Bruce Dias 
The 2025 NBA Finals are approaching, and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the team to beat. With a blend of young talent and strong leadership, OKC has commanded attention throughout the playoffs. But with contenders like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers still in the hunt, the championship race remains wide open. As the postseason heads into its final stage, this article breaks down where the Finals stand, what’s at stake, who the key players are, when the action unfolds, and why these matchups could define the season.
What Makes the Thunder Favorites?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have earned their title as favorites, combining a dynamite starting lineup with a bench that’s just as hungry and effective. Led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and cruised into the semifinals, still looking fresh and determined.
Here’s why OKC sits atop most NBA Finals betting news:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership: His ability to score, create, and lead under pressure is unmatched. At only 26, his top-tier skills make him the shining star of what could be back-to-back MVP campaigns,
- Depth Over Flash: The Thunder’s bench, featuring names like Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren, has delivered consistently strong performances. If their recent showings are anything to go by, this could be the ingredient others overlook and underestimate,
- Defensive Edge: Anchored by Chet Holmgren, the Thunder swarm on defense. With Holmgren’s ability to switch, protect the rim, and stretch the floor with his range, their roster was built for playoff-style basketball.
The Thunder’s greatest advantage is rest. A swift first-round sweep allowed them extra time to recover and prepare, giving them a physical and strategic edge over teams emerging from grueling series—an edge that could prove crucial in a deep Finals run.
Can the Celtics Go Back-to-Back?
The reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, have no intention of giving up their throne easily. Injuries have been a concern, but Boston thrives on adaptability and star power.
- Star Power Still Counts: Jayson Tatum has been a monster in the postseason, even while managing a wrist issue. Alongside him, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis create an imposing Big Three capable of taking over games,
- Depth vs. Injuries: While injuries to Jrue Holiday have raised eyebrows, Boston’s bench strength provides crucial reinforcements. The inconsistency within the team’s rotation caused hiccups in the early playoffs, but don’t underestimate their ability to adjust,
- Toughest Matchups: The Celtics are facing scoring machines in their playoff bracket. Their next series against Knicks could test the defensive schemes that helped them become last year’s champions.
Their biggest challenge remains staying healthy. If Boston’s core players can handle the demands of the postseason, their combination of offensive firepower and defensive discipline could pave the way for another trip to the Finals.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers Are an X-Factor
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch this postseason. Powered by an ultra-efficient offense, they’ve dominated opponents. However, the recent injury to Darius Garland could shift the balance significantly.
Here’s what makes Cleveland so dangerous:
- A Record-Breaking Offense: Cleveland’s performance against the Miami Heat made history, scoring an all-time high of 137.2 points per 100 possessions. Their ability to create open looks and drill three-pointers keeps them lethal on offense,
- Donovan Mitchell’s Playoff Brilliance: Mitchell is the kind of clutch player who can flip a series. He’s been electric, and his ability to score in isolation situations makes him a go-to threat when things get tight,
- Frontcourt Dominance: Behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland excels at controlling the paint. If the Cavaliers can continue protecting the rim while staying efficient on offense, they might just turn a few heads further down the line.
The Darius Garland injury may level the playing field for their opponents, so there’s added pressure on other contributors.
Who Else Could Challenge?
While the Thunder and Celtics dominate NBA Finals betting predictions, it’s crucial not to overlook dark horses like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards has emerged as one of the league’s best two-way stars in this postseason. Paired with experienced veterans like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, Minnesota’s size alone could push opponents to their limit. If Edwards continues to make sharp reads and the bench provides consistent support, the Wolves are capable of a deep run.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are no strangers to playoff drama. Steph Curry remains the heartbeat of the team, and the addition of Jimmy Butler has added needed toughness to their core. But can they overcome size mismatches against bigger teams like Minnesota or Denver?
These teams are unlikely champions but certainly possess enough tools to upset stronger opponents when things align perfectly.
Matchups That Could Decide It All
The playoffs are often about matchups, and this season is no exception. Fans and analysts watching closely will want to keep an eye on:
- OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets: If the Nuggets upset the odds, can Nikola Jokić’s wizardry neutralize Holmgren’s defensive skills? Denver flourishes when Jokić dictates tempo, but containing OKC’s athletic wings could make or break this matchup,
- Celtics vs. Cavaliers: This battle will demand impeccable defense. How well will Boston’s stoppers neutralize Donovan Mitchell, and will Garland’s absence weaken Cleveland’s chances enough to make it a short series?
- Semifinal Surprises: Keep tabs on Minnesota and Golden State. Their contrasting approaches, one hyper-physical and the other more skill-oriented, could create fascinating chess matches this postseason.
What the Numbers Say
According to FanDuel’s NBA Finals odds, the Thunder and Celtics are clear betting favorites, with Cleveland maintaining respectable odds depending on Garland’s health. For teams like the Timberwolves, winning outright would require significant overachievement, but playoff history is littered with surprise runs.
With NBA Finals betting insights pointing to high value in monitoring game-to-game trends, these odds can help fans and bettors calibrate expectations going forward.
Here’s a brief glance at current odds for the remaining teams:
- Oklahoma City Thunder (+170)
- Boston Celtics (+210)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (+500)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (+1100)
- Denver Nuggets (+1500)
- Golden State Warriors (+2400)
- New York Knicks (+2800)
- Indiana Pacers (+3000)
The Road to the Finals
The Thunder appear to have all the pieces needed to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But the path to a championship is rarely straightforward. Injuries, strategic adjustments, and determination will shape the unfolding story of the NBA Finals.
Fans can expect intense drama, defining moments, and matchups that live up to the postseason’s storied legacy. With everything on the line, the stage is set for basketball at its highest level.
