It is hard to believe the NBA season started a little over three weeks ago. With most teams playing around a dozen games or so, we take a second look to see how some teams are faring in the early going. No one should be surprised that the Oklahoma City Thunder still lead the way in updated 2025-26 NBA championship odds from our best NBA betting sites.
The championship odds saw some subtle shifts as teams make strategic moves to bolster their chances of winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Before you make any wagers on an NBA contender, take another dive into our NBA Futures page, which provides some excellent information.
After another hot start, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain big favorites across our best sports betting sites.
Here’s a look at the current NBA championship odds, favorites, and teams to watch in those 2026 NBA Title Picks.
2026 NBA Championship Odds
| NBA 2026 Futures |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +200 | +210 | +200 |
| Denver Nuggets | +550 | +600 | +600 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +850 | +750 | +800 |
| Houston Rockets | +1000 | +950 | +950 |
| New York Knicks | +1300 | +1200 | +1100 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1400 | +1225 | +1200 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1600 | +1500 | +1400 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +2500 | +2800 | +2800 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +3500 | +3200 | +3500 |
Oklahoma City Thunder Still Big Favorites
There were some concerns with the Oklahoma City Thunder and how they might respond. Consider those questions answered for now. With a 12-1 record to start the regular season, the Thunder remain the big favorites to repeat in the 2026 NBA Title picks.
The surprise for some NBA bettors is this. Despite the start, the money is not flowing into Oklahoma City even more. Why is that? Some are firmly convinced Oklahoma City can make a run to 70 wins this year. With a whopping 15.5 point per game differential, the Thunder top the league once again. One has to wonder if they are even better than last season.
Oklahoma City has shown no real championship hangover. Yes, there was that one stumble against Portland of all teams. Even then, they only lost by a basket (121-119). This is a team that can win in many ways. However, the last couple of contests have seen them rout the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
With Isaiah Hartlestein on the scene, the interior presence of the Thunder is even more ridiculous! He is one of the better passers for a big man and can average a double-double. The champions have become more complete if that is possible. Right now, there is nobody better in the West or East.
Denver Nuggets Take Over Second In 2026 NBA Title Picks
As November moves along, the Denver Nuggets may have overcorrected some to +550 in the 2026 NBA Title Picks. That is a cause for a little surprise. Denver has looked more focused to start the 2025-26 campaign. Nikola Jokic dropped 55 points on Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Clippers. That included 25 in the first quarter alone.
Now, those odds moved even more when the bettors noticed how well Denver has been playing on both sides of the ball. It may be early but that 13.3 point differential is something we have not seen in a few years with this Nuggets team. Only the Miami Heat have scored more points per game (124.8) than Denver (124.5).
Simply, this team's fortunes rise and fall with Jokic. However, the supporting cast has played well in the early going. For the most part, they are healthy too. During their current six game winning streak, Denver has score 120+ points five times and 130 or more twice. They are one of the select squads that can keep up with Oklahoma City and even Cleveland.
It will be interesting to see what happens once the real grind of the NBA season hits. Denver has shown that 2023 title form early.
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What To Make Of The Houston Rockets?
The Houston Rockets have been okay to start this year. However, even at 7-3, the bettors have walked away a bit from Houston. Yes, the Rockets' odds have lengthened out to +1000 which astonished many.
The Rockets do carry +950 odds on several sites to win it all in the 2026 NBA Title Picks. It is hard to nitpick things at this juncture. Houston has won five of six including an impressive road win in Milwaukee. Also, they arguably should have defeated Oklahoma City in the opener. Sometimes the better team does not win.
Load management will be vital for Houston and Ime Udoka is a master of the craft. This may be the time to get on the Rockets if one is keen on doing so.
Cleveland Cavaliers And Detroit Pistons
The Cleveland Cavaliers may wind up taking a backseat to the Detroit Pistons when it comes to the 2026 NBA Title Picks. We say may because again it is still only the middle of November. However, the Pistons look like a team that can challenge in the East. Cleveland and New York are going through the motions a little bit. Detroit has won 10 of 12 early to assert their mark that this young team is ready or close to ready.
Most are intrigued by this Detroit team. They have won eight straight and that includes an early win over the Rockets. One slight red flag was that blowout loss to Cleveland. It proves why the Cavaliers are still around +750 to +850. If one is curious about Detroit, the Pistons are behind the San Antonio Spurs (+3500) at +4000 via Bovada at this time.
Both of these teams will be fun to keep an eye on. Some think Detroit is a year or two away. Maybe, they are not.
New York Knicks
The Knicks remain among the top five teams in the 2026 NBA Title Picks. Can the team stay healthy?
Now, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have battled the injury bug. Brunson was seen on crutches on Wednesday night.
Keep an eye on New York as they will not stay 0 for the road forever and besides things are never boring at Madison Square Garden.
Check our top sportsbook reviews for up-to-date odds on your favorite NBA games before placing your bets.
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