The upcoming NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams entering the year as legitimate title contenders. From reigning champions like the Boston Celtics to teams on the rise like the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks, the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy will be grueling.
Each of these teams has made notable offseason moves to bolster their rosters, but repeating or climbing to the top won’t be easy in a league full of talent and depth. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers added a third star in Paul George to complement Joel Embiid, and the Dallas Mavericks brought in sharpshooter Klay Thompson to enhance their roster after a Finals apperance.
Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves are undoubtedly in the mix. With many contenders fine-tuning their roster and aspirations high, this NBA season promises excitement, and any one of these teams could be the last standing in June.
Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders and their odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, analyzing the key factors that could propel each team to becoming champions, along with other dark-horse contenders to monitor.
Boston Celtics (+295)
The Celtics are entering the season as the clear favorites to win the NBA title, with +295 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Coming off their 18th championship, the Celtics solidified themselves as the team to beat, powered by Jayson Tatum’s stellar All-NBA season and Jaylen Brown’s playoff heroics. The additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Pozringis last season gave them the defensive and playmaking boost they needed.
With the front office making savvy moves, including securing Brown on a historic contract, the Celtics have reloaded for another title push. This offseason, Boston’s main focus was to maintain the chemistry and strength of its championship roster. With an impressive core, they have +1000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to three-peat .
The Celtics made only minor adjustments, opting to preserve continuity rather than overhaul a winning formula. With 64 wins last season, the challenge will be staying ahead of a competitive league eager to dethrone the champions. They added Lonnie Walker IV in free agency to bolster their scoring off the bench.
A potential vulnerability lies in their aging frontcourt, particularly with 39-year-old Al Horford. While Horford has been a reliable leader for Boston, any decline could put more pressure on Porzingis, who’s already sidelined to begin the season. Xavier Tillman may need to step up if the Celtics face issues in the paint. However, with its core group healthy and locked in, Boston is primed with a strong outlook to repeat as champions.
Oklahoma City Thunder (+700)
The Thunder begin the season with +700 championship odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, second only to the Celtics. After a 57-win season where they became the youngest team ever to secure the top seed in the Western Conference, the Thunder are now firmly in the title conversation.
Despite falling short in the playoffs, Oklahoma City’s rise, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber production, has solidified its status. Oklahoma City made impactful moves, headlined by the acquisition of Isaiah Hartenstein, giving them much-needed size and rebounding in the frontcourt.
Additionally, the Thunder traded for defensive specialist Alex Caruso, though it cost them Josh Giddey, a move reflecting their commitment to winning now while preserving future draft assets. These additions provide key depth and defensive toughness without compromising the team’s long-term flexibility.
However, the Thunder’s success will also depend on the development of young stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Willams. There wasn’t a reliable secondary option in their Western Conference semifinals series against the Mavericks, resulting in elimination. Adding complementary talents suggests these young stars are being counted on to step up on the big stage.
Philadelphia 76ers (+850)
The 76ers enter the season with +850 odds to win the NBA title on DraftKings Sportsbook, cementing their status as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Last season saw the Sixers battle through adversity, with Joel Embiid sidelined for two months due to a meniscus injury, forcing the team into the Play-In Tournament.
Despite this setback, Tyrese Maxey emerged as a dynamic star and earning All-Star recognition, along with Most Improved Player honors. Maxey’s rise allowed Philadelphia to stay competitive, but the team ultimately fell short in the playoffs, underscoring the need for offseason reinforcements.
The Sixers responded with an ambitious offseason, headlined by the acquisition of George, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin, along with key role players like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson. The front office’s bold moves have reshaped the roster, positioning the Sixers for a leap forward after a 47-win season. George’s move to Philadelphia gives the Sixers a third star to complement Maxey and Embiid without having to bear the burden of being the top option.
At the core of Philadelphia’s title aspirations remains Embiid, the reigning MVP and the team’s cornerstone. His ability to stay healthy and maintain his dominant form will be critical to the Sixers’ success after appearing in only 39 games last season. With a deep roster around him, including potentially three All-Stars in 2025, the Sixers are primed for a deep playoff run.
New York Knicks (+900)
The Knicks enter the season with +900 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the NBA championship, highlighting their rise as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders. After a resurgent 50-win season last year, the Knicks made a strong playoff push, falling just short in a Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Jalen Brunson’s breakout as an All-NBA player was a key factor, and though the team lost Julius Randle to a season-ending shoulder injury in January, the Knicks proved they could compete at a high level. This offseason, the Knicks made a bold move by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, giving them an elite two-way player who complements their core perfectly.
The trade came at the cost of five future first-round picks, but with New York focused on winning now, the investment makes sense. Alongside Bridges, the Knicks secured long-term deals for key players, including a four-year, $156 million extension for Jalen Brunson and a five-year, $212 million contract for OG Anunoby.
Although the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein leaves a gap at backup center, the team has the flexibility to address that need later in the season. The team’s success may hinge on the performance of Mitchell Robinson after an injury-riddled season. His health will play a crucial role in defending against elite big men like Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, and Bam Adebayo in the East. The Knicks are well-positioned for another deep playoff run.
Denver Nuggets (+950)
The Nuggets begin the season with +950 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the NBA championship, keeping them in the mix of top contenders. After a disappointing exit in the Western Conference semifinals last season, the Nuggets are looking for redemption but face the challenge of maintaining their elite status in the luxury tax era.
Despite Nikola Jokic earning his third MVP award, Denver struggled when key players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. faltered, and the lack of bench depth became evident. The result was a campaign that, while successful on paper, fell short of expectations for a team fresh off a title.
Salary cap restrictions, especially due to the second tax apron, limited the Nuggets’ flexibility in retaining talent. The team’s depth remains a concern, though they did get a contract extension done with Murray. In the offseason, they made key additions but lost some crucial pieces. They brought in Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric, both of whom are expected to strengthen their bench unit. However, the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic marked the second straight summer Denver lost a key contributor, following Bruce Brown’s exit the year before.
For Denver to make another title push, it all circles back to Jokic’s brilliance, but equally important will be Murray’s ability to rebound from an inconsistent second half of last season. Christian Braun is also poised to take on a larger role, and his development will be crucial in offsetting the loss of key role players. With a healthy core and Jokic continuing to dominate, a 50-win season and deep playoff run are within reach, but a championship is the goal.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+1000)
The Timberwolves head into the season with +1000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the NBA championship, signaling their rise as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. After a 48-win campaign and a strong playoff showing, the Timberwolves have continued to build around their talented core, led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Edwards, in particular, has emerged as a rising star, while Towns provides a crucial inside-out scoring presence. Although their playoff run fell short last season, the team’s progression has ignited hope in Minnesota, positioning them as a team capable of competing at the highest level.
The Timberwolves focused on strengthening their depth and supporting cast without making any major splash signings. Minnesota has the pieces to make noise in the West. Their success, however, will depend on maintaining health and getting consistent contributions from their supporting cast.
The main elements to monitor appears to be Edwards and Towns reaching another level offensively in the postseason. Neither player consistently brought it enough in the Western Conference Finals and this group tends to struggle when the offense gets stagnant even in the regular season.
Dallas Mavericks (+1000)
The Mavericks have +1000 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the NBA championship, coming off a Finals appearance and a solid 50-32 campaign. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving showcased their ability to thrive together, but it was clear in their Finals loss to the Celtics that additional offensive firepower was needed. In response, the Mavericks made a major move by acquiring Klay Thompson through a six-team sign-and-trade, adding an elite sharpshooter to complement their star-studded backcourt.
Dallas has also bolstered its frontcourt, with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford providing rim protection and a presence in the paint. While the trio of Doncic, Irving, and Thompson brings concerns about perimeter defense, the Mavericks have help on the backline to cover those weaknesses.
The Mavericks also addressed other key areas of the roster, including signing Naji Marshall to replace Derrick Jones Jr., adding depth on the wing alongside Thompson and P.J. Washington. With players like Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy still in the mix, Dallas has improved its off-the-dribble playmaking, adding versatility to their offensive attack. Additionally, the return of Spencer Dinwiddie gives the Mavs another scoring option who can thrive in pick-and-roll situations and isolation, key elements that should prove vital during the postseason’s more aggressive defensive schemes.
The Mavericks have developed a reputation for making impactful midseason trades under general manager Nico Harrison, as seen with the additions of Irving, Gafford, and Washington in consecutive seasons. With a deep, well-rounded roster, the Mavericks are positioned to make another title push, and their ability to adjust and improve during the season could prove pivotal to their championship aspirations.
Milwaukee Bucks (+1300)
The Bucks enter the season with +1300 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook to win the NBA championship, signaling that while they remain a contender, they face significant challenges in maintaining their elite status. Last season ended in disappointment, as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf injury in the playoffs exposed the team’s over-reliance on their two-time MVP.
Even with Damian Lillard joining the roster, Milwaukee’s veteran core — featuring Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez —looked past its prime at times. The Bucks failed to reach 50 wins, parted ways with head coach Adrian Griffin and replaced him with Doc Rivers, and faced salary cap restrictions that limited their ability to make substantial offseason changes.
In the offseason, the Bucks made smaller, calculated moves to bolster their depth without breaking the bank. They added Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Delon Wright in free agency, aiming to improve their perimeter shooting and provide more bench support. Prince’s experience as a starter with the Lakers should help the Bucks’ rotation, while Trent brings scoring punch.
For Milwaukee to return to championship form, Lillard will need to find his groove after a subpar first season with the team. His three-point shooting dipped to 35.4%, well below his career average, and the adjustment to a new system alongside Antetokounmpo seemed to affect his performance.
If Lillard can regain his form and Middleton can stay healthy, the Bucks have enough talent to contend with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. However, the pressure is on their veteran core to hold up, as relying solely on Antetokounmpo’s dominance won’t be enough to get the Bucks back to the Finals.
Other Contenders
After the top eight teams, there is a major gap in odds for the next tier of hopeful contenders on DraftKings Sportsbook. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers (+3000), Golden State Warriors (+3500), Phoenix Suns (+3500), Memphis Grizzlies (+4000), and Miami Heat (+4500) each have odds better than +5000 to win the title.
There are questions surrounding each of these teams even despite some of the league’s best players headling their teams. The Lakers, Warriors, and Heat did not make meaningful changes this offseason that warrant much benefit of the doubt. Unless a midseason move transpires, that perception will likely remain.
The Suns did add needed steady-handed point guards in Tyus Jones and Monte Morris, which should offer confidence in their outlook. However, this is still a group that has to prove themselves defensively, but importantly, has to stay healthy.
After a disasterous campaign that involved Ja Morant playing nine games, an extended stretch of success will likely change the Grizzlies’ odds significantly. Adding Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft — the top candidate for Rookie of the Year on DraftKings Sportsbook — should help reinforce their core if he succeeds early.
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