As the 2024–25 NBA season nears its conclusion, the race to the Finals is heating up. While fans debate matchups and momentum, betting markets are offering a different kind of forecast—one rooted in odds and probabilities. Using FanDuel’s latest NBA Finals odds, let’s break down which teams are positioned to make a championship run – and why.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Youthful Dominance
The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the season’s breakout juggernaut. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a career year, averaging over 32 points per game, and the rest of the roster is playing with confidence and chemistry far beyond their years. With a top record in the Western Conference and no signs of slowing down, the FanDuel NBA odds places the Thunder as title favorites at +175.
That number speaks volumes. Not only are they winning, they’re doing it consistently against elite opponents. Their defensive metrics have improved significantly, and their offense—driven by spacing, pace, and smart ball movement—is among the most efficient in the league. Betting markets don’t typically trust young teams this quickly. Oklahoma City has earned that respect.
Boston Celtics: Defending Champions with Depth
The Boston Celtics remain squarely in the title hunt and are the top pick from the East. Their FanDuel odds currently sit at +185, making them the second overall favorite. Unlike the Thunder, Boston brings experience and postseason composure to the table.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead a deep and balanced rotation. Kristaps Porziņģis has added new dimensions on both ends of the floor, while Jrue Holiday’s defense gives them a reliable perimeter anchor. This team isn’t just coasting on last year’s title; they’ve actively strengthened their weaknesses. With the league’s best net rating and a top-five defense, Boston is built for another long playoff run.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A Rising Force in the East
Cleveland has quietly climbed the ladder in the Eastern Conference, and FanDuel has taken notice. The Cavaliers come in at +490—a sizable jump compared to their pre-season projections.
Behind Donovan Mitchell’s leadership and the two-way growth of Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, Cleveland has evolved into a team that can punish opponents on both ends. Their half-court defense ranks among the best, and their bench production has added reliability down the stretch. While still slightly unproven in deep playoff settings, their overall efficiency and momentum make them a legitimate dark horse. Bettors looking for value in the East should keep their eyes on Cleveland.
Los Angeles Lakers: Renewed Title Aspirations
The Lakers made waves earlier this season by acquiring Luka Dončić to pair with LeBron James. That move immediately shifted public perception, and FanDuel now lists Los Angeles at +1800 to win it all.
While that’s a significant jump from where they stood pre-trade, it also reflects the risks. Chemistry takes time. Injuries loom. But the upside is undeniable—Dončić provides elite shot creation, and when paired with LeBron’s vision and playoff poise, the ceiling rises fast.
If you’ve been following the latest NBA news, it’s clear the Lakers are doubling down on a win-now strategy. The front office has backed that commitment by upgrading their bench depth and pushing a faster tempo under new lineup rotations. If Anthony Davis stays healthy and their role players hit shots, they could emerge from the West as an unlikely but dangerous Finals team.
Golden State Warriors: One More Push
The Warriors are hanging around the periphery of title contention, with FanDuel odds at +2000. Golden State added Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, betting that his playoff toughness can complement the aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson.
The results so far? Mixed. The Warriors have struggled with consistency, especially on defense. But when they’re locked in, they still show flashes of championship DNA. With Curry still capable of taking over games and Butler providing grit on both ends, Golden State could become a classic “dangerous 6-seed” come playoff time. At +2000, they’re a high-risk, high-reward bet—and one built on decades of postseason experience.
Denver Nuggets: Underrated and Undeterred
Despite winning it all just two years ago, the Denver Nuggets find themselves a bit under the radar. FanDuel places them at +1800, the same as the Lakers, suggesting skepticism about their ability to repeat.
Still, with Nikola Jokić playing at an MVP level and Jamal Murray returning to form, Denver has the pieces to go deep. What’s held them back this year is depth—losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green exposed their bench. But few teams execute as crisply in the half-court as Denver does, and that precision often matters most in seven-game series. At their best, the Nuggets can beat anyone.
Betting Landscape Breakdown
Here’s how FanDuel’s current odds shape up for the main contenders:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +175,
- Boston Celtics: +185,
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +490,
- Los Angeles Lakers: +1800,
- Denver Nuggets: +1800,
, - Golden State Warriors: +2000.
These odds reflect both recent performance and potential. FanDuel’s lines suggest a strong two-team race between Oklahoma City and Boston—but also hint at value opportunities if you believe in late-season surges from veteran squads.
What Will Decide the 2025 NBA Finals?
The betting odds tell part of the story. The rest hinges on execution and timing. A few key variables will shape who actually lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy:
Fitness and Depth
The healthiest teams tend to survive deep playoff runs. Star power is vital, but the depth behind them often decides tight games. Oklahoma City and Boston have built robust rotations that can handle injuries—but other contenders are more fragile.
Defensive Consistency
Playoff basketball slows down. Half-court execution matters, but stopping elite scorers becomes the real test. Teams like Boston and Cleveland thrive defensively, which could give them an edge when possessions tighten up.
Coaching Adjustments
In a series that extends to six or seven games, coaching adjustments become paramount. The teams with smart, flexible coaching staff—like the Celtics and Nuggets—can flip a series just by switching coverage or staggering rotations better.
The Road Ahead Looks Wide Open
While FanDuel’s numbers favor the Thunder and Celtics, the race to the 2025 NBA Finals remains wide open. Young squads like Oklahoma City are rewriting expectations. Veteran groups like the Warriors and Lakers are chasing one last run. Meanwhile, Cleveland and Denver lurk in that middle tier—dangerous, underappreciated, and potentially decisive.
For fans and bettors, the path forward offers drama, uncertainty, and opportunity. With every game, the odds shift and narratives change. The only sure thing? It’s going to be a wild finish.
