Across the country, bettors are jumping into conference finals action as the New York Knicks chase one of the most surprising playoff runs in recent memory while the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs battle through a tense Western Conference showdown.

The East and West could not feel more different right now. In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have rolled through opponents with a mix of toughness, defense, and timely scoring. CBS Sports* recently described New York’s current nine-game playoff streak as one of the best stretches the league has ever seen, especially given the consistency they have shown late in games.

Meanwhile, the Western Conference has turned into a heavyweight fight. Oklahoma City and San Antonio split the first two games of the series before heading to Texas for a critical Game 3. Victor Wembanyama continues to dominate headlines, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps proving why Oklahoma City remains one of the toughest teams left standing.

Online NBA Conference Betting

The conference finals are often the busiest time of year for 18+ NBA sportsbooks, and 2026 has been no exception. Bettors have been following every line movement closely, especially in the Thunder-Spurs matchup, where injuries and home-court shifts have changed odds almost hourly.

San Antonio entered the postseason viewed as an exciting young team, but now the Spurs are starting to look like genuine title contenders. Wembanyama’s playoff performances have pushed sportsbooks to constantly adjust futures prices, particularly after his historic Game 1 outing against Oklahoma City.

That has led many American bettors to compare offshore sportsbook platforms that still accept USA players. Sites like BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, and SportsBetting.ag continue to attract attention for their expanded NBA prop markets, conference finals specials, and live betting options, which many players look for during the playoffs.

Some bettors prefer Bovada for its cleaner live betting layout, while others lean toward BetOnline because of faster line updates during playoff games. While these offshore sites are available to many USA players aged 18 and older, experienced bettors still recommend checking payout policies, wagering requirements, and site reviews (https://www.sportsbetting18.com/reviews/) before signing up.

Betting on the NBA Finals

As the NBA Finals picture becomes clearer, futures betting has exploded. The Thunder still hold strong championship support because of their balance and playoff experience, but the Spurs are quickly becoming the trendy pick among value bettors.

New York may be the most fascinating team left. The Knicks are not just winning games — they are controlling them. Their current playoff stretch has sparked comparisons to some of the franchise’s most memorable postseason runs, including the famous 1999 squad that shocked the basketball world by reaching the NBA Finals as an eighth seed.

Oddsmakers continue adjusting championship futures almost daily. Some sportsbooks still list Oklahoma City as the favorite because of its consistency throughout the season, while others are seeing heavy action on New York because of momentum and defensive form.

Current NBA Futures

NBA Finals Champion (odds via Bovada)

• Oklahoma City Thunder -110
• San Antonio Spurs +200
• New York Knicks +400
• Cleveland Cavaliers +5500

Eastern Conference Winner 2025-26

• New York Knicks -750
• Cleveland Cavaliers +550

Western Conference Winner 2025-26

• Oklahoma City Thunder -170
• San Antonio Spurs +145

Sources:

• CBS Sports

In the East, the New York Knicks have also emerged as a serious contender. After stumbling in the opening round against the Hawks and dropping two early games, the Knicks have responded with six straight postseason victories and now look poised for a deep Finals run.

The road ahead remains highly competitive. New York is awaiting the winner of the Pistons-Cavaliers series, which is currently deadlocked at 2-2, while Oklahoma City will face whichever team survives the evenly matched Timberwolves-Spurs battle, also tied 2-2. With momentum building and championship hopes on the line, the intensity of the postseason is only getting higher.

For fans looking to add even more excitement to the NBA Playoffs, online sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting opportunities throughout the postseason. From series odds and game spreads to player props and live in-game wagering, there are countless ways to get involved.

Note: You can explore the best betting platforms, bonuses, and NBA wagering options in the NBA betting guide here: https://www.sportsbetting18.com/nba/

NBA Futures

If you don’t mind playing the long game — although in the postseason, it’s not quite as long — futures bets often provide some of the best overall value in sports betting. Futures markets are available year-round, but as teams continue advancing through the playoffs, sportsbooks begin tightening the odds, making it harder to find major returns on favorites.

That’s why many bettors look to lock in championship or conference winner odds before the field narrows even further. With several series still up for grabs and momentum shifting nightly, there is still value to be found across the NBA playoff board.

Below are the latest odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook for both the NBA Championship and Conference winners as teams continue their push toward the 2026 NBA Finals.

Championship 2025-26

• Oklahoma City Thunder -175
• San Antonio Spurs +350
• New York Knicks +600
• Detroit Pistons +2500
• Cleveland Cavaliers +4000
• Minnesota Timberwolves +6500

Conferences – Eastern Conference (1)

• New York Knicks -175
• Detroit Pistons +280
• Cleveland Cavaliers +500

Conferences – Western Conference (1)

• Oklahoma City Thunder -270
• San Antonio Spurs +235
• Minnesota Timberwolves +2800

Postseason Game Lines

While game lines usually dominate NBA betting during the regular season, the postseason presents an entirely different challenge. With every possession carrying more weight and every game potentially shifting a series, sportsbooks tighten the odds considerably during the playoffs.

Although home-court advantage still influences the numbers, postseason momentum often becomes the biggest factor in shaping game lines. Teams riding winning streaks or showing strong form can see dramatic movement in both spreads and moneyline pricing as bettors and sportsbooks react to recent performances.

For NBA playoff betting, game lines generally offer three primary wagering options: spread bets, moneyline bets, and totals (over/under) bets. Each provides a different strategy depending on whether you’re backing a team outright, betting on the margin of victory, or predicting the total combined score.

Below are the latest game line odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook for the next two NBA Conference Semifinals matchups as the race to the Finals continues.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs

• Spread: MN +9.5 (-105), SA -9.5 (-115)
• Win: MN +295, SA -390
• Total: O218.5 (-110), U218.5 (-110)
• West Semifinals – Game 5, Series tied 2-2

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

• Spread: CAV +3.5 (-105), DET -3.5 (-115)
• Win: CAV +140, DET -165
• Total: O212.5 (-110), U212.5 (-110)
• East Semifinals – Game 4, Series Tied 2-2

Resources:

• NBA Playoff Bracket

Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers–Houston Rockets series, and the Spurs are awaiting the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Below is the current game count for the first round of the 2026 NBA postseason.

Eastern Conference

• Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic — Magic lead 3–2
• Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers — Celtics lead 3–2
• New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks — Knicks lead 3–2
• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors — Cleveland leads 3–2

Western Conference

• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns — Thunder win 4–0
• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets — Lakers lead 3–2
• Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — Timberwolves lead 3–2
• San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers — Spurs win 4–1

Read along to learn more about betting online with Sportsbetting18 NBA sportsbooks and how game lines and futures dominate the postseason odds boards.

Postseason Game Lines

One of the most popular ways to bet on the NBA playoffs is through game lines, which include the point spread, money line (win odds), and total (over/under). The playoffs bring together the top teams from each conference, all competing for a chance to reach the NBA Finals.

Teams are seeded based on their regular-season performance, with higher seeds earning home-court advantage—giving them the edge of hosting more games in a best-of-seven series.

Below are the current game line odds from Bovada for the first round of the playoffs.

April 30, 2026 – 7:00 PM

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• Spread: BOS -6.0 (-115) | PHI +6.0 (-105)
• Moneyline: BOS -245 | PHI +205
• Total: O213.0 (-110) | U213.0 (-110)

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

• Spread: NY -2.5 (-110) | ATL +2.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: NY -150 | ATL +130
• Total: O214.5 (-110) | U214.5 (-110)

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Spread: DEN -6.0 (-110) | MIN +6.0 (-110)
• Moneyline: DEN -235 | MIN +195
• Total: O225.5 (-110) | U225.5 (-110)

May 1, 2026 – 4:00 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

• Spread: CLE -4.0 (-110) | TOR +4.0 (-110)
• Moneyline: CLE -175 | TOR +150
• Total: O219.5 (-110) | U219.5 (-110)

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

• Spread: DET -3.0 (-110) | ORL +3.0 (-110)
• Moneyline: DET -150 | ORL +130
• Total: O211.0 (-110) | U211.0 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

• Spread: LAL +4.0 (-105) | HOU -4.0 (-115)
• Moneyline: LAL +150 | HOU -175
• Total: O206.5 (-110) | U206.5 (-110)

Postseason NBA Futures

Another popular way to bet on the NBA is with futures and postseason futures. Future odds are typically available year-round, but they change significantly as the postseason approaches. The odds will also update as the playoffs move through the rounds.

Below are a select few of the odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook for the 2026 NBA playoffs.

NBA Championship 2025-26

• Oklahoma City Thunder -115
• San Antonio Spurs +425
• Boston Celtics +500
• Cleveland Cavaliers +1800
• Los Angeles Lakers +2000
• Denver Nuggets +2700
• New York Knicks +2800
• Detroit Pistons +5000
• Minnesota Timberwolves +30000
• Orlando Magic +30000
• Philadelphia 76ers +30000
• Houston Rockets +40000
• Atlanta Hawks +50000
• Toronto Raptors +75000

Eastern Conference 2025-26 – Conference Winner

• Boston Celtics +110
• Cleveland Cavaliers +280
• New York Knicks +500
• Detroit Pistons +800
• Orlando Magic +3000
• Atlanta Hawks +5500
• Philadelphia 76ers +6000
• Toronto Raptors +12500

Western Conference 2025-26 – Conference Winner

• Oklahoma City Thunder -200
• San Antonio Spurs +250
• Los Angeles Lakers +1400
• Denver Nuggets +1800
• Houston Rockets +15000
• Minnesota Timberwolves +15000

How To Make Smart Bets On The NBA Finals

Making smart bets on the NBA finals comes down to going beyond the surface and understanding context. Instead of just picking the better team, pay close attention to matchups, injuries, recent form, and how teams perform under playoff pressure. The postseason often slows down, which can impact totals, and home-court advantage tends to matter more in tightly contested series.

It’s also important to track line movement and avoid chasing public-heavy picks, as popular teams can be overpriced. Sticking to a consistent strategy, managing your bankroll, and focusing on value rather than just winners will give you a much better chance of long-term success.

Sources:

• ESPN

Wembanyama’s performance was more than just a strong stat line—it set a franchise benchmark for a playoff debut and reaffirmed why he is considered one of the most impactful young players in the league today. His scoring versatility, combined with San Antonio’s efficient shooting, overwhelmed a Portland team that had fought its way into the postseason through the play-in tournament.

The matchup also highlighted the contrast between experience and emergence. The Spurs, returning to the playoffs after several years of rebuilding, now look like a legitimate contender, while the Trail Blazers are attempting to accelerate their own rebuild behind a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. With Game 1 in the books, the tone has been set for a competitive Western Conference series—and possibly a deeper run for San Antonio.

Betting on the NBA Playoffs Online

The NBA Playoffs are not just a spectacle for fans; they also represent one of the busiest betting periods of the year. As interest grows, many bettors are exploring online platforms, including offshore platforms, to place wagers on games, series outcomes, and player performances.

18+ NBA sportsbooks like the ones found at https://www.sportsbetting18.com/nba/, often attract users because of broader betting markets, fewer geographic restrictions, and incentives such as deposit bonuses. These platforms typically offer lines on everything from point spreads and totals to player props—such as predicting whether a star like Wembanyama will exceed a scoring threshold in a given game.

In the context of the current playoffs, betting trends have already been influenced by early results. For example, San Antonio entered its opening game as a significant favorite, reflecting both its regular-season performance and the anticipated impact of Wembanyama on both ends of the court.

As the postseason unfolds, odds will continue to shift based on injuries, momentum, and matchup adjustments. For bettors, staying informed on team performance and roster updates is essential—not just for potential returns, but for making informed and measured decisions.

Current Standings For 2026 NBA Playoffs

The 2026 playoff bracket is beginning to take shape, with early results offering insight into which teams may emerge as serious contenders.

In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs entered as a high seed after a dominant regular season and immediately reinforced their status with a convincing Game 1 win. Their combination of young stars and improved depth has made them one of the most closely watched teams in the postseason. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers, seeded seventh, are aiming to prove that their play-in success can translate into a deeper run.

Elsewhere in the West, several teams remain in contention, with matchups expected to hinge on star performances and defensive consistency. The conference features a mix of established contenders and emerging squads, creating a wide-open race.

In the Eastern Conference, the playoff picture is similarly competitive, with top-seeded teams seeking to avoid early upsets. The balance across both conferences underscores a broader trend in the NBA: parity is increasing, and no single team has an easy path to the Finals.

Beyond team standings, individual storylines are shaping the postseason narrative. Wembanyama’s breakout performance adds to an already compelling MVP race that includes international stars like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

As the first round progresses, standings will evolve quickly. Early victories can shift momentum, while adjustments between games often determine the outcome of tightly contested series. For now, the Spurs have seized an early advantage, but the playoffs are known for dramatic swings—and the coming games will reveal which teams can sustain their push toward a championship.

Sources:

• AP News 
• New York Post

These odds reflect a wide range of key factors, including final standings, recent form, injuries, and projected matchups. As a result, bettors now have sharper insight into which teams are primed for a deep run and which may face early exits. With volatility expected throughout the postseason, odds will continue to shift game-by-game, creating ongoing opportunities for strategic wagering.

NBA Futures

NBA Futures markets are now front and center as bettors look beyond individual games and toward the ultimate prize, the NBA Championship. Future wagers on the NBA Finals allow bettors to predict long-term outcomes, including Finals winners, conference champions, and more.

In addition to title odds, bettors can also target a variety of markets such as conference winners and other postseason outcomes. These odds have been shaped by months of performance data and continue to move as playoff matchups take form.

NBA Championship Odds

• Oklahoma City Thunder +120
• San Antonio Spurs +475
• Boston Celtics +550
• Denver Nuggets +1000
• Cleveland Cavaliers +1600
• Detroit Pistons +2000
• New York Knicks +2200
• Houston Rockets +6500
• Minnesota Timberwolves +6500
• Atlanta Hawks +12500
• Charlotte Hornets +12500
• Los Angeles Lakers +20000
• Philadelphia 76ers +25000
• Toronto Raptors +25000
• Orlando Magic +30000
• Golden State Warriors +50000
• L.A. Clippers +50000
• Miami Heat +75000
• Phoenix Suns +75000
• Portland Trail Blazers +100000

Eastern Conference Odds

• Boston Celtics +160
• Cleveland Cavaliers +310
• Detroit Pistons +475
• New York Knicks +525
• Atlanta Hawks +2500
• Charlotte Hornets +3500
• Philadelphia 76ers +5000
• Toronto Raptors +5000
• Orlando Magic +6000
• Miami Heat +20000

Alternate Eastern Conference Market

• Boston Celtics -145
• Cleveland Cavaliers EVEN
• Detroit Pistons +190
• New York Knicks +225
• Charlotte Hornets +1000
• Miami Heat +3500
• Orlando Magic +1600
• Philadelphia 76ers +1500
• Toronto Raptors +1100
• Atlanta Hawks +900

Western Conference Odds

• Oklahoma City Thunder -160
• San Antonio Spurs +300
• Denver Nuggets +600
• Houston Rockets +2800
• Minnesota Timberwolves +4000
• Los Angeles Lakers +15000
• Golden State Warriors +25000
• L.A. Clippers +25000
• Phoenix Suns +25000
• Portland Trail Blazers +50000

Postseason Game Lines

While futures dominate long-term betting strategy, the Play-In Tournament provides immediate action with high stakes. Beginning April 14th, four matchups will determine the final playoff spots in both conferences.

Each game carries elimination implications, increasing both the intensity on the court and the interest from bettors. Sportsbooks have posted spreads, moneylines, and totals for every matchup, giving bettors multiple angles to approach each game.

Eastern Conference Participants

* Philadelphia 76ers (No. 7)
* Orlando Magic (No. 8)
* Charlotte Hornets (No. 9)
* Miami Heat (No. 10)

Western Conference Participants

* Phoenix Suns (No. 7)
* Portland Trail Blazers (No. 8)
* Los Angeles Clippers (No. 9)
* Golden State Warriors (No. 10)

Play-In Tournament Odds

April 14, 2026 – 7:30 PM

• Miami Heat (+5.5, +180)
• Charlotte Hornets (-5.5, -220)
• Over/Under: 229

April 14, 2026 – 10:00 PM

• Portland Trail Blazers (+3.5, +140)
• Phoenix Suns (-3.5, -165)
• Over/Under: 217.5

April 15, 2026 – 7:30 PM

• Orlando Magic (+1.5, +105)
• Philadelphia 76ers (-1.5, -125)
• Over/Under: 220

April 15, 2026 – 10:00 PM

• Golden State Warriors (+5.0, +175)
• L.A. Clippers (-5.0, -210)
• Over/Under: 220

As the postseason begins, bettors have a full board of options—from long-term futures to single-game wagers. With odds constantly adjusting and momentum shifting, the NBA playoffs present one of the most dynamic betting environments of the year.

Sources:

• NBA.com
• Odds: Bovada’s online sportsbook

With All-Star rosters finalized and the NBA introducing a revised three-team tournament format — featuring two United States squads and one World team competing in a round-robin before a championship game — sportsbooks have adjusted their markets accordingly. The updated structure has created increased interest in futures, MVP props, and specialty wagers.

According to current odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook, the tournament winner market stands as follows:

All-Star Game 2026 – Tournament Winner* 

• World +135
• USA Stripes +175
• USA Stars +220

The World team enters as the betting favorite, largely due to the presence of international superstars Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić. Their global experience and high-usage offensive roles have positioned the squad as the most balanced option on the board.

Meanwhile, USA Stripes and USA Stars offer moderate plus-money returns, reflecting the exhibition nature of the event, where rotations and playing time can significantly influence outcomes.

NBA All-Star MVP Odds: Wembanyama Leads the Market

Individual performance markets are also drawing substantial interest, particularly the All-Star MVP prop. Given the fast-paced, offense-driven format of the game, bettors often gravitate toward high-volume scorers and players capable of producing highlight moments.

Current All-Star MVP odds*

• Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +450
• Jaylen Brown (BOS) +1000
• Luka Dončić (LAL) +1000
• Cade Cunningham (DET) +1100
• Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +1200

Wembanyama’s +450 price reflects both market confidence and his growing status as one of the league’s premier attractions. However, longer odds on players such as Cunningham or Maxey may appeal to bettors seeking higher returns in a format that often rewards aggressive, high-scoring performances.

Because All-Star minutes can fluctuate depending on coaching strategy and player health, online bettors — particularly those using online NBA sportsbook sites — are closely monitoring line movement ahead of tipoff.

Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contest Betting Markets

While the All-Star Game garners the most attention, many bettors view the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest as potentially more attractive wagering opportunities due to their high-variance structure.

Slam Dunk Contest Winner*

• Jase Richardson (ORL) +200
• Carter Bryant (SAS) +225
• Jaxson Hayes (LAL) +260
• Keshad Johnson (MIA) +350

The Dunk Contest is heavily influenced by judging criteria, creativity, and execution under pressure. Athleticism alone does not guarantee success. Contestants who balance originality with technical precision often outperform expectations, creating potential value beyond the listed favorite.

Because scoring is subjective, sportsbooks may not fully account for judging tendencies, creating opportunities in outright winner markets and head-to-head matchups.

Three-Point Contest Winner*

• Kon Knueppel (CHA) +275
• Damian Lillard (BOS) +450
• Jamal Murray (DEN) +600
• Donovan Mitchell (CLE) +650
• Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +700
• Devin Booker (PHX) +750
• Norman Powell (MIA) +800
• Bobby Portis (MIL) +1200

The Three-Point Contest is generally viewed as more data-driven, yet volatility remains high due to rack sequencing, money-ball placement, and time constraints. While elite in-game shooters tend to attract heavy betting support, rhythm and release speed are often more predictive in a timed contest setting.

Favorites such as Knueppel and Lillard headline the market, but mid-tier and long-shot shooters can quickly gain momentum with one high-scoring round, making the format particularly unpredictable.

What To Expect

With a revised tournament format, expanded prop offerings, and competitive contest fields, NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 presents a broad betting landscape. As always, exhibition formats introduce added variance, and bettors are encouraged to monitor lineup updates and line movement leading up to each event.

*Odds via Bovada

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.

Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2024–25 NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic seven-game series.

The Thunder clinched their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, winning Game 7 by a score of 103–91 on June 22, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP, capping off a historic season in which he also won the regular season MVP and scoring title.

This year, the Thunder are preseason favorites to win it all again, but that will likely change as the season progresses.

NBA Championship 2025-26

• Oklahoma City Thunder +215
• Denver Nuggets +700
• Cleveland Cavaliers +750
• New York Knicks +950
• Houston Rockets +1200
• Los Angeles Lakers +1200
• L.A. Clippers +1800
• Golden State Warriors +2000

Preseason Betting Complications

Betting on NBA games and preseason competitions presents a unique set of complications due to the unpredictable nature of team strategies and player usage. Coaches often prioritize experimentation over winning, resting star players, or limiting their minutes to evaluate bench talent and rookies.

This lack of consistency makes it difficult to gauge team performance or predict outcomes based on regular-season trends. Additionally, betting lines can be volatile, influenced by last-minute lineup changes or unclear injury reports.

Below are the current odds for tonight’s games from Bovada’s online sportsbook.

Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

• Date & Time: October 7, 2025 — 7:00 PM
• • Spread: Chicago Bulls: +8.0 (-115), Cleveland Cavaliers: -8.0 (-105)
  • Moneyline (Win): Chicago Bulls: +265, Cleveland Cavaliers: -330
  • Total Points (Over/Under): Over 230.0 (-115), Under 230.0 (-105)

Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

• Date & Time: October 7, 2025 — 8:00 PM
  • Spread: Indiana Pacers: +7.5 (-115), Minnesota Timberwolves: -7.5 (-105)
  • Moneyline (Win): Indiana Pacers: +225, Minnesota Timberwolves: -275
  • Total Points (Over/Under): Over 221.5 (-110), Under 221.5 (-110)

Is Preseason NBA Betting Worth The Risk?

Betting on NBA preseason games can be tempting, but it’s generally considered high-risk with limited reward. Teams use the preseason to experiment with lineups, rest key players, and evaluate young talent, making outcomes highly unpredictable.

Star players often see their minutes reduced or are even sat out entirely, and coaches prioritize player development over winning. Because of this, traditional betting strategies based on statistics or trends from the regular season may not be applicable.

If you decide to bet on the NBA preseason competitions, we suggest that you set betting limits, don’t chase losses, and only wager what you can afford to lose. While risky in nature, NBA preseason odds offer bettors favorable odds and multiple ways to win, regardless of who takes the court or not.

Rosters have been announced, and so have the competitors that will face off in the dunk contest, three-point contest, and other featured activities.

The 2025 All-Stars rosters are complete 🌟 pic.twitter.com/dtDvijwwG2

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 30, 2025

2025 3-Point Contest Odds

• Damian Lillard +350
• Norman Powell +400
• Darius Garland +450
• Cam Johnson +500
• Buddy Hield +550
• Jalen Brunson +650
• Tyler Herro +750
• Cade Cunningham +1200
• @BetOnline

Damian Lillard has won the last two 3-point contests in a row and seeks his third in as many years this Saturday. Lillard is the odds-on favorite to win with a moneyline of +350.

Ranked second at NBA betting sites is Norman Powell, a sharp-shooting Guard from the Los Angeles Clippers. This season, Powell is shooting for 42.9% from beyond the arc and is garnering 4-to-1 odds at online sportsbooks.

The contest begins after the Skills Challenge is over.

2025 Dunk Contest Odds

• Mac McClung -175
• Stephon Castle +250
• Andre Jackson Jr. +500
• Matas Buzelis +500
• @BetOnline

Once the Three-Point Contest concludes, the Dunk Contest will begin. Mac McClung is a 6’2″ point guard who is part of the Orlando Magic franchise, splitting time between the main roster and the G League’s Osceola Magic.

Despite being short by NBA standards, his dunking skills are impeccable. He’s won the last two years’ contests, and the odds strongly favor him to accomplish a three-peat.

NBA 2025 All-Star Winner

• Team Chuck +140
• Team Shaq +150
• Team Kenny +375
• Team Candance +800
• @Bovada

This year, for the first time ever, the All-Star Game will be comprised of a mini-tournament made up of four teams. Three of the teams include players selected to the All-Star rosters for the Eastern and Western Conference. The fourth team will be the squad that wins the Rising Stars game.

Team Chuck, led by Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, is favored slightly over Team Shaq, who has LeBron James and Steph Curry on board.

NBA All-Star MVP

• Stephen Curry (GSW) +600
• LeBron James (LAL) +900
• Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +750
• Anthony Edwards (MIN) +1000
• Damian Lillard (MIL) +1000
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) +900
• Jalen Brunson (NYK) +1600
• Donovan Mitchell (CLE) +1600
• Jayson Tatum (BOS) +1800
• Kevin Durant (PHX) +2200
• Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) +2200
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) +2800
• Jaylen Brown (BOS) +3000
• Nikola Jokic (DEN) +3300
• Tyler Herro (MIA) +3300
• Cade Cunningham (DET) +3500
• Pascal Siakam (IND) +4000
• Jalen Williams (OKC) +4000
• James Harden (LAC) +4500
• Alperen Sengun (HOU) +5000
• Evan Mobley (CLE) +6000
• Darius Garland (CLE) +6000
• @Bovada

The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry has already established himself as one of the league’s best all-time shooters. For the All-Star Game, Curry often elevates his play, dropping dimes from near mid-court range and touching nothing but the bottom of the net.

In 2022, Curry scored 51 points, nailing 16 three-pointers in an impressive display of shooting skills that resulted in 51 total points. This year, he is the favorite to become the game’s Most Valuable Player, an honor he has only won once.

BetOnline Sportsbook – Bovada Sportsbook – ESPN

NBCUniversal, the same entity that owns Comcast, has placed a $2.5 billion deal on the table for the annual rights to air NBA basketball games on their networks. The NBA has already renewed their other existing deal with Disney, and has created a third broadcast tier that recently sold to Amazon.

The contract currently held by Warner is the only one remaining in play, and 18-friendly NBA betting sites have created a few props in anticipation of the league’s new broadcast partner.

How Much Will The Next NBA Media Deal Cost?

The offer from NBCUniversal is already set at $2.5 billion annually, so the question this NBA prop bet is asking is whether Warner will counter with a higher offer. Right now, entertainment sportsbooks are suggesting that a higher counter offer is forthcoming.

NBA Odds For Media Deal Offer

• Over 2½ Billion USD -300
• Under 2½ Billion USD +200

The current moneyline of -300 suggests a strong liklihood (75%) of a bidding war between the two parties. The prior deal was set at $1.2 billion per year, so the rights fees will at least double for the next contract duration.

Who Will Win The Next NBA Media Deal?

Even though NBCUniversal is the odds on favorite to become the new broacast partner for the NBA, they are not a lock to sign the deal. The odds for both NBC and Warner are very close to even, and the prospect of a third party entering into the negotiations are slim.

NBA Prop Bet For Next Broadcast Partner

• NBC/Universal/Comcast -125
• Warner Brothers/Discovery +125
• Any Other +500

NBC holds a 50 point lead over Warner, which is by no means a significant advantage and most likely refects the simple fact that they possess the winning bid for the moment. Where NBC holds the edge is in corporate value, which is over double that of Warner Bros.

All of these developments come in the wake of the annoucenemtn of a new sports streaming app called Venu. The partners in the said app? Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and Fox, so it is no surprise to see them attempt to shore up premium pro basketball content for their launch.

Venu would pair these efforts up with what is already contained by ESPN+ and offer them toghether for under $50 monthly, which is likely corporate speak for $49.99.

BetUS, CNBC