Andrew Pace
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) season and the conclusion to the season's playoffs. The 2023 NBA Finals saw the Miami Heat face the Denver Nuggets, with the Nuggets ultimately winning their first championship in franchise history. As for the 2024 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics emerged as champions, with Jaylen Brown being named Finals MVP. Looking ahead, the Thunder are favored to win the 2025 NBA championship title.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2024-2025 |
| Current favourite to win | Minnesota/Thunder |
| Odds for favourite | +150 |
| Other teams in the running | Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat |
| Odds for other teams | Boston Celtics (+190), Cleveland Cavaliers (+550), Golden State Warriors (+1700), LA Clippers (+2500), Minnesota Timberwolves (+2800), Los Angeles Lakers (+4000), New York Knicks (+4500), Denver Nuggets (+6000), Indiana Pacers (+7000), Houston Rockets (+10000), Milwaukee Bucks (+80000), Detroit Pistons (+100000), Orlando Magic (+200000), Miami Heat (+300000) |
| Previous year's winner | Boston Celtics |
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What You'll Learn
The Thunder are the favourites to win the 2024-25 NBA Championship
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the bookmakers' favourites to win the 2024-25 NBA Championship. They currently have odds of +150, meaning a successful $10 bet would return $25. The Thunder have had a strong start to the season, and their odds reflect this.
Other teams with shorter odds to win the championship include the Boston Celtics, who are currently second favourites with odds of +190. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also in the running, with odds of +550, while the Golden State Warriors are at +1700. The LA Clippers are at +2500, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are at +2800.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who have had a successful campaign with the addition of Luka Doncic, are at longer odds of +4000, along with the New York Knicks at +4500. The Denver Nuggets are at +6000, and the Indiana Pacers at +7000.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who have had a strong season with a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo, are at +80000, while the Detroit Pistons are at +100000. The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are the outsiders, with odds of +200000 and +300000, respectively.
The Thunder's strong start to the season has put them in a favourable position, and they will be looking to maintain their form and secure the championship.
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The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling with injuries
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of the NBA championship due to a string of injuries that have plagued the team. Despite the formidable duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who together were the highest-scoring pair in the NBA this season, the Bucks have struggled with injuries that have depleted their roster. Lillard, in particular, has been sidelined with a serious health issue—deep vein thrombosis, which resulted in him missing the final weeks of the season. He was also ruled out indefinitely due to a blood clot in his right calf, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial playoff games.
The absence of Lillard has placed even more pressure on Antetokounmpo, who has been playing at an MVP level to keep the Bucks in contention. Thanks to his stellar performances, the Bucks managed to clinch a playoff spot, winning eight consecutive games to close the season even without Lillard. However, their road to the postseason has been inconsistent, with the team making a disappointing 2-8 start before recovering to win the NBA Cup in December.
The Bucks' injury woes have not been limited to Lillard, as the team has seen a slew of injuries that have taken a toll on their performance. As a result, the Bucks have slid in the standings and will enter the playoffs as a lower seed, setting up a first-round rematch with the Pacers, who bested them in six games last season. The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton's return to All-Star form, have been on a roll, boasting the fourth-best record in the NBA since January 1.
While the Bucks have been struggling with injuries, other teams have emerged as strong contenders for the NBA championship. The Thunder are favored to win the title in 2025, with impressive margins of victory. The Cavaliers are also in the running, boasting a deep and balanced offense, while the defending champions, Boston, have cruised through the season despite their own injury troubles, making them the odds-on favorite to return to the NBA Finals.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, the Bucks still have a chance to make a deep playoff run if Lillard can recover and rejoin the lineup. His health will be a key factor in the team's success, and his return to the court, along with Antetokounmpo's continued dominance, could propel the Bucks further in the postseason. However, with a depleted roster and tough competition, the Bucks will need to dig deep and step up their game to overcome the odds and claim the NBA championship title.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have a legitimate chance of winning
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team began playing in 1970, sharing a similar debut timeline with the Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves.
The Cavaliers have a legitimate chance of winning the NBA Championship. As of February 2025, they have the third-best odds to win the championship, behind Boston and Oklahoma City. The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA, with a 48-10 record, and are 6.5 games ahead of the defending champion Boston Celtics for the best record in the Eastern Conference. This impressive record surpasses their performance in the 2023-24 season, where they placed 4th in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the next round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
The Cavaliers' success can be attributed to several key players. Darius Garland is one of the NBA's fastest players, with an impressive average of 6.7 assists and 21.2 points per game. De'Andre Hunter is another notable player, providing offensive prowess and defensive strategy. Additionally, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen serve as defensive anchors along the front line, with Mobley averaging 18.76 points and 9.3 rebounds. The team has also added valuable players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, strengthening their roster.
The Cavaliers have a rich history in the NBA, previously winning the NBA Championship in 2016 and consecutively winning the Eastern Conference championships in 2017 and 2018. While they have faced setbacks in recent years, including a challenging debut season and a period of absence from the Eastern Conference Finals, they are now poised for a strong comeback. With their current standing, talented players, and experienced coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers are a force to be reckoned with and have a legitimate shot at claiming the NBA Championship.
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The Boston Celtics are the defending champions
The Celtics' victory in the 2024 NBA Finals was built on a strong defensive foundation. They managed to shut down the Mavericks' offence, preventing them from finding easy shots and disrupting their flow. This defensive prowess, combined with the emergence of Brown and the leadership of Tatum, who led the team in points, rebounds, and assists, propelled the Celtics to the championship.
Despite dealing with a series of injuries during the 2024-25 season, the Boston Celtics cruised through the season with relative ease. They secured a fourth consecutive 50-win season and will enter the playoffs as the odds-on favourite to return to the NBA Finals for the third time in four seasons. The Celtics have the second-best odds to win the 2025 NBA Championship, with +190 odds (bet $10 to win $29 total).
The Celtics' success in the 2024 NBA Finals and their strong performance in the 2024-25 season demonstrate their resilience and depth as a team. They have overcome injuries to key players, such as Kristaps Porzingis, and still managed to find success on the court. With a blend of talented veterans and emerging stars, the Boston Celtics are well-positioned to defend their championship title and continue their dominance in the NBA.
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The Los Angeles Lakers' odds have worsened
The Los Angeles Lakers' odds of winning the NBA championship have worsened, and they now face an uphill battle to claim the title. As of April 28, 2025, the Lakers' odds sit at +4000, a significant drop from their previous odds of +2000. This shift can be attributed to the team's recent struggles and the emergence of stronger contenders.
The Lakers have faced a challenging season, with injuries and inconsistent performances impacting their standing. Their star-studded roster has failed to deliver the expected results, and key players have struggled to find their rhythm. Additionally, the Lakers have been unable to establish a cohesive unit, with chemistry issues affecting their performance on the court.
In contrast, other teams have risen to the occasion and now pose a serious threat to the Lakers' championship aspirations. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the talented Jalen Williams, have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their impressive season has positioned them as one of the top contenders, with odds of +150. The Boston Celtics (+190) and Cleveland Cavaliers (+550) are also strong competitors, boasting deep rosters and consistent performances throughout the season.
The Lakers' worsening odds reflect the increasing competition they face. With a depleted roster and mounting pressure, the Lakers will need to rally and find their footing quickly if they hope to turn their campaign around. However, with the current state of affairs, their chances of lifting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy appear increasingly slim.
As the postseason progresses, the Lakers will need to address their weaknesses and find a way to overcome the odds. While their road to the championship has become more challenging, it is not insurmountable. The Lakers still possess a talented roster, and with the right adjustments and a change in momentum, they could potentially turn their fortunes around and make a deep playoff run.
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Frequently asked questions
The Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Championship, defeating the Miami Heat in five games. This was the Nuggets' first championship in franchise history.
Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets was unanimously voted the 2023 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The Thunder are favored to win the 2024-25 NBA Championship, with current odds of +150.
