FanDuel opened its betting markets for the 2026 NBA Finals shortly after the Thunder closed out the Pacers in a thrilling Game 7. Oklahoma City, now the reigning champion, opens as the clear betting favorite. Meanwhile, injuries have reshaped the Eastern Conference landscape, pushing traditional contenders down the board and opening the door for new teams to rise.
Here’s a breakdown of the early odds and what we can learn from how the market is shaping up.
Opening 2026 NBA Championship Odds (via FanDuel as of June 26):
- Oklahoma City Thunder +220
- Cleveland Cavaliers +800
- Houston Rockets +850
- New York Knicks +900
- Orlando Magic +1200
- Minnesota Timberwolves +1400
- Los Angeles Lakers +1500
- Denver Nuggets +1600
- Boston Celtics +1700
- Los Angeles Clippers +2300
- Golden State Warriors +2900
- San Antonio Spurs +3000
- Dallas Mavericks +3200
- Philadelphia 76ers +3400
- Indiana Pacers +5000
- Detroit Pistons +5000
Oklahoma City Thunder (+220)
There is no reason to expect a drop-off from the Thunder next season. They just won 68 games and dominated two of their four playoff series. A year of playoff experience should only make them better.
Unless Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, or Chet Holmgren suffer an injury, these odds are unlikely to drift. The roster is stable, Sam Presti still has a mountain of draft assets, and the team has no major weaknesses. This is not a case of a champion being overvalued.
Oklahoma City is in a position that few teams in NBA history have reached. They are young, deep, and already dominant. This could be the start of something special.
Cleveland Cavaliers (+800)
Someone has to be the favorite in the Eastern Conference, and Cleveland fits the bill. Coming off a 60-win season and keeping their core intact, the Cavs open with the shortest price in the East.
Darius Garland will miss the start of the season, but that should not hurt their long-term outlook. The bigger question is how Kenny Atkinson manages the roster. Can he balance the backcourt? Does Evan Mobley need more time at center?
Cleveland has the talent, but this group still needs to prove it can win big games in May and June.
Houston Rockets (+850)
Houston made a major move early by trading for Kevin Durant. That was followed by re-signing Fred VanVleet, and they still have the flexibility to make another addition.
A trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlikely, but adding a secondary playmaker would reduce their dependence on young guards. The Rockets have entered the contender tier, though they may not be done yet.
New York Knicks (+900)
The Knicks moved on from Tom Thibodeau and are still searching for a new head coach. Trade rumors around Karl-Anthony Towns have cooled, and New York appears ready to run it back with a new voice leading the group.
After a trip to the Conference Finals, there are fair questions about whether this team should be considered the favorite in the East. Their starting five is as talented as any in the conference, but the fit between Towns and Jalen Brunson remains a topic of debate.
Orlando Magic (+1200)
Orlando saw an opening in the Eastern Conference and took a big swing. The Magic traded Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and multiple first-round picks to Memphis for Desmond Bane.
Bane adds high-level shooting, creation, and versatility. His ability to play on or off the ball makes him an ideal fit next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Orlando showed real flashes last season. Now, with Bane in the mix, they are a legitimate threat to win the East.
Minnesota Timberwolves (+1400)
After missing out on Kevin Durant, Minnesota faces some tricky decisions. Julius Randle impressed in the playoffs, but with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert on the books, the Wolves are approaching another financial crunch.
Two straight trips to the Conference Finals have earned them respect. Still, they need to find a replacement for Mike Conley and give Edwards more offensive support. Without internal improvement or a roster shakeup, it is hard to see them catching Oklahoma City.
Los Angeles Lakers (+1500)
Any team with Luka Dončić and LeBron James deserves respect in the title race. These odds might seem generous considering the Lakers’ flaws, especially on defense and at center.
That said, their outlook could shift quickly with the right moves. A rim-protecting big who can run pick-and-roll would give JJ Redick more lineup options. Add some shooting and perimeter defense, and the Lakers could challenge for the top of the West.
Denver Nuggets (+1600)
Denver has limited room to operate this offseason. A trade involving Michael Porter Jr. is unlikely to yield meaningful returns, and the cap situation limits flexibility.
Still, Nikola Jokić remains the best player in the world. With a healthy roster, the Nuggets are always in the conversation. This number feels fair based on their current situation, but bettors should not underestimate their ceiling.
Longer Shots to Watch
Golden State at +2900 and Philadelphia at +3400 stand out as intriguing options. The Warriors may have found something by pairing Jimmy Butler with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. If they can add one more rotation piece, they become dangerous.
Philadelphia is harder to trust but has the raw talent to climb. Daryl Morey is never shy about making bold moves. A trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey could be enough to make a run in a weakened East.
Both teams need to have strong offseasons to justify these odds. If they do, there is real value here.
Final Word:
Oklahoma City has earned its status as the betting favorite, and they have the pieces to stay there. But with injuries reshaping the East and several contenders reloading, this is not a one-team race.
Keep an eye on Orlando, Cleveland, and Houston as serious threats, and do not be surprised if a longer shot like Golden State or Philadelphia makes a deep run.
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