As the thrill builds for the2024-2025 NBA season, basketball followers and analysts alike are turning their consideration to the highest contenders for the last word prize: the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Opening night time is ready for October 22, and with roster strikes, rising stars, and veteran gamers able to hit the hardwood, the race to the championship is huge open. So, which groups are finest positioned to take residence the title this season?
On this breakdown, we’ll analyze the newest odds for every group and spotlight the squads which are anticipated to make a critical run for the 2025 NBA Championship. Listed below are the highest groups favored to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, together with key insights into why they’re those to observe.
Kevin Durant’s humiliation to Bronny James
Boston Celtics: (+320) Championship Favorites
On the high of the record are the Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions. After a dominant 2023-2024 season the place they secured 64 wins and steamrolled their manner via the playoffs, the Celtics are as soon as once more the favorites to win all of it, with odds sitting at +320. Regardless of questions surrounding the well being of Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s depth and continuity make them a high contender.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchor a group that boasts top-of-the-line defensive models within the league, and if Porzingis returns absolutely wholesome, Boston may defy the current development of distinctive champions yr after yr.
Denver Nuggets: (+500) Defending the West
The Denver Nuggets, recent off a Western Convention title, enter the 2024-2025 season with odds of +500 to win the NBA Championship. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have confirmed they’ll compete on the highest degree. Whereas the group misplaced some depth over the offseason, their core stays intact, with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. set to play vital roles as soon as once more.
The most important query for Denver can be whether or not their bench can present the mandatory help for Jokic in what is anticipated to be a grueling Western Convention.
Milwaukee Bucks: (+450) Giannis Leads the Cost
Within the Japanese Convention, the Milwaukee Bucks proceed to be a drive to be reckoned with. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s projected to common over 30 factors per sport, stays the focus of a group constructed round his versatile skillset. With +450 odds, the Bucks have the expertise and expertise to compete for an additional title, however they’re going to want to remain wholesome and keep away from the harm bug that has plagued them in previous seasons.
The Bucks will face stiff competitors within the East, however with Giannis on the helm, Milwaukee is all the time a professional risk.
Los Angeles Lakers: (+600) A Season of Uncertainty
The Los Angeles Lakers discover themselves in a season crammed with unknowns. With odds of +600, the Lakers are nonetheless within the dialog for the championship, however there are vital issues concerning the group’s potential to remain wholesome. LeBron James is nearing his fortieth birthday, and Anthony Davis’ harm historical past is well-documented. Add in a rookie head coach, J.J. Redick, and it is clear that the Lakers will want every part to go proper for them to make a deep playoff run.
Phoenix Suns: (+170) Betting on the Large Three
The Phoenix Suns are banking on their Large Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to guide them again to championship competition. Regardless of a disappointing early exit in final season’s playoffs, the Suns stay a powerful contender with odds of +170 to win the Pacific Division. If their star trio can gel, and the supporting solid steps up, Phoenix may make a deep playoff run.
New York Knicks: (+500) Rising within the East
The New York Knicks are one of many groups to observe within the Japanese Convention, with +500 odds to win the NBA title. After including Karl-Anthony Cities to their roster, the Knicks hope to construct on their 50-win marketing campaign from final season. The lack of Mitchell Robinson on account of harm will take a look at their inside protection, however the arrival of Cities ought to assist soften the blow. With a powerful core of wing gamers like Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby, the Knicks could possibly be a sleeper group this season.
High 10 Groups Favored to Win the 2024-2025 NBA Championship
- Boston Celtics (+320)
- Denver Nuggets (+500)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+450)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+600)
- Phoenix Suns (+170)
- New York Knicks (+500)
- Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (+330)
- Miami Warmth (+102)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+250)
- Golden State Warriors (+1000)
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: (+330) The Darkish Horse within the West
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have emerged as one of the vital intriguing groups within the NBA. With a roster crammed with younger expertise, together with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder are poised for a breakout season. Their odds to win the Western Convention stand at +330, and in the event that they proceed their upward trajectory, they might discover themselves contending for the NBA title for the primary time since 2016.
Miami Warmth: (+102) At all times a Contender
The Miami Warmth constantly discover methods to outperform expectations. After successful 46 video games final season regardless of main accidents to key gamers, Miami enters the 2024-2025 season with odds of +102 to make a deep playoff run. If they’ll keep wholesome and replicate their gritty playstyle, the Warmth could possibly be one of the vital harmful groups within the East.
A Aggressive Season Awaits
The 2024-2025 NBA season guarantees to be one of the vital aggressive in current reminiscence. With a mixture of established powerhouses and rising stars, the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is huge open. Whether or not you are putting bets or just following the motion, this season is shaping as much as be one for the historical past books. Control the highest contenders and count on surprises alongside the way in which as groups battle for basketball’s final prize.
