Oklahoma City Thunder: Favorites to Repeat in the NBA?
The Oklahoma City Thunder, after winning their first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma, are emerging as the main contenders to repeat the success in the 2025-2026 season. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team, expectations are high. The Thunder start the season as favorites, closely followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks, and the Houston Rockets. The Rockets experienced a significant change in their odds, going from 18-1 to +850, following the acquisition of Kevin Durant, a player with 15 All-Star appearances. The Indiana Pacers, champions of the Eastern Conference, saw a decrease in their chances, from 10-1 to 14-1, after Tyrese Haliburton, their top scorer, suffered a right leg injury during the seventh game of the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics, without Jayson Tatum, also open with 14-1 odds, just like the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dallas Mavericks, who hold the first pick in the NBA Draft, are sixth in the Western Conference, with championship odds of 22-1.Note: Odds are as of the publication date.
