The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with defending champions OKC installed as $3.60 favourites to go back-to-back, but history says it’s no easy task. No team has repeated since the Warriors dynasty, and with several contenders retooling their rosters, there’s plenty of value across the outright markets.
Our NBA previews and outright betting tips highlight the teams best placed to challenge the Thunder, including one ready to take the next step and another flying under the radar in the East.
Best Bet
OKC rightly sit as short-priced favourites after claiming the 2024-25 title, but $3.50 is short considering we haven’t seen a team go back-to-back since the Golden State dynasty of Steph, KD, Draymond and Klay.
Several contenders have upgraded over the off-season, while the Thunder are essentially running it back with the same group.
One team that has added serious punch is Denver, who pushed OKC to seven games in the Western Conference Semi Finals. Flipping Michael Porter Jr for Cam Johnson is a clear defensive upgrade and arguably an offensive one too, with Johnson a much better system fit. Remember, MPJ averaged just 7.4 points per game in that OKC series.
The Nuggets have also added much-needed depth. Bruce Brown returns after proving invaluable during their championship run, Tim Hardaway Jr provides reliable shooting off the bench, and Jonas Valanciunas gives Jokic genuine frontcourt support which should help preserve the Serbian’s legs through the regular season.
Next Best
Mike Brown steps in as the new head coach, which is probably the reason they are not my top pick. That said, Brown has an excellent record in his first year with a team: 50-32 with Cleveland in 2005-06, 41-25 with the Lakers in 2011-12, and a 48-34 playoff season with the Kings in his debut year there.
Depth has long been New York’s biggest issue under Thibs, but that has finally been addressed. Guerschon Yabusele is a solid bench addition, Jordan Clarkson brings proven sixth-man scoring, and Malcolm Brogdon adds veteran leadership and reliable back-up minutes behind Brunson.
Mitchell Robinson’s return from injury was crucial last postseason, especially against Boston and Indiana, and don’t be surprised if Josh Hart thrives as a second-unit leader in a sixth-man role.
In a weakened Eastern Conference, the Knicks look well placed to take control.
Value Bet
Flip a coin between Orlando and Atlanta ($34), but the Magic inspire far more confidence heading into 2025-26.
They still managed 41 wins last season despite long-term absences to their three best players: Paolo Banchero (10 weeks), Franz Wagner (7 weeks), and Jalen Suggs (out from January to season’s end). The trio played just six games together all year, making their .500 finish even more impressive.
Outside shooting was their biggest weakness, but they have addressed it by adding Desmond Bane, who is an elite two-way fit for this roster. Tyus Jones also brings steady back-up point guard play, a major upgrade over Cory Joseph, and will cover early games while Suggs recovers.
If Banchero takes the leap to true superstar level, and he is more than capable, Orlando are every chance of returning to the NBA Finals.
