As the 2025-26 NBA season tips off, 18+ online sportsbooks are buzzing with action, offering fans and bettors a wide array of wagering opportunities, from nightly game lines to long-term futures and creative prop bets.
The reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, enter the season as the clear favorites to repeat, listed at +210 to win the NBA Finals, following their historic first title run last season.
NBA Championship 2025-26
- Oklahoma City Thunder +210
- Denver Nuggets +625
- Cleveland Cavaliers +725
- New York Knicks +1100
- Los Angeles Lakers +1400
- Golden State Warriors +1600
- Minnesota Timberwolves +1600
- Houston Rockets +1700
Game Lines: Early Season Drama
Opening night set the tone for a high-stakes season, with marquee matchups like Rockets vs. Thunder and Warriors vs. Lakers drawing heavy betting interest. Luka Doncic dazzled with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Steph Curry sealed the game with a signature deep three-pointer.
Game lines for these contests saw minimal movement leading up to tipoff, but experts advise bettors to monitor line shifts closely throughout the season, especially on busy slates like Wednesdays when 24 teams hit the court.
Below are some of the game lines from Bovada’s online sportsbook for the opening week of the NBA season.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets
Spread: Nets +5.0 (-110), Hornets -5.0 (-110)
Moneyline: Nets +165, Hornets -195
Total: Over 228.0 (-115), Under 228.0 (-105)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Spread: Cavaliers -1.5 (-115), Knicks +1.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Cavaliers -125, Knicks +105
Total: Over 229.0 (-110), Under 229.0 (-110)
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic
Spread: Heat +8.5 (-110), Magic -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Heat +295, Magic -390
Total: Over 215.0 (-110), Under 215.0 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Spread: 76ers +4.5 (-110), Celtics -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +160, Celtics -185
Total: Over 229.0 (-110), Under 229.0 (-110)
Futures: Who Will Rise?
Beyond nightly action, futures markets are heating up. Bovada lists the Thunder at 62.5 wins, a lofty benchmark that reflects their championship pedigree. Other teams drawing futures interest include:
- Denver Nuggets +625
- Cleveland Cavaliers +725
- New York Knicks +1100
- Los Angeles Lakers +1400
The Cavaliers, who posted a league-best 64-18 record last season, are seen as strong contenders despite a second-round playoff exit. Meanwhile, the Knicks, under new head coach Mike Brown, aim to build on their Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Prop Bets: Creativity Meets Strategy
Prop bets continue to be a playground for savvy bettors. From player performance milestones to quirky season-long predictions, Bovada offers props like:
- Exact Finals matchup
- Division winners
- Play-in tournament outcomes
- Consecutive titles bets
These bets allow fans to engage with the season beyond wins and losses, tracking individual and team narratives as they unfold.
