Full Breakdown
NBA Playoff Upsets Reshape 2025-26 Championship Odds
5/5/2026, 2:00:02 PM
Early Playoff Eliminations Alter Title Landscape
The Boston Celtics, seeded with third-best pre-playoff championship odds of +550, were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76 ers in a seven-game first-round series. Simultaneously, the Denver Nuggets, fourth on the pre-playoff odds board at +850, fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. These upsets removed two early favorites from title contention and prompted bookmakers to adjust odds for the remaining teams.
Pre-Playoff Odds Baseline
Before the postseason began, the odds for the NBA championship reflected the regular-season standings and betting activity. The Celtics held +550, the Nuggets +850, and the Los Angeles Lakers were positioned at 28-1. The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs as the clear first-round favorites at -145. The New York Knicks carried an 18-1 championship line, while the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were listed at 18-1 and 22-1 respectively.
Revised Team Championship Odds After First Round
Following the first-round outcomes, bookmakers revised the odds as follows:
- Los Angeles Lakers remain at 28-1 for the title.
- Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favorites to advance, listed at -145.
- New York Knicks moved from 18-1 to +850 after the Celtics’ exit.
- Detroit Pistons hold the fourth-best line at 18-1.
- Cleveland Cavaliers sit at 22-1.
- San Antonio Spurs are priced at +370.
- Minnesota Timberwolves carry 100-1 championship odds, reflecting injuries to Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu.
- Philadelphia 76 ers improved to 40-1 after defeating the Celtics.
These adjustments reflect the altered competitive landscape and the perceived strength of each remaining contender.
Player Finals MVP Odds Snapshot
Betting markets also released a leaderboard for the Finals Most Valuable Player award:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) – -135
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) – +380
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – 11-1
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons) – 20-1
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) – 28-1
- Luka Doncic (Lakers) – 40-1
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) – 60-1
- Joel Embiid (76 ers) – 60-1
- James Harden (Cavaliers) – 60-1
- Jalen Williams (Thunder) – 60-1
- LeBron James (Lakers) – 65-1
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder) – 70-1
- Tyrese Maxey (76 ers) – 80-1
- Evan Mobley (Cavaliers) – 100-1
- Additional candidates range from 120-1 to 1,000-1 across the Pistons, Spurs, Lakers, Timberwolves, and Knicks.
Official Odds Provider Statement
All championship and player odds cited are supplied by DraftKings Sportsbook, which updates its lines in response to game outcomes and betting volume. The sportsbook’s data serve as the reference for the figures presented.
Implications for Remaining Contenders
The removal of the Celtics and Nuggets compresses the odds spread, elevating the Thunder, Lakers, and Knicks as primary title prospects. Lower-seeded teams such as the Pistons and Cavaliers retain relatively favorable lines, suggesting that bookmakers view the conference semifinals as a pivotal juncture for the championship race. Player MVP odds indicate a broad field, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander positioned as the market favorite, while several established stars remain within competitive ranges. The evolving odds landscape will likely influence wagering behavior and strategic considerations as the playoffs progress toward the NBA Finals.
