We are one month into the 2025–26 NBA season, and late November scores are giving the markets enough data to make futures bets that feel grounded instead of pure vibes. With rotations settling and early narratives forming, the futures boards are starting to reflect the teams that are actually producing on the court.

So today we’re asking a simple question: as of November 25, 2025, which five teams do the sportsbooks truly believe can win the 2026 NBA Championship?

For this check-in, we’re leaning on two books: FanDuel and ESPN BET. Odds move constantly, but as of this update, both markets agree on one big thing: everyone is chasing the Thunder.

Here’s how the title picture looks right now.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

After finishing last season 68–14 and winning the NBA title, the Thunder look like they never stopped playing. At 17–1, they own the best record in the league and sit atop a deep Western Conference.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still playing at an MVP level, and Ajay Mitchell is covering the gaps while Jalen Williams battles a wrist issue.

• FanDuel: +160
  
• ESPN BET: +175
  

They are the only team under +200 anywhere.

If you believe OKC is closer to a budding dynasty than a one-hit wonder, lock this in now and treat it as your anchor position. If you’re skeptical, skip the chalk and aim deeper down the board. Whether they repeat will come down to one thing: health.

2. Denver Nuggets

Denver did not get a parade last June, but they did push OKC to a Game 7. And the market never stops respecting Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets retooled around their core for 2025–26, and despite a few early hiccups, including a 3-point loss to the Thunder, they’re right back at the top of the West standings.

• ESPN BET: +600
  
• FanDuel: +700
  

Books are saying one thing: Jokic gives you a guaranteed playoff floor, and if the depth holds, the ceiling is still a championship.

This isn’t preseason value anymore, but it’s still a credible futures ticket. Think of it as paying for stability and star power.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

All the Eastern Conference noise has centered on injuries and roster chaos, but Cleveland has quietly turned into a grown-up contender.

Donovan Mitchell is carrying the scoring load (29.9 ppg) and just took Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Evan Mobley continues evolving into a legitimate two-way star.

• ESPN BET: +850
  
• FanDuel: +950
  

The Pistons and Raptors technically have better records right now, but the books trust Cleveland’s upside and battle-tested core far more.

This is the sweet spot for futures bettors: a legitimate contender whose number hasn’t been hammered yet. The Cavs have a clear path if other East powers stay banged up.

4. Houston Rockets

At 10–4, the Rockets have made their intentions clear. First they pushed in around their young core, then doubled down with the blockbuster move for Kevin Durant. What initially felt like a fun experiment has evolved into a team with layers, lineup flexibility, and genuine playoff bite.

• ESPN BET: +1000
  
• FanDuel: +1100
  

Oddsmakers see them as more than a gimmick. They are absolutely a live threat.

This number could shrink fast if they stay healthy and continue to mesh. The big questions remain youth, age, mileage, and chemistry. But in terms of risk-reward, Houston is one of the most appealing plays on the board.

5. New York Knicks

The Knicks are not a unanimous No. 5, but both FanDuel and ESPN BET have them next in line at +1300. Other books push the Lakers and Warriors ahead of them, which tells you this spot is still fluid.

With four players (Brunson, Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby) averaging over 15 ppg, New York is balanced and dangerous. But sustaining this pace for 80-plus games is the challenge.

This is bubble territory. They’re in the first tier behind the big four, but they need to separate themselves to hold that position.

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