptors | +25000 | +100000 | +100000 |
| Jazz | +25000 | +50000 | +100000 |
| Nets | +50000 | +100000 | +100000 |
| Hornets | +50000 | +100000 | +100000 |
| Pistons | +50000 | +100000 | +100000 |
| Trail Blazers | +50000 | +100000 | +100000 |
| Wizards | +50000 | +100000 | +100000 |
Past NBA Finals winners
| Year | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Boston Celtics | +450 |
| 2023 | Denver Nuggets | +1800 |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors | +1200 |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Bucks | +550 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers | +1800 |
| 2019 | Toronto Raptors | +6600 |
| 2018 | Golden State Warriors | -168 |
| 2017 | Golden State Warriors | +215 |
| 2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers | +300 |
| 2015 | Golden State Warriors | +2500 |
| 2014 | San Antonio Spurs | +100 |
| 2013 | Miami Heat | +250 |
Teams with the most NBA Championships
| Team | Championships |
|---|---|
| Celtics | 18 |
| Lakers | 17 |
| Warriors | 7 |
| Bulls | 6 |
| Spurs | 5 |
| 76ers | 3 |
| Pistons | 3 |
| Heat | 3 |
| Knicks | 2 |
| Rockets | 2 |
| Bucks | 2 |
How to bet on the NBA championship
To bet on NBA championship odds, start by choosing a trustworthy sportsbook with NBA futures. Look at the odds for each team – for instance, if the Lakers have odds of +500, a $100 bet on them could earn you $500 if they win. Decide how much you want to wager and place your bet. If you bet $100 on the Lakers at +500 and they win, you’ll receive $600 in total ($500 in profit plus your $100 stake). Monitor the teams’ performances during the season to track the progress of your bet.
Remember, odds in future markets are dynamic and can change based on a team’s performance, perception, injuries, trades, player acquisitions, public betting trends, and expert analysis. Being aware of these factors can help you make more informed bets and capitalize on favorable odds shifts.
How to read NBA championship odds
Understanding NBA championship odds is simple. They are typically displayed as either positive or negative numbers, such as +500 or -200. Positive odds indicate potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100. For instance, a +500 bet would earn you $500 profit on a $100 bet, while a -200 bet would require a $200 wager to win $100.
These odds are indicative of a team’s chances of winning the championship. Lower odds (+300) imply a higher probability, whereas higher odds (+2000) suggest a lower likelihood. Adjustments to these odds are made based on various factors such as team performance, injuries, trades, and betting trends.
If the Lakers have odds of +500 and the Nets have odds of +700, it indicates that the Lakers are more favored to win. Betting $100 on the Lakers and winning would result in a $600 return ($500 profit + $100 stake). Knowing how to interpret these odds is important for making smart betting choices and estimating potential profits.
NBA Championship FAQs
Who is the NBA Finals favorite?
Heading into NBA free agency, the Boston Celtics are the frontrunners to win the 2024-25 NBA championship with odds as low as +295. This gives them a 25.32% chance of repeating as champions.
Who won the NBA Finals last year?
The Boston Celtics emerged victorious in the 2024 NBA Finals after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. The Denver Nuggets secured their first NBA title in franchise history in 2023 by defeating the Miami Heat in five games.
When will the 2025 NBA Finals be decided?
The 2024 NBA Finals kick off on June 5, with a potential Game 7 set for June 22. Anticipate the 2024-25 playoffs to follow a comparable timeline.
NBA betting odds pages
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