Start spreading the news: The New York Knicks, fresh off the franchise’s first championship since 1973, aren’t favored to repeat as NBA champions.
New York beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on Saturday night to close out the NBA Finals in five games and win an NBA title for the first time in 53 years. Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the win and was named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP.
But it’s the Knicks’ opponents — the Spurs — that are among the favorites next season in the eyes of oddsmakers, along with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder and Spurs have odds around +250, well ahead of any other team at sportsbooks. Oklahoma City and San Antonio met in the Western Conference Finals this season, a series in which the Spurs won in seven games. Oklahoma City is expected to return most of its core team next season, including Jalen Williams, who was injured for most of the WCF.
The Boston Celtics (+550) have the next-best odds, followed by the Knicks at +650. There’s a significant gap down to the next tier of teams, with the Indiana Pacers (who will have Tyrese Haliburton returning) and Denver Nuggets at 28-1. Anthony Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves are among four teams (Lakers, Pistons, Cavs) at 30-1.
One player that could shift the futures odds is the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could be traded in the next two weeks. The Miami Heat (40-1) and Orlando Magic (80-1) are among several potential suitors, along with the Celtics.
The Sacramento Kings have the longest odds of any team at 1,000-1. The Washington Wizards, who own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft in a few weeks, are at 120-1.
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