2025 NBA Championship Picks: Boston Celtics favored, OKC Thunder Lead Contenders

Let's examine our 2025 NBA Championship picks to determine if there is any team that can dethrone the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have clinched the NBA championship for the first time since 2008.

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Following their victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, the Celtics continue to be the top favorite according to our top sports betting sites.

Here's an overview of the most recent NBA championship odds, favorites, and teams that are drawing attention.

2025 NBA Championship Odds

To Win 2025 NBA Championship
Boston Celtics	+300	+320	+315
Oklahoma City Thunder	+600	+650	+550
New York Knicks	+750	+800	+750
Philadelphia 76ers	+900	+900	+800
Dallas Mavericks	+1000	+1000	+1000
Denver Nuggets	+1000	+1000	+1000
Minnesota Timberwolves	+1100	+1000	+1200
Milwaukee Bucks	+1400	+1400	+1400
Phoenix Suns	+2500	+2500	+2800
Memphis Grizzlies	+2800	+4000	+3500
Golden State Warriors	+3300	+3300	+3000
Los Angeles Lakers	+3300	+3300	+2500

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Boston Celtics

It may not be the most exciting or valuable bet at just over 3-to-1 odds. It's not a bold prediction or a controversial take, but choosing the reigning champs as the top pick to win the 2025 Finals is the most logical decision.

The Celtics demonstrated dominance last season. The only factor that slowed their remarkable performance was the strategic rest period when Joe Mazzulla recognized the substantial lead Boston had over other teams in the second half of the regular season.

Despite a late-season rotation of rest days for their key players, Boston secured the Eastern Conference title with a 14-game lead.

This season, there will be fewer injuries in the league. Additionally, the competition, particularly in the East, is expected to be stronger.

The @celtics celebrate their 2023-24 NBA title by receiving their rings & raising a championship banner tonight!

Watch the ceremony live at 7:00pm/et on TNT, followed by Knicks vs. Celtics at 7:30pm/et. #KiaTipOff24 pic.twitter.com/DNbvlkFanE

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2024

The Knicks, Sixers, and Cavs have all improved, which bodes well for the Celtics as they aim to defend their championship title.

While the health of center Kristaps Porzingis is a concern, the Celtics can rely on the experienced and versatile Al Horford, who also serves as a quiet leader for the team.

Additionally, Boston boasts above-average height at every main-rotational position, except center when KP is unavailable.

Last season, Boston achieved a remarkable 122.2 offensive rating and 1.22 points per possession, setting new records. The team outscored their opponents by an average of 11.34 points, ranking fifth in NBA history.

They also displayed their dominance at home with a 37-4 record at TD Garden.

With the team maturing and gaining experience, they may not surpass their 2023-24 regular-season record, but they are strong contenders to reclaim the championship in June.

The Celtics are favored to win the 2025 NBA Championship at +300 odds.

Boston Celtics To win 2025 NBA Championship

+300

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Oklahoma City Thunder

In the Western Conference, OKC stands out as the strongest team overall and the lead contender to win the championship in 2025. After the Celtics, the Thunder are a top favorite to win the the 2025 Championship.

Similar to Boston, the Thunder possess a wide range of strengths, including star players, top-tier defense, impressive depth, exceptional three-point shooting, and effective coaching.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP runner-up to Nikola Jokic last season, highlighting his outstanding performance. Jalen Williams is often overlooked but is a highly valuable role player in the league.

Tonight's 5️⃣

Presented by @Kia pic.twitter.com/DuaSpkSsMp

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 16, 2024

The additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein have seamlessly integrated into this already formidable defensive squad.

Health is the key.

If Hartenstein's injury doesn't keep him out for an extended period, and if the rest of the team stays relatively injury-free, Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault's Thunder has the potential to defeat any team in the league.

The OKC Thunder's odds to win the 2025 NBA Championship is second-best at +550.

Oklahoma City Thunder To win 2025 NBA Championship

+550

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New York Knicks

The Knicks front office made two major moves: acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and, more recently, All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New York could have chosen to keep its healthy roster and brought back Julius Randle. They still would have been seen as a strong contender.

However, with Randle having the option to leave in free agency next summer, the Knicks didn't want to risk losing him for nothing.

Instead, they traded for Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been linked to the team in trade scenarios for a while, and who recently signed a four-year supermax extension.

The Knicks starting five tonight:

Jalen Brunson
Mikal Bridges
Josh Hart
OG Anunoby
Karl-Anthony Towns

(via @SbondyNBA) pic.twitter.com/dwbs4PKkg9

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 22, 2024

Towns' performance declined during the Timberwolves' postseason, particularly in close games where his defense became a liability.

Now, he reunites with his former head coach, Tom Thibodeau, and is expected to fill the role of the team's new versatile center.

With his scoring ability and the defensive support from players like Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby, Towns can be a valuable asset to the team.

This lineup might be the most talented roster New York has ever had, but the ultimate measure of success will be whether they can win the Larry O'Brien trophy, as expectations for the team are now much higher.

New York Knicks To win 2025 NBA Championship

+750

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Phoenix Suns

It seems premature to place the Suns at 25-to-1 odds to win the NBA Championship. They're just inside the top 10 of the NBA Finals futures board.

Mike Budenholzer bringing his NBA championship experience to a talented roster in the Valley. There's a real possibility of success if the team can maintain good health throughout the season.

Phoenix boasts a .642 winning percentage against winning teams when Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are all healthy.

Our rise is constant. #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/fyck8lvSbv

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 29, 2024

The team's three-point shooting remains formidable, especially with Grayson Allen's breakout season. The addition of point guard Tyus Jones further strengthens the lineup.

The Suns have also benefited from the other Western Conference contenders losing some key players in the 2024 offseason.

Minnesota traded away Karl-Anthony Towns, Klay Thompson left Golden State, Paul George left the Clippers, LeBron is getting older, and Denver replaced Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with Russell Westbrook.

If it's not OKC that emerges from the Western Conference, it seems like a safe bet that it will be either Dallas or Phoenix.

The Phoenix Suns are a the best longshot at +2500 to shock everyone and win the 2025 NBA Championship.

Phoenix Suns To win 2025 NBA Championship

+2500

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