2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder Lead the Pack as Lakers Stay Competitive Without LeBron

2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder Lead the Pack as Lakers Stay Competitive Without LeBron
2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder Lead the Pack as Lakers Stay Competitive Without LeBron

The Oklahoma City Thunder captured last season’s championship after a seven-game battle with the Indiana Pacers. One month into the 2025–26 season, the race is already heating up.

Current NBA Title Odds put the Thunder on top again, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading another strong start. The Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Lakers remain close behind, while Kevin Durant’s move to Houston has added new intrigue.

Let’s break down the latest NBA Title Odds, early surprises, and which teams look built for a deep playoff run.

NBA Championship Odds for the 2025-26 Season

Below are the latest title odds (as of November 11) from FanDuel Sportsbook.

TeamOdds$10 Bet Payout
Oklahoma City Thunder+200$30 total
Denver Nuggets+650$75 total
Cleveland Cavaliers+700$80 total
New York Knicks+1300$140 total
Houston Rockets+1300$140 total
Los Angeles Lakers+1400$150 total
Golden State Warriors+1700$180 total
Orlando Magic+2200$230 total
Minnesota Timberwolves+2200$230 total
Philadelphia 76ers+2500$260 total
Los Angeles Clippers+2700$280 total
Boston Celtics+3500$360 total
San Antonio Spurs+3500$360 total
Detroit Pistons+4000$410 total
Milwaukee Bucks+4500$460 total
Atlanta Hawks+4500$460 total
Dallas Mavericks+6500$660 total
Miami Heat+10000$1,010 total
Chicago Bulls+12500$1,260 total
Toronto Raptors+15000$1,510 total
Indiana Pacers+22500$2,260 total
Memphis Grizzlies+35000$3,510 total
Phoenix Suns+50000$5,010 total
Portland Trail Blazers+60000$6,010 total
New Orleans Pelicans+75000$7,510 total
Charlotte Hornets+100000$10,010 total
Sacramento Kings+100000$10,010 total
Washington Wizards+100000$10,010 total
Brooklyn Nets+100000$10,010 total
Utah Jazz+100000$10,010 total

The Reigning Champions — Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder opened the season as the clear favorites, moving from +260 post-Finals to +200. Their young core — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams — remains intact after offseason extensions, securing OKC’s foundation for years to come.

Through 11 games, the Thunder boast a 10-1 record, the best in the league, despite Williams sitting out early games and Holmgren missing several due to rest. OKC’s mix of depth, pace, and defensive efficiency has turned them into one of the most balanced teams in recent memory.

Their trajectory suggests this team isn’t just defending its title — it’s evolving into a potential dynasty.

The Closest Challengers

Denver Nuggets — Still a Threat

The Denver Nuggets hold the league’s second-shortest odds at +650. Led by Nikola Jokić, Denver remains elite offensively, averaging 124.2 points per game with a +13.2 point differential through early November. Their combination of chemistry and consistency keeps them among the most feared teams in the West.

Cleveland Cavaliers — A Rising Eastern Power

Cleveland’s title odds have shortened to +700 after another strong start. The Cavaliers’ defense ranks among the league’s best, and their young core — Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley — continues to mature. They sit tied with Miami and Milwaukee for the third-best record in the East, looking to build on last season’s conference-best finish.

Major Storylines in the Eastern Conference

Injuries Shake Up the East

The 2025 postseason’s injury fallout reshaped the Eastern Conference. Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) and Jayson Tatum (Celtics) both suffered Achilles tears and could miss the entire season. The Pacers also lost Myles Turner in free agency, while Boston traded away Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, and said goodbye to Al Horford.

As a result, the East feels wide open. Boston sits at 5-6, ranking 12th in title odds, while the injury-depleted Pacers have started 1-9, dropping to 21st overall. Expect teams like the Knicks, Cavaliers, and Magic to capitalize on the void.

Western Dominance Continues

Of the top ten favorites, six teams hail from the Western Conference — a clear sign of competitive imbalance. The Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, Lakers, Warriors, and Timberwolves all find themselves within striking distance.

The Houston Rockets, now powered by veteran superstar Kevin Durant, have quickly emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing teams. Meanwhile, the Lakers, though without LeBron James, remain a steady presence at +1400, thanks to Anthony Davis anchoring their frontcourt and solid contributions from Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.

Long Shots and Sleeper Picks

If you’re hunting for high-value underdogs, the Miami Heat (+10000) and Milwaukee Bucks (+4500) could offer upside. Miami’s experienced core thrives in the postseason, while Milwaukee’s backcourt reshuffle has created new offensive wrinkles.

Further down, Detroit (+4000) and Atlanta (+4500) stand as intriguing mid-tier bets, boasting young lineups capable of catching fire late in the year.

The Big Picture

While Oklahoma City and Denver lead the early race, the 2025-26 season feels more open than in years past.

  • The West is loaded with star talent and proven rosters.
  • The East is entering a transition period defined by injuries and new contenders.
  • Several young teams — like the Magic and Timberwolves — are on the rise, potentially breaking into the elite tier.

As the season progresses, these odds will evolve with trades, injuries, and breakout performances. But for now, the Thunder’s reign appears far from over — and every contender knows they’ll have to go through OKC to reach the mountaintop.

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