The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs open the 2026-27 NBA season as co-favorites to win the title, each at +270 at DraftKings, and Victor Wembanyama is the MVP favorite at +205. ESPN's 15-person expert panel leans toward Oklahoma City, picking the Thunder over the Spurs 10-5 in the West. Bettors, meanwhile, have put more money on the rebuilt Philadelphia 76ers than on almost anyone else.
What are the NBA championship odds for 2026-27?
From DraftKings, as reported by ESPN:
| Team | Title odds |
|---|---|
| San Antonio Spurs | +270 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +270 |
| New York Knicks (defending champions) | +900 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +900 |
| Miami Heat | about 30-1 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 1,000-1 |
| Sacramento Kings | 1,000-1 |
Odds change frequently. These were the numbers entering opening week.
Who will win NBA MVP?
| Player | Odds (DraftKings) | ESPN expert votes |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama, Spurs | +205 | 9 |
| Luka Doncic, Lakers | +475 | 3 |
| Nikola Jokic, Nuggets | +650 | — |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo, Heat | — | 1 |
| Jalen Brunson, Knicks | — | 1 |
| Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves | — | 1 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the last two MVP awards and is chasing a third straight. ESPN's panel gave him no first-place votes.
Who do ESPN's experts pick to win each conference?
West: Thunder 10, Spurs 5. No other team got a vote.
East: Knicks 5, 76ers 5, Celtics 3, Pacers 1, Raptors 1.
The West looks like a two-team race. Last season, San Antonio knocked Oklahoma City out in Game 7 of the conference finals on the Thunder's home floor. The two teams meet again on opening night.
The East is wide open. New York kept its whole starting lineup, and Philadelphia added two stars.
Why are bettors backing Philadelphia?
BetMGM oddsmaker Christian Cipollini told ESPN that after LeBron James chose Philadelphia in late July, "every single one" of the bets on his ticker was on the 76ers. The 76ers now account for 37.6% of the money on BetMGM's title market, more than the Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Lakers combined.
At Hard Rock Bet, the only licensed sportsbook in Florida, Philadelphia and Miami take $7 of every $10 bet on the title, a spokesperson told ESPN. Much of that is Florida money following Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat.
Oddsmakers are more cautious. ESPN points out that the 2010 Heat and 2020-21 Nets superteams each started 12-8. Circa's Jeff Sherman said the opening-night line, which has Philadelphia as a 5.5-point underdog at New York, reflects that adjustment period.
Background: LeBron James signs with the 76ers.
Which teams could surprise?
Bettors have pushed Utah's win total from about 34.5 to 36.5 at DraftKings. At BetMGM, 99% of the money on the Jazz total has been on the over. Caesars reports similar one-way action on the Lakers and Bucks overs, and the Hawks total has climbed from 42.5 to 43.5.
Which injuries change the picture?
- Ben Simmons (Kings): torn Achilles tendon in practice Sunday, likely ending his comeback season. Full story.
- AJ Dybantsa (Wizards): the No. 1 pick sprained his ankle in the preseason finale. His coach called it mild.
- Stephen Curry (Warriors): ESPN reports he is "fine" after tweaking his right ankle in practice.
