Hard to argue against the NBA playoffs being one of the most anticipated postseasons in professional sports. With the 2025 playoffs reaching their crescendo, NBA fans have already been treated to attention-grabbing moments as the playoffs enter the conference finals. The New York Knicks have already upset the defending champions and one of the favourites, the Boston Celtics, to reach their first conference final since the 2000s. The Knicks will be joined in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Pacers, after they breezed past the Cavaliers 4–1.
The Wolves defeated the Warriors over five games and had to wait anxiously for their opponents in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder finally restored the bookmakers’ faith, beating the Nuggets after Game 7. With the stage now set for the conference finals and excitement brewing, let us explore the contenders to determine the favourite in the NBA playoff race, the matchups, and the betting odds.
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Who Is the Top Contender in the NBA Championship Race?
The Thunder last appeared in the Western Conference Finals in 2016 and the NBA Finals in 2012. James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant emerged as blooming superstars during that period. Led by Gilgeous Alexander, this current version of the Thunder dominated the regular season, winning 68 games. The team, though inexperienced, already went a step higher last season when it lost to Dallas in the conference semifinals.
Many bookmakers have tipped the Thunder to go all the way this time. After seeing off the strong resistance of the Nuggets led by MVP Nikola Jokić, betting against them will not be a wise choice. The team also churned out solid performances and gameplay with the number one defence and best net rating throughout the regular season.
And again in the last game of the Western Conference semifinals against the Nuggets, the Thunder reaffirmed these statuses, restricting Denver to 93 points. Playoffs can be unpredictable, with top players throwing predictions and analysis into the trash. But, everything points to the trophy being OKC’s to lose, especially with the Celtics out of contention.
How the Oklahoma City Thunder Became the Top Dog in the NBA Playoffs
The record-breaking 68 wins highlight OKC’s dominance in the regular season. Underlying numbers show they are the best team this season by significant margins. And every statistic suggests they can go all the way and become the NBA champs. But how did the Thunder become the toast of the season despite their well-documented inexperience?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was tipped as a future top defensive stopper, but flipped the script to become an offensive phenomenon. While still showing his defensive acumen with 1.0 blocks and 1.8 steals per game, the MVP finalist made all the difference on the other end with an average of 33 points per game. While Shai deservedly receives the loudest ovation for being the clutch player, the Thunder’s stifling defence is the reason for their dominance and staying on top.
Everyone in the rotation defended, showing the opposition little to no weakness. Coach Mark Daigneault runs a multifaceted roster; it’s not a one-man show, with sensations like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams stepping up on multiple occasions during the season.
What Are the Chances of Each Team Reaching the Playoff Finals?
The Knicks are set to reignite their old rivalry with the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. The two teams were familiar foes in the 90s. Last year, the Pacers got the better of the Knicks, coming back from two games down to win four of the five games. Many Knicks fans blamed the defeat on their injury woes and would be hoping their fully healthy roster makes it right this time. Ousting the Boston Celtics will do their confidence a world of good.
Conference Semi-Final Results
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers (Pacers win 4–1)
- Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks (Knicks win 4–2)
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets (Thunder win 4–3)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors (Timberwolves win 4–1)
The Timberwolves will create the most memorable moments in their franchise history if they beat the Thunder. The Wolves battled the Thunder to a four-game split during the regular season without players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. So it promises to be a thrilling showdown in the conference finals.
Latest Odds On The Top Four Seeds Winning The NBA Title
The NBA playoffs’ unpredictability adds another level of excitement. OKC escaped a scare and re-established their status as the overwhelming favourite with 3 wins in the last 4 games against the Nuggets, including an impressive 32-point win in Game 7. Knicks, who entered their first conference final in 25 years after edging the Boston Celtics in a six-game thriller, are the second favourite. The bookmakers give the Timberwolves and Pacers outside chances of getting crowned champions in June.
| Teams | Odds of Becoming a Champion |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -165 |
| New York Knicks | +450 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +550 |
| Indiana Pacers | +700 |
In addition to the championship odds, explore other betting markets in the NBA Playoffs. Popular NBA playoff markets include:
- Exact series total games
- The series’ correct score
- Conference Champion
- NBA final MVP
- Most assists or rebounds
Injury News and Players to Watch
If the previous games have shown us anything, it would be the effect an injury to one of the stars can have on a game outcome. In the East, injury to the Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum hurt the Celtics’ chances against the Knicks. Out West, Minnesota made the most of the Warriors’ offensive talisman, Stephen Curry, who was injured during Game 1, to advance. Also, the Denver Nuggets couldn’t sustain their fight against the Thunder, no thanks to the injury list that included Russell Westbrook and DaRon Holmes.
Each of the four teams will hope their stars and clutch players stay healthy as they battle it out to be the last one standing. Anthony and Co. remaining healthy is key for Minnesota, while Thunder’s chances rest on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso and Jalen Williams being injury-free. As a fan and bettor, keeping an eye on injury updates for these games may be crucial in boosting your odds of winning.
Conclusion
NBA fans are on the edge of their seats as the battle for who will hoist the championship reaches a crescendo. Most bookmakers give the Thunder an over 60% chance of winning the championship for the first time in their franchise’s history. The talents in their roster and underlying numbers throughout the regular season support that.
However, the NBA playoffs are full of surprises, as results have proven so far. As a fan, all you can do is put in your bets and keep your fingers crossed. And don’t forget to savour every exciting, unforgettable and fierce moment of the 2025 NBA Finals.
