The Oklahoma City Thunder are the early 2026 NBA championship favorites at +110, according to pre-playoff betting markets. The team carries a 48 percent implied probability to win it all. This marks a shift from the past, as the pre-playoff favorite has won 70 percent of NBA titles since 1980, but that edge has faded in recent years due to increased parity in the league.
Since 2019, no defending champion has reached the Conference Finals. The San Antonio Spurs (+500) and Boston Celtics (+550) trail the Thunder in the current title odds. The betting favorite has now won the past two titles, following a three-year stretch from 2021 to 2023 where no favorite made the Finals.
The 1996 and 1997 Chicago Bulls were the most extreme favorites in recorded history at -600 and -500 respectively. Both teams won the NBA championship. However, the 2019 Golden State Warriors fell in the Finals despite holding a -220 line. The Warriors played the first four games of the Finals without Kevin Durant and fell behind 3-1 to the Toronto Raptors. Durant tore his Achilles in Game 5, which was won by the Warriors, before the Raptors closed out the series in Game 6.
The Warriors' 2019 collapse has led to a tighter betting range for favorites in recent years. Odds now typically fall between +110 and +250. This reflects a more competitive landscape compared to the dynasty-driven 1980s and 1990s. The Los Angeles Lakers won the 1980 championship at +150, and the Boston Celtics won in 1984 at +150. The Chicago Bulls captured the 1992 title at -150.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season will test whether the Thunder can capitalize on their early favoritism. The team must navigate a deep Western Conference and maintain health for key players. The regular season begins in October, and the playoff picture will take shape over the next five months.
LeBron James and Brandon Ingram have been named the NBA's Players of the Week for Week 25. The Los Angeles Lakers' James averaged 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists while leading the team to a 3-1 record. Ingram of the Toronto Raptors added 25.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as the Raptor
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