The Post-All-Star Game Favorites
As the NBA season enters its second half, the focus shifts to the playoff race and the quest for the ultimate prize: the NBA Finals. The defending champions, along with two teams boasting the best records, are the frontrunners for the title. At BetMGM, the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are both listed at +225 to win the Finals, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are at +800. These teams have demonstrated their prowess and consistency throughout the season, making them the teams to beat as the post-All-Star break intensity ramps up.
Conference Leaders and Key Additions
The Thunder and Cavaliers are currently leading their respective conferences with impressive 44-10 records at the All-Star break. The Cavaliers maintain a substantial 5.5-game lead over the defending champion Celtics, who are 39-16. In the Western Conference, the Thunder have a remarkable eight-game cushion over the Memphis Grizzlies. Both the Thunder and the Cavaliers decided to stand pat at the trade deadline, indicating confidence in their current rosters. However, the Thunder welcomed back Chet Holmgren from a hip injury, a significant boost to their depth and versatility. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, added DeAndre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks, trading Caris LeVert in the process, to bolster their frontcourt.
The Battle for the East
The Celtics and Cavaliers have faced off twice this season, with the Celtics winning both encounters. They will meet again on February 28 in Boston, a game that could be pivotal if the Celtics hope to close the gap. A victory for Boston would give them the tiebreaker advantage, but with fewer than 30 games left in the regular season, making up 5.5 games seems like a daunting task. The New York Knicks, currently third in the East and 2.5 games behind the Celtics, are also in the mix at +1400. While their odds might be somewhat inflated due to their market size, their current positioning and recent performances warrant attention.
The Rise of the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, currently fifth in the Western Conference, are also listed at +1400. Their recent trade for Luka Dončić has transformed the team’s offensive capabilities, creating a dynamic pairing with LeBron James. The Lakers are just three games out of second place and a half-game out of fourth, making them a formidable contender. However, the team’s defense remains a question mark, especially in the playoffs. The Lakers had to sign Alex Len off the buyout market to address their depth at center after their trade for Mark Williams was rescinded due to a mismatch in the trade package.
Contenders and Dark Horses
No other team has odds better than +2500. The Memphis Grizzlies, despite a challenging 2023-24 season marred by injuries, are back in the conversation at +2500. The Milwaukee Bucks, currently at +3000, have re-tooled their roster by sending Khris Middleton to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. However, the Bucks have struggled on the road, with a record of just 11-15, and are 29-24 overall. The Los Angeles Clippers, sixth in the West, are at +3500, but their road record of 12-13 is a concern. Other contenders like the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors are at +4000, while the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves are at +5000. The Philadelphia 76ers (+6600) and Phoenix Suns (+8000) are also in the mix, along with the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic at +10000.
The Final Odds
As the regular season progresses, the landscape may shift, but the current favorites are clear. Here are the odds for every team with a realistic shot at the 2025 NBA Finals:
- Boston Celtics (+225)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+225)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+800)
- New York Knicks (+1400)
- Los Angeles Lakers (+1400)
- Memphis Grizzlies (+2500)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+3000)
- Los Angeles Clippers (+3500)
- Dallas Mavericks (+4000)
- Golden State Warriors (+4000)
- Houston Rockets (+5000)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+5000)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+6600)
- Phoenix Suns (+8000)
- Indiana Pacers (+10000)
- Orlando Magic (+10000)
The path to the NBA Finals is fraught with challenges, but the Celtics, Thunder, and Cavaliers have positioned themselves as the teams to watch. As the season unfolds, every game counts, and the race to the top is more exciting than ever.
