The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder opened as the NBA betting favorite to repeat as champions. At the onset of the season, the Thunder are in championship form with four wins in their first four games. Crucially, Oklahoma City’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, excelled with an impressive average of 35.8 points per game. Chet Holmgren is adding 23.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Despite the early stages, it’s evident that the Thunder are the dominant team in both the Western Conference and the league. Now the question is if Oklahoma City can retain its tremendous value demonstrated last year.
Homestand for Oklahoma City Could Pad Its Lead
At the beginning of the week, the Thunder will host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Next is a home game on Thursday night against the Washington Wizards at 8 p.m. ET. And then on Sunday, the New Orleans Pelicans will come calling for a 3:30 p.m. ET matinee. The Thunder will be strong favorites in all three of those games, making a 7-0 start highly probable.
OA major concern is Oklahoma City’s ability to maintain its online betting value. The Thunder opened the season with a record of 2-2 against the spread, following their status as the most profitable team on the betting board in the 2024-25 season. With their status as defending champions, the Thunder will attract significant casual attention. The Oklahoma City Thunder will therefore have a hard time holding their betting value over the long NBA season.
Cavaliers Win Yet Lose
It was a mixed start for the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. Cleveland won three of its first four games straight up, but covered the NBA betting total just one time. In a similar vein to Oklahoma City, the Cavaliers are known for delivering good wagering value. But with squares being more cognizant of the Cavs’ ability, the difficulty for gamblers acquiring good prices is more pronounced.
On Wednesday night, the Cavaliers will visit the Boston Celtics in an ESPN national telecast at 7 p.m. ET. Next is an October 31, 2025, home game against the Toronto Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET. Two more home games follow for the Cavs. On November 2, 2025, Cleveland hosts the Atlanta Hawks at 6 p.m. ET. And then, on November 5, 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers will visit Cleveland, with tipoff at 7 p.m. ET.
First among Cleveland scorers is Donovan Mitchell with 31.3 points per game. Since his arrival, Mitchell has transformed the Cavaliers. Additional support comes from Evan Mobley, who is averaging 18.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Nuggets of Gold?
Since their 2023 NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets have frustrated fans and gamblers with wild inconsistency and unreliable betting value. However, with the arrival of new head coach David Adelman, there is optimism that Denver can regain its form. Initially, the Nuggets won and covered the first two games for a promising start.
Of course, it helps Denver to have the best player in basketball in the lineup. Nikola Jokic is averaging 20 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray is averaging 30.3 points and 6.0 assists per game. And then Aaron Gordon is delivering 25.3 points per contest.
At the start of the week, Denver will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, with tip-off at 9 p.m. ET. Then comes an October 31, 2025, road game against the Portland Trail Blazers at 10 p.m. ET. Finally, Denver returns home for a November 3, 2025, matchup with the Sacramento Kings at 9 p.m. ET.
Bull Market in Chicago?
One of the early surprises in the NBA is the Chicago Bulls. Specifically, the Bulls won and covered the spread in their first three games. Chicago remains a future market long shot, but the promising start has some gamblers glancing their way.
Namely, Nikola Vucevic is leading the Chicago resurgence with 20.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per contest. Josh Giddey adds 19.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest. Additionally, Ayo Dosunmu delivers 16.7 points per game.
On Wednesday night, the Bulls host the Sacramento Kings at 8 p.m. ET. Next is an October 31, 2025, home game with the New York Knicks at 8 p.m. ET. Chicago will then visit the Knicks in a rematch on November 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.