NBA championship odds for the 2026-27 season point to one of the most open title races in years. Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and New York all have credible claims, and the Yahoo Sports panel split its picks across them. That split shows how tight the market is. Here is who is driving the NBA title odds conversation as the new season tips off.
Thunder and Spurs Set the Pace in the West
Oklahoma City nearly reached 70 wins last season despite a long injury list. The Thunder then took San Antonio to seven games in the Western Conference finals. Nekias Duncan and Dan Devine both back OKC to bounce back. They cite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s star power, coach Mark Daigneault, and the return of a healthy Jalen Williams.
Tom Haberstroh, Steve Jones, and Kelly Iko lean toward the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is still rising, and San Antonio added Tobias Harris and now has a revenge motive. These factors matter because NBA championship odds tend to follow continuity, health, and top-end talent.
Knicks Lead a Crowded East
Iko, Devine, and Jones all picked the New York Knicks to win the East. They point to a roster without a true weak spot, with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby leading the way. Devine admits the Knicks have logged heavy miles, but he trusts their proven ceiling.
The field is deep. Haberstroh picked the Philadelphia 76ers for their four All-NBA players, a title-winning coach and depth. Duncan chose Boston, and Jayson Tatum is expected to have a big year. The Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors, Pacers, and Heat all have supporters too. With so many contenders, NBA championship odds in the East are tightly bunched.
Expert Picks: The Finals Favorites
The panel’s NBA Finals picks were:
- Dan Devine: Thunder over Knicks
- Nekias Duncan: Thunder over Celtics
- Kelly Iko: Spurs over Knicks
- Steve Jones: Spurs over Knicks
- Tom Haberstroh: Spurs over 76ers
The Spurs got three votes, the Thunder two, and the Knicks reached the Finals in three of the five picks. That makes San Antonio, Oklahoma City and New York the leading finals favorites among the writers. Haberstroh also noted that Wembanyama, who is entering Year 4, would match a rare career path only Bob Pettit and Dave Cowens have followed.
What Moves NBA Championship Odds During the Season?
Several things can shift NBA championship odds quickly. Health is the biggest, and early-season injury worries are already a talking point. Trades are another. Iko even predicts a key Knicks player gets moved by February, and blockbuster deals can reshape a contender overnight. If that interests you, see our look at shocking NBA trades.
To see how teams stack up right now, check our NBA power rankings for the 2026-27 preseason. Individual awards also tend to follow title contenders, so our NBA MVP odds for 2026-27 are worth a read. Odds vary by sportsbook, so compare lines before placing any wager.
With a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals in the cards and the Knicks holding firm in the East, NBA championship odds reward patience. Watch injuries, trade rumors, and the standings, because the favorites may look different by spring.
FAQs
Who are the favorites to win the 2026-27 NBA title?
The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks are the most common picks among analysts, with the Celtics and 76ers as the main alternatives.
Which team is picked most often to win the West?
The Spurs got three of five West votes, and the Thunder got two.
Who is expected to win the East?
The Knicks got three of five votes. The 76ers and Celtics each got one.
Do NBA championship odds change during the season?
Yes. Injuries, trades, win-loss records, and playoff seeding all move NBA championship odds from week to week.