NBA 2026 Prediction: Thunder Favored, Nuggets & Knicks Close Behind

As the 2025‑26 NBA season progresses, betting markets and experts are pointing toward a few clear trends for fans and bettors across North America:

Oklahoma City Thunder remain the favorites to win the NBA Championship, with the shortest title odds in most futures markets. Their combination of star talent and a deep, young roster keeps them at the top of many prediction boards.

Behind OKC, several teams are emerging as strong challengers:

• Denver Nuggets are often next in line with competitive odds in Finals futures.

• New York Knicks and Houston Rockets also appear frequently in the top tier, offering value for long‑shot bets.

For individual awards:

• Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander is the favorite for MVP and Finals MVP, leading many sportsbooks’ top lists.

• Luka Dončić remains one of the most popular futures bets for regular‑season MVP thanks to his scoring and playmaking.

Prediction Summary:

• Champion: Oklahoma City Thunder

• Dark horses: Nuggets, Knicks

• MVP pick: Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (with Luka Dončić as top challenger)

This outlook gives both casual fans and bettors a strong roadmap for placing futures bets or tracking teams as the season advances toward March Madness and the Playoffs.