NBA Championship Contenders Shift: Knicks Move to Second Favorite, Thunder Maintain Leading Position
Slam Dunk! NY Knicks Climb to Second-Best Title Odds Amidst Boston's Struggle
The New York Knicks have rocketed up the NBA championship odds, sitting pretty at the second spot after taking a commanding 3-1 lead over the Boston Celtics.
Boston's unfortunate predicament of possibly missing Jayson Tatum for the remainder of the series has tipped the scales even more in New York's favor. The Celtics have plummeted to seventh among the eight remaining teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers have also taken a hit, slipping to fifth at 10-1 due to their 3-1 series deficit.
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to be the betting heavyweights to clinch the 2025 NBA championship. Here are the current odds:
-105: Thunder550: Knicks900: Timberwolves1000: Pacers1500: Cavaliers2500: Nuggets6000: Celtics6000: Warriors
This second round has been a rollercoaster, with surprises popping up left and right. Highlights include the Indiana Pacers sweeping both games in Cleveland to open the series and the New York Knicks mirroring Boston's predicament with a 3-1 series lead.
Injuries have undeniably played a role in shaping the series. Stephen Curry's absence has significantly altered the Golden State Warriors' series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled in Game 2 due to the absence of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter. Donovan Mitchell's status for Game 5 is uncertain as he battles a left ankle injury.
Tatum's injury has also thrown a wrench in the NBA Finals MVP odds. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heads the pack with even odds, Wolves star Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson are second favorites.
Here's the top 10 for Finals MVP odds:
Even: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)600: Anthony Edwards (Wolves), Jalen Brunson (Knicks)1100: Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)1200: Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)1600: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)5000: Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Williams (Thunder), Julius Randle (Wolves), Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
If not for his injury, Curry would undoubtedly have been among the top contenders for the Finals MVP award. As it stands, the Warriors trail the Timberwolves 3-1.
Enrichment Insights:- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the pack for the 2025 NBA Finals MVP award, with odds ranging from +100 to +135 across various sportsbooks.- Jayson Tatum's injury hasn't significantly affected his odds, which previously stood at +250. However, injuries can impact a player's performance and, consequently, their odds.- Donovan Mitchell, Luka Dončić, and Jaylen Brown are among other notable players with odds ranging from +650 to +4000. These odds are subject to change as the playoffs unfold.
- The New York Knicks, with their impressive 3-1 lead against the Boston Celtics, currently have the second-best odds to win the NBA championship.
- Jayson Tatum's potential absence for the rest of the series against the New York Knicks has significantly impacted the NBA Finals MVP odds, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the pack, followed closely by Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson.
- Despite Stephen Curry's absence due to injury, the Golden State Warriors are currently losing their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which may have affected his chances of winning the Finals MVP award.
- Injuries have been a common theme in the 2025 NBA playoffs, with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors struggling due to the absences of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, De'Andre Hunter, and Stephen Curry, respectively.
