The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with the Oklahoma City Thunder on top of the title board. After winning their first championship since moving to Oklahoma, the Thunder enter the new year as clear favorites to repeat. Their price sits around +200 to +240 across most sportsbooks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets make up the next group of contenders. With new rosters and several offseason moves, the race for the 2026 NBA title is wide open. Bookies can take advantage of all the early action by running their own lines with WagerHome.
Thunder Still the Favorites
Oklahoma City returns every key player from last season’s 68-win team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams lead a balanced roster that now adds guard Nikola Topić. Their odds around +200 show how strong bettors view their repeat chances.
The Thunder also hold the highest win total on the board at 62.5. They were one of the most efficient teams on both ends last season. Early sharp money supports another deep run from the champs.
Oddsmakers note OKC draws the most tickets and a large share of total handle. That shows public trust and limited value for long-shot plays. They start the season as the clear team to beat.
Nuggets and Cavaliers Follow
Denver opened near +550 and remains steady in that range. Nikola Jokic anchors the lineup and leads one of the most consistent teams in basketball. Bettors continue to back Denver heavily as the Western threat most likely to challenge Oklahoma City.
Cleveland sits around +700 to +850 and leads the East in most markets. The Cavs’ mix of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley gives them balance at both ends. They are priced as the top Eastern team for a reason.
Denver and Cleveland both attract strong betting interest. If either starts hot, futures prices could shorten fast. These are the two teams most likely to test the Thunder late in the playoffs.
Knicks, Rockets, and Lakers in the Mix
The New York Knicks enter near +900 after a strong postseason. Jalen Brunson’s rise and improved depth make them an early Eastern Conference favorite. They sit just behind Cleveland on most books.
Houston is next at around +1400 after trading for Kevin Durant. The Rockets’ price moved after injuries to key guards, but they remain a threat with Durant’s scoring. If young players step up, Houston could move into single-digit odds by midseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 13-1 price in most shops. Public money always supports this team. Health and rotation depth will decide if that price holds or drifts higher as the season moves forward.
Longer Shots Worth Watching
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic sit near 18-1 and are seen as rising programs. Both feature young cores that can improve on last year’s playoff trips. Golden State follows at 28-1 as a veteran wild card.
Other teams like Boston (+3000), Dallas (+3300), and Philadelphia (+3300) hover near the middle. Those odds reflect roster questions and injuries that cloud their outlook. Any early hot start could trim those prices quickly.
At the bottom, teams like Utah, Brooklyn, and Washington open 1000-1 or longer. Those are pure long shots with limited betting interest. Their markets mostly stay quiet until major trades or injuries shake up the league.
PPH Betting Prediction
The market says Oklahoma City and Denver are the two safest picks. Cleveland and New York hold the best Eastern value. The midrange prices on Houston and the Lakers offer potential upside if veteran depth performs.
Prediction: Oklahoma City repeats and wins back-to-back titles. Bet and track your futures lines with WagerHome, the platform built for bookies who want full control of every wager. The season starts now—make your odds work for you.
Pick: Thunder +200 to win 2026 NBA Title
