NBA Championship odds – who are the favourites to win in 2026?

The early weeks of the 2025-26 NBA season have already begun to separate the true contenders from the ambitious pretenders. 

With the title race shaping into one of the most intriguing in recent memory, the odds – according to the best UK bookmakers – tell a story of familiar giants, rising challengers and a handful of teams daring to punch above their perceived weight. 

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Oklahoma City once again sits atop the field, but Denver’s relentless brilliance, Cleveland’s growing maturity and the resurgence of several big-market heavyweights ensure that the path to the playoffs is anything but straightforward.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2/1)

The Thunder remain the overwhelming pick to repeat, firmly installed as the 2/1 favourites with Ladbrokes. 

Through the early part of the season, they have looked every bit the defending champions: dominant, composed and still evolving. Their 13-1 record at this point underscores how their core has carried over seamlessly. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an MVP season, is again steering the offence – scoring with efficiency, creating for others and taking over in late-game moments. 

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Meanwhile, the Thunder’s supporting cast continues to rise to the challenge. The defense has remained stifling, their transitions are crisp and their young role-players are more confident than ever. 

With that kind of foundation, OKC’s odds feel justified — but the burden of being champions never gets lighter.

Denver Nuggets (11/2)

The Denver Nuggets are proving they’re not content to settle for second-best. They currently sit at 10-2, and much of their success is rooted in pulsating performances by Nikola Jokic. He has already delivered multiple triple-doubles and, in one recent game, dropped a 55-point masterpiece. 

His efficiency remains near otherworldly and he continues to dominate both ends of the court, orchestrating Denver’s offence and drawing double teams that open up space for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. 

Their early wins have not just been squeakers – the Nuggets have pulled away from good teams with a level of control that suggests this is not a fluke. 

But as always, the question looms: can their supporting cast maintain this level, especially in a playoff crucible where Jokic will be the focal point?

Cleveland Cavaliers (7/1)

In the East, the Cavaliers are beginning to look like genuine challengers. Their 9-5 record reflects a mediocre start but a talent-filled team capable of dominating on both ends when they click. 

Donovan Mitchell continues to flash his star power with clutch scoring and leadership, while Darius Garland is capable, and Evan Mobley provides the two-way backbone. 

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Offensively, Cleveland remains dangerous, but their challenge is consistency. If they can solve that, all the pieces are in place for a deep playoff run. 

If Mobley continues to evolve offensively and Mitchell can maintain his scoring pace, this season could be a breakthrough rather than another underwhelming exit.

Houston Rockets (12/1)

The Rockets are quietly invalidating doubters. With a sluggish start earlier in the season, they have found momentum and now sit at 9-3, thanks in large part to Kevin Durant, whose scoring remains elite even as he balances veteran savvy with occasional bursts of dominance. 

Inside, centre Alperen Sengun has shown flashes of impact on the boards and in the paint, and the Rockets’ blend of experience and youth gives them a dangerous mix. 

They may not yet match OKC or Denver in star power, but their early surge argues that they cannot be dismissed – especially if health and chemistry hold.

Los Angeles Lakers (12/1)

At 12/1, the Lakers have quietly re-entered the title conversation. While not necessarily the most efficient team, they have leaned into their star – Luka Doncic – who is averaging a striking 34.4 points per game as of mid-November. 

His offensive brilliance has been the fuel for LA, but the Lakers know their path to contention will rely on the return of a healthy LeBron James and the support of secondary stars like Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton. 

Plus, the team is finding supplementary scorers who can complement Doncic without derailing the team’s spacing. 

If they can lock into a two-way identity, they have the firepower to trouble anyone.

New York Knicks (12/1)

The Knicks are attempting to blend promise with pragmatism under coach Mike Brown. Early results suggest they are more cohesive than many expected: their young core is starting to gel, ball movement is improving and key contributors are producing in bursts. 

Jalen Brunson remains the reliable engine, orchestrating offense and delivering in crunch time when needed. Although the electric point guard is set to miss some game time in November due to an ankle sprain. 

New York’s ceiling will depend on whether their role players can consistently make shots, guard with discipline and step up when Brunson’s scoring isn’t enough.

Golden State Warriors (16/1)

The Warriors round out this list of serious title threats. Despite their status as relative underdogs, they have already shown sparks of life. 

At 37, Steph Curry remains one of the most skilled and offensively unstoppable players in the game, as evidenced by recent 46- and 49-point performances in back-to-back wins over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. 

Behind the ageing core of Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, younger rotational players are starting to contribute meaningfully, helping define a new-look Golden State. 

Their early-season performances suggest that experience hasn’t deserted them, and if their shot-making returns in waves and their rotation tightens, they could legitimately stretch into the title conversation. 

The market may be underestimating just how far they can go if their blend of youth and veteran guile clicks at the right moments.

Previous odds

22/10/2025

October's NBA Championship Odds 2025

Odds correct at time of writing.