The Oklahoma City Thunder followed up their NBA Championship last season by picking up the best record this season. However, they find themselves in a Western Conference that seems stronger than ever, with all of the 3 major MVP candidates playing here. The 2024 champions, the Boston Celtics, seem to be back at their best too, with Jayson Tatum fully healthy, which should make these playoffs very intriguing. Let’s break down the NBA Championship contenders along with our best futures bet to lock in ahead of the start of the playoffs. Make sure you also check out our expert NBA picks for EVERY matchup in the postseason.
2026 NBA Championship odds
Odds courtesy of bet365 and available at time of publishing.
- Oklahoma City Thunder +115
- San Antonio Spurs +500
- Boston Celtics +550
- Denver Nuggets +900
- Cleveland Cavaliers +1400
- New York Knicks +1800
- Detroit Pistons +2000
- Houston Rockets +6000
- Minnesota Timberwolves +8000
- Atlanta Hawks +12500
- Charlotte Hornets +15000
- LA Lakers +15000
- Philadelphia 76ers +17500
- Orlando Magic +25000
- Toronto Raptors +25000
- Golden State Warriors +50000
- Phoenix Suns +60000
- LA Clippers +60000
- Miami Heat +75000
- Portland Trail Blazers +150000
2026 NBA Championship contenders
Oklahoma City Thunder (+115)
The defending champions finished the 2025-26 campaign as the top team in defensive rating this season, and are the clear favorites to repeat. But all might not be as straightforward as it appears. Injuries have plagued them this season, with key players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams playing under 50 games. The latter also took a step back in all major statistical categories outside of assists compared to last season. If his struggles continue into the postseason, it could leave them without a clear second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Their paths could also cross the San Antonio Spurs, who beat them in 3 of 4 games this season.
San Antonio Spurs (+500)
The Spurs might still be a young team, but Victor Wembanyama has propelled them to challenger status. They should have a fairly easy time in the first round against either the Phoenix Suns or Portland Trail Blazers, which could leave them better rested than the Denver Nuggets, who might have to slog it out against the Minnesota Timberwolves. If San Antonio is to make a deep run here, they will need someone outside of Wembanyama to be able to create their own shots. De’Aaron Fox could be that player, but he finished the season averaging under 19 points per game, his lowest mark since his sophomore season. They will need him to step up here.
Boston Celtics (+550)
Not only has Jayson Tatum made a surprise early return this season, but he has looked great in the games he has appeared in. The star has put together averages of 21 points and 10 rebounds per game in 16 contests, enough to shake off the rust. With Jaylen Brown putting together an MVP-worthy season and the likes of Neemias Quata thriving in their roles, the Celtics look like the most stacked team in the Eastern Conference. Their path to the NBA Finals could be the hardest of any team top 4 team in the conference, however, with potential matchups against the dangerous Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.
Denver Nuggets (+900)
The Nuggets were able to push the Thunder to a Game 7 last season and have come back this year retooled, with the addition of players like Cam Johnson. They have led the league in offensive rating but have been down in 21st in defensive rating. With the game slowing down in the playoffs, expect improvement from them on that front here. They also won the season series against both the Timberwolves and the Spurs. Nikola Jokic has put together another historic campaign too and will be tough for any team to figure out over a 7-game series. The Nuggets enter the postseason riding a league-leading 12-game winning streak and look to be approaching top form already.
Detroit Pistons (+2000)
The Pistons finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference despite Cade Cunningham missing 18 games. They were 2nd this season in net offensive and defensive rating behind the Thunder, so certainly cannot be overlooked. They were also 4th in fast break points per game and led the league in paint points. With games slowing down and defensive efforts improving in the postseason, those points could be harder to come by for them. They will also need to find a player outside of Cunningham that can create his own shots. I would not put my trust in someone like Tobias Harris to be able to step up on that front.
2026 NBA Championship best bet: Denver Nuggets (+900)
Right at the end of the playoffs last season, I picked the Nuggets to win it this year, and I am sticking with that selection. Nikola Jokic is at the peak of his prime, becoming the first player ever to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game. Jamal Murray had the best scoring year of his career, and the supporting pieces all play to the Serbian’s strengths. I cannot see a team out there that will be able to outscore them in 4 of 7 games.
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