The NBA offseason has been anything but uneventful, as major trades and devastating injuries have shifted the early odds for next season's title contenders. The Houston Rockets made a splash by acquiring Kevin Durant, drastically improving their championship odds from +1800 to +800. However, the injury suffered by Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers saw their odds plummet from 10-1 to 40-1. Despite the shake-ups, the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder remain the favorites at +220, with their victory over the Pacers in Game 7 solidifying their position at the top of the list.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are also emerging as strong contenders, with odds of +800 and +850, respectively. The Boston Celtics, who have been recent favorites, are facing challenges with superstar Jayson Tatum rehabbing from an Achilles injury that could sideline him for a significant portion of the upcoming season. With uncertainty surrounding key players and unexpected developments shaping the landscape of the league, the race for the 2026 NBA title promises to be an intriguing and fiercely competitive one, captivating fans as they eagerly anticipate the action on the court.