The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the top seeds in their respective conferences. All in all, this season has seen both teams outstrip expectations, run through the regular season, and become serious contenders for the title. However, only one can win the Larry O’Brien Trophy. So, who has the edge?
Oklahoma City Thunder: Youth, Depth, and Star Power
Oklahoma City had an incredible regular season, posting a league-best 68–14 record to go along with perhaps the most balanced and explosive roster in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has only solidified his place in the MVP discussion with elite numbers, all while stepping into a leadership role with this young yet fearless group.
Oklahoma City has versatility on both ends, with Lu Dort’s defense and Jalen Williams becoming a two-way threat. The offseason saw the addition of Chet Holmgren, who has provided a presence on the interior along with shot-blocking that reinforces the team’s defensive identity this season as a rookie.
Most fans and analysts will remember their January statement win over the Cavs, a 134-114 butt-kicking in which Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40. It was a flash of the Thunder’s pace, spacing, and shot creation—all things that’ll make this team a nightmare to face in a seven-game series.
It has only gotten better, and Thunder are favorites at this point, as per several bookmakers. Beginners and established punters can check out top NBA betting sites on the market as analyzed by Cheeky Punter. These are sites expertly reviewed according to the quality of their odds, bonuses, and other features that make a good betting site.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Defense, Grit, and Composure
Likewise, the Cavaliers have also been on a tear, staring down a 64–18 regular season finality. Cleveland has used the kind of multi-faceted identity driven by defense and in-the-moment execution that was cultivated under Kenny Atkinson. Their offensive centerpiece is still Donovan Mitchell, whose recent ankle injury may potentially limit him, but reports have him returning to full practice this week, just in time for their playoff push.
Behind Mitchell, a pair of budding stars, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, have made significant strides. With Mobley able to guard any position and Garland setting the table, the Cavs are equipped to play anyway. Jarrett Allen and Ty Jerome are veterans who fill out a lineup that can play physically and grit out a win in a close situation.
The Odds and the Road Ahead
The latest betting odds see the Thunder as the favorite to take home the 2025 title at +175, followed closely by the Celtics at +200 and the Cavaliers at +525. These odds embody how Oklahoma City had looked phenomenal in the regular season, yet also the out-and-out parity and talent in this year’s playoffs.
It’s not an easy road to walk for either squad! Up in the West, the Thunder might run into playoff-tested teams like the Lakers, Clippers, or Nuggets. For their part, Cleveland’s road could lead through Boston and New York, far from simple when this Boston group has the sort of postseason pedigree of a title contender.
Prediction: A Clash of Styles
And if these two sides face off in the finals, fans can look forward to an intriguing stylistic battle. Cleveland’s defense-first identity would run against Oklahoma City’s up-tempo offense and three-point barrage. But it’s a battle between pure firepower and experience.
Ultimately though, the deciding factor could be once again an extension of the bench, or perhaps even the overall offensive ceiling with Oklahoma City. However, if Mitchell comes back and Cleveland plays to its capability, we might have an upset. Anything looks possible.
