NBA Championship Futures: Who Will Win the NBA Finals?
Updated October 21, 2026
Updated October 21, 2026
This season's race for the NBA championship is set to be unpredictable once again, following eight straight years without a repeat winner. The New York Knicks will try to end that streak, while the rest of the league is aiming for their crown. Below, you will find the latest NBA championship futures pricing, our thoughts on the markets, and what to look out for when making your predictions.
Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio a true centerpiece, and the roster around him has more experience now.
OKC remains a threat because it has proven chemistry, high-end defense, and a go-to star in SGA.
The defending champs are still in the mix thanks to their continuity, playoff-tested core, and defense.
Philadelphia has upside because its roster is loaded with star power and can overwhelm teams when healthy.
Minnesota has a path to the title with Anthony Edwards leading the way and LaMelo Ball joining him.
Boston stays in the contender tier because Jayson Tatum remains one of the league’s most reliable stars.
Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio a true centerpiece, and the roster around him has more experience now.
OKC remains a threat because it has proven chemistry, high-end defense, and a go-to star in SGA.
The defending champs are still in the mix thanks to their continuity, playoff-tested core, and defense.
Philadelphia has upside because its roster is loaded with star power and can overwhelm teams when healthy.
Minnesota has a path to the title with Anthony Edwards leading the way and LaMelo Ball joining him.
Boston stays in the contender tier because Jayson Tatum remains one of the league’s most reliable stars.
Right now, the San Antonio Spurs look like the best choice to win the NBA championship. San Antonio finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 62-20 record and the NBA's second-best net rating at +8.3 points per 100 possessions, trailing only Oklahoma City. More importantly, the Spurs ranked fourth in offensive rating (119.6) and third in defensive rating (111.3), demonstrating the balance typically associated with championship contenders. Their 59.5% true shooting percentage, 26.2% offensive rebounding rate, and 55.9% effective field goal percentage make them an offense capable of generating efficient possessions while creating second-chance opportunities. They lost in the Finals last season, but led by double-digits for most of that series.
Victor Wembanyama is the biggest reason San Antonio can finish the job. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game last season, while the Spurs allowed 10.1 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor than off. His combination of rim protection, defensive versatility, and offensive production gives San Antonio a matchup advantage that few opponents can neutralize over a seven-game series. Wemby and company won't let anyone off the hook again and will lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy this time around.
Roster Strength & Star Power
Teams with elite players, balanced scoring, and strong defensive talent have a better chance of competing for a championship.
Health & Availability
Injuries to key players can dramatically change a team's championship outlook, especially during the playoffs.
Depth & Rotation
Teams with reliable bench contributors and versatile lineups are better equipped to handle injuries and demanding playoff series.
Experience & Matchups
Coaching, postseason experience, and the ability to adjust against different opponents can separate legit contenders from the rest.
Market Pricing & Value
Compare each team's implied probabilities with each team's realistic championship chances to identify undervalued contenders.
