2026 NBA Championship Early Odds & Predictions: Dynasty In OKC?

After one of the wildest and wackiest playoffs in recent memory, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious after a seven-game NBA Finals series against the Indiana Pacers that had all the drama you could ask for. But now, after sitting with the result for a day, it’s time to move onto next season.

There’s no time to think about last year with the NBA betting odds for the 2026 NBA outright winner futures markets already on the board. As you might have guessed, the Thunder are massive favorites to go back-to-back as NBA champs. And with all of the major injuries in the East, is there anyone that can dethrone them? Check out my breakdown of the odds for the favorites as well as a few fun long shots to consider!

2026 NBA Championship June Odds: Odds & Predictions - June 23

All odds provided by Betway.

2026 NBA Championship Odds

The Favorites

Oklahoma City Thunder (+220): I hate to say it because I love this NBA record run of seven different NBA champions in seven years, but OKC looks good for a repeat. The Thunder won’t have to be broken up before next season, and the East has been decimated by Achilles injuries and possible trades. The +220 odds leave a lot to be desired, but this is probably the smartest bet on the board. You might as well wait to make it, however, as their odds aren’t likely to shorten from here.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+750): There’s just something about this Cavaliers group that I simply do not trust. Donovan Mitchell is a dog, but their other three stars seem like they don’t have that fire yet. They have a golden opportunity in the East this year, but we don’t see them taking it without making another big signing or trade.

New York Knicks (+900): Jalen Brunson and the Knicks thought they were the East’s team of destiny last season, but unfortunately, that was the Pacers. The road will be easier next year, but with their struggle to find a new head coach, we can’t back them right now. They clearly need depth as well, and lots of it.

Houston Rockets (+1,000): This is the best value bet on the board for our money. Kevin Durant is getting up there in age, but he’s never relied heavily on his athleticism anyway. Houston has lots of quality scorers and athletes to take the scoring and physical load off his back. If he can mesh into a mentor role there, the Rockets are going to be amazing value at +1,000 odds. We don’t think they’re done either, so take these odds before Houston makes another acquisition and the value goes down.

Long Shot Value Bets

• Denver Nuggets (+1,600): When you’ve got Nikola Jokic, you’re always in the mix. Even with a coach on 12 days’ experience, they took the champs to seven games in the 2025 playoffs. They will consolidate and get some depth this offseason. They will be much better in 2025-2026.
• San Antonio Spurs (+2,500): Pop’s departure from the sidelines gives us slightly less confidence here, but he’ll still be in the building. And that Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox trio is one of the most intriguing we’ve seen in years. For +2,500 odds at most betting sites, why not take a dart throw!
• Los Angeles Clippers (+3,300): We all saw what Kawhi Leonard can still do when he can play consistently. There’s always the chance that L.A. gets lucky with his knee feeling good at the right time. James Harden doesn’t seem to be slowing down much either.