Thunder poised as strong contenders for NBA season opener as repeat favorites

ago 5 hours
Thunder poised as strong contenders for NBA season opener as repeat favorites

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to unveil their championship banner on Tuesday night, marking the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season. Expectations are high as they remain the strong favorites to win another title.

Betting Odds for the NBA Championship

According to BetMGM, the Thunder have maintained their position as top contenders with odds listed at +240. However, recent betting trends show that other teams are gaining traction.

  • Denver Nuggets: Initially listed at +1600, their odds have shifted dramatically to +550, receiving 17.5% of the total money wagered.
  • Los Angeles Lakers: Despite seeing their odds lengthen from +1500 to +1600, they hold 15.9% of the money wagered.
  • Golden State Warriors: Their odds improved from +3000 to +2500, attracting 9.0% of the wagered money.
  • Dallas Mavericks: Also a popular choice, their odds remain at +3500, with 9.3% backing.

Halvor Egeland, a trading strategy manager at BetMGM, noted that while the Thunder are favored to repeat, their low odds might not draw as much action from bettors compared to star-studded teams like the Lakers and Warriors.

Current NBA Title Odds

Team Opening Odds Current Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder +240 +240
Denver Nuggets +1600 +550
Cleveland Cavaliers +700 +750
New York Knicks +700 +900
Los Angeles Lakers +1500 +1600
Golden State Warriors +3000 +2500

Western and Eastern Conference Outlook

The Western Conference remains highly competitive. The Thunder are favorites at +170, followed closely by the Nuggets at +375. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at +700, while the Lakers, Rockets, and Clippers are all at +900.

In the Eastern Conference, the landscape is more unpredictable. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites at +220, with the New York Knicks just behind at +250. The Orlando Magic are currently at +550, while the Atlanta Hawks sit at +900.

The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be thrilling, with the Thunder aiming for a repeat amidst fierce competition.