NBA Playoffs 2025 odds and favourites

Ladbrokes previews the 2025 NBA Playoffs, taking a look at the favourites' odds to win the NBA Finals and which players to keep an eye on for prop bets.

Ladbrokes currently has the Oklahoma City Thunder as the favourites to win the NBA finals at 6/4, with MVP-favourite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander likely a huge factor in that.

The reigning champions Boston Celtics are not far behind at 2/1, and they are followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers who are priced at 9/2.

There are 30 teams in the NBA, which is split into two conferences - East and West - with 15 teams each. The playoff format can be confusing for those new to the sport!

The top six teams in each conference with the best regular season records qualify automatically for the playoffs.

The 7th-10th placed teams compete against each other in the Play-In, with two from each conference then joining the playoffs. So each conference sends eight teams to the postseason, with sixteen competing in total.

The number 1 seed plays the 8th seed, 2nd plays 7th, 3rd plays 6th and 4th plays 5th. Each playoff round is best of seven games.

The winner of the Western Conference and the winner of the Eastern Conference then meet in the NBA Finals. Now let's have a look at the main contenders.

Odds: 6/4

Key Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the current favourites to win the NBA Finals at odds of 6/4. They comfortably secured the #1 seed in the Western Conference, finishing with an impressive record of 68-14.

MVP-in-waiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the charge for the Thunder with a remarkable 32.7 points per game, the highest in the NBA this season. He has scored at least 20 points in 72 consecutive games, the fourth-longest streak in league history. With Chet Holmgren anchoring the paint, they’re playing fearless basketball and will take some stopping.

Odds: 2/1

Key Player: Jayson Tatum

Last year's champions have not been quite as all-conquering but they are still a force to be reckoned with. They are as well-rounded a team as any and have experience of playoff success.

They locked up the #2 seed in the East with a record of 61-21. Jayson Tatum has played a starring role again, leading the team in points per game (26.8), assists (8.7) and rebounds (6). His formidable supporting cast includes Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White.

Odds: 9/2

Key Player: Donovan Mitchell

The Cavs sealed the #1 seed in the East after battling with the Celtics for that spot all year long. Their regular season record was 64-18.

Cleveland has had many key contributors this year, including Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, but Donovan Mitchell is their star, averaging 24 points per game. Mitchell tends to shine when the lights are brightest, averaging 28.1 points per game in the playoffs.

Odds: 40/1

Key Player: Luka Doncic

The Lakers have been the talk of the basketball world since their blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic. He has dovetailed with LeBron James superbly and they have a real chance at winning a first championship since 2020.

After guiding the Dallas Mavericks to the Finals last year, Luka will hope to go one better and win his first ring in LA. They will face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. After falling 3-1 behind in the series, the Lakers' odds have drifted from 12/1 to around 40/1.

Only a fool would rule out the Golden State Warriors (14/1), with Steph Curry in the playoffs a force to be reckoned with, especially after they added Jimmy Butler in a big midseason trade. They will need to make it through the Play-In first.

Likewise, you can't count out the Denver Nuggets (33/1) and 3-time league MVP Nikola Jokic, who continues to post ridiculous numbers, averaging a triple-double every game this season (29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists).

Other outside contenders include the Minnesota Timberwolves (25/1), LA Clippers (40/1) and New York Knicks (40/1).

View the latest NBA odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.