Who Are the Early Favorites in the NBA Finals 2025 Odds Race?
As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA news and checking out the odds on ArenaPlus, I can’t help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. The 2025 NBA Finals may seem far off, but in the world of sports betting and basketball analysis, the conversation has already begun. Let’s be honest—when it comes to predicting champions, the early favorites often set the tone for the entire season. From my years of following the league and diving into analytics, I’ve noticed that teams with strong cores, smart off-season moves, and a bit of that intangible "it factor" tend to rise to the top. And right now, a few squads are already turning heads in the odds race. If you’re as excited as I am, you might want to sign up on ArenaPlus and grab an exclusive welcome reward to get in on the action early. Trust me, having a stake in the game makes every regular-season matchup that much more thrilling.
First off, let’s talk about the Denver Nuggets. After their dominant 2023 championship run and a solid follow-up season, they’re sitting pretty in many analysts’ eyes, including mine. With Nikola Jokić orchestrating the offense like a basketball savant—averaging around 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists last season—this team has a foundation that’s hard to beat. They’ve kept most of their key pieces, and that continuity is gold in the NBA. I remember watching their playoff games and thinking, "This is a team built for the long haul." Sure, the Western Conference is stacked, but Denver’s blend of size, skill, and chemistry gives them an edge. If they stay healthy, I’d slot them as a top contender, maybe with odds hovering around +450 to +500 early on. It’s not just stats, though; it’s the way they control the pace that makes me lean their way.
Then there’s the Boston Celtics, a franchise that always seems to be in the mix. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are entering their primes, and after some deep playoff runs, including a Finals appearance in 2022, they’re hungry. I’ve always admired their defensive versatility and the way they spread the floor—last season, they ranked in the top five for three-point percentage at about 37.5%. But what really catches my eye is their depth; they’ve got role players who can step up in big moments. From a betting perspective, I’d put their early odds somewhere in the +500 to +600 range, partly because the East feels a bit more open than the West. If they can tighten up their late-game execution, which has been a minor bugbear in the past, they could easily be hoisting the trophy. And if you’re looking to back them, ArenaPlus is a great spot to explore those bets—I’ve found their platform super user-friendly for comparing odds.
Don’t sleep on the Phoenix Suns, either. Yeah, they’ve had their ups and downs, but with Kevin Durant still playing at an elite level—I mean, the guy dropped 27 points per game last year at his age—and Devin Booker’s scoring explosions, they’re a nightmare matchup. Their big three, including Bradley Beal, has had time to gel, and if they can stay off the injury report, they’ll be dangerous. I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased here because I love high-octane offenses, and Phoenix delivers that in spades. Early odds might have them at +700 or so, which feels like solid value for a team with so much firepower. Of course, the West is a gauntlet, but in a seven-game series, star power often wins out.
Over in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks are another team I’m keeping a close eye on. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force of nature, and with Damian Lillard in the backcourt, they’ve got that one-two punch that can dismantle any defense. I recall their 2021 title run, and when Giannis is motivated, he’s nearly unstoppable—averaging 31 points and 11 rebounds last season. Their odds might start around +600, but if they can improve their perimeter defense, which was a bit leaky at times, they could surge. Personally, I think they’re a dark horse because the coaching adjustments have been promising.
Now, let’s not forget the wild cards. The Golden State Warriors, with Steph Curry still sinking threes from the logo, could defy age and make a run. I’ve seen them do crazier things. And the Los Angeles Lakers, if they make the right moves, always have that LeBron James factor. But based on current rosters, I’d slot them a tier below, with odds around +800 or higher. It’s these kinds of nuances that make pre-season odds so fascinating—you’re not just betting on talent, but on potential and narrative.
Wrapping this up, the early favorites for the 2025 NBA Finals are shaping up to be a mix of proven champions and hungry contenders. From my perspective, Denver and Boston lead the pack, but surprises are inevitable in the NBA. If you’re itching to get involved, I highly recommend signing up on ArenaPlus for that exclusive welcome reward—it’s a smart move to kick off your betting season. As for me, I’ll be watching every game, tweaking my predictions, and maybe placing a wager or two along the way. After all, that’s what makes basketball more than just a game; it’s a year-long story waiting to unfold.