2026 NBA Championship Picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder remain heavy favorites to win back-to-back NBA Championships at almost even odds (+115). Riding a four-game winning streak, Oklahoma City's 34-7 record is easily the best in the league this season.

Can anyone stop the defending champs? Let's look at the latest NBA Championship futures. Odds are subject to change.

2026 NBA Champion
Oklahoma City Thunder	+115	+115	+115
Denver Nuggets	+700	+700	+700
San Antonio Spurs	+1000	+1000	+1000
Houston Rockets	+1200	+1200	+1200
New York Knicks	+1500	+1500	+1500
Boston Celtics	+1800	+1800	+1800
Detroit Pistons	+1800	+1800	+1800
Los Angeles Lakers	+2500	+2500	+2500
Minnesota Timberwolves	+2800	+2800	+2800
Cleveland Cavaliers	+3300	+3300	+3300
Golden State Warriors	+3500	+3500	+3500
Orlando Magic	+6000	+6000	+6000
Philadelphia 76ers	+6600	+6600	+6600
Atlanta Hawks	+10000	+10000	+10000
L.A. Clippers	+10000	+10000	+10000
Miami Heat	+10000	+10000	+10000
Milwaukee Bucks	+15000	+15000	+15000
Toronto Raptors	+17500	+17500	+17500

Boost Your NBA Picks

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Are the Thunder unbeatable?

Oklahoma City (+115) had lost San Antonio three different times this season before Tuesday night's 119-98 victory over the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points, five assists and five rebounds. Favored to win his second-consecutive NBA MVP award, the Canadian point guard has tallied at least 20 points in 111 straight games, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain (126).

With Jalen Williams providing secondary scoring and Chet Holmgren in the Defensive Player of the Year race, the Thunder are on track become the first back-to-back title winner since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-2018.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in last night's win over SAS:

34 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 4 BLK...

And 1 baby signed 🤣 pic.twitter.com/J7idcpry5x

— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2026

Top title contenders

Denver (+700) has won five of its last six games to stay afloat in the Western Conference while Nikola Jokic recovers from a hyperextended knee. Prior to his injury, the three-time MVP was averaging a triple-double (29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists). He ranks fourth in scoring and leads the NBA in average rebounds and assists.

San Antonio (+1000) is a mediocre 4-6 over their past 10 games thanks to a rigorous travel schedule. However, the Spurs have proven they can topple the Thunder with three wins in four games against its Western Conference rivals. Victor Wembanyama is averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, and rookie Dylan Harper has been a dynamic addition to a backcourt already featuring De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Victor Wembanyama now has 500 career blocks —

Wemby is the second-youngest player in NBA History to record 500 blocks — Josh Smith was the youngest.

(h/t @AirlessJordan) pic.twitter.com/3NobIt4IdV

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 14, 2026

Best longshots

Detroit (+1800) doesn't yet have the respect of oddsmakers despite leading the East with a 28-10 record. Cade Cunningham continues to get better, averaging career-high numbers in scoring (26.7), assists (9.7) and rebounding (6.2). The Pistons also have a fast-improving defense and a $14 million trade exception to bring in talent before the Feb. 5th NBA trade deadline.

Boston (+1800) could get Jayson Tatum back in the lineup before the playoffs, and Jaylen Brown is already thriving in a leading role, averaging a career-best 29.5 points per game. The Celtics are also rumored to be in the mix for a star big man like Jaren Jackson Jr.

If your life depended on getting it right, Oklahoma City (+115) would be the clear pick to win back-to-back titles. But don't forget the Nuggets took the Thunder to Game 7 in last year's Western Conference Semifinals. After improving their secondary scoring, Denver (+700) is a solid longshot to win another NBA Championship.

Denver Nuggets 2026 NBA Championship