Now that NBA betting regular season action resumes and the 2026 NBA Playoff push begins, the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder remains the team to beat. The Thunder remain the class of the NBA as defending champions and Western Conference leaders. They boast the league’s best net differential (+11.8), elite defense (No. 1 in points allowed), and a versatile, deep roster built for sustained success. However, a wave of injuries has created short-term turbulence as they enter the final stretch. That is testing their depth and potentially impacting their grip on the No. 1 seed and repeat prospects.
Unmatched continuity from last year’s title run (returning 99% of playoff minutes), elite two-way play, depth (even short-handed), and youth with experience. Its system thrives on creating advantages and transitions. The West path remains tough but favorable with top seeding. Specifically, the injury bug has cooled their dominance (18-13 since their early hot start in some stretches). Repeats are rare, and missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for an extended time risks momentum loss or seeding slip. Additionally, there is a tough upcoming slate (10 of 12 vs. top-8 conference teams).
OKC has a high ceiling for repeat if stars return healthy by March—depth has proven capable of weathering storms. The West remains top-heavy, but OKC’s structure positions them best for a deep playoff run. However, if injuries linger into the playoffs, the ceiling drops; otherwise, they’re the team to beat. Long-term, the Thunder is asset-rich (future picks via trades) for sustained contention.
Gamblers Hear Oklahoma City Thunder
The repeat case is strong for OKC: They boast the league’s best record, deepest rotation, and fewest exploitable weaknesses. Their net rating crushes the competition, and they’ve handled top opponents well. However, repeat championships are a difficult climb (the last repeat champion was the Warriors in 2017-18). But OKC’s youth, continuity, and minor deadline upgrades position them perfectly. The injury to SGA would be the main threat. Otherwise, they’re the team to beat. West dominance looks locked.
Nuggets of Gold
Denver is the most realistic sports betting challenger to OKC. Still, Nikola Jokić is the best player alive when healthy, and their supporting cast has gelled deeper this year. The preseason popularity as a title pick holds up. Consider that they’ve been consistent against elite teams. If they avoid injuries and get a favorable West seeding, a rematch with OKC in the conference finals is very plausible. To conclude, Denver has a slight edge over others due to its proven playoff pedigree.
San Antonio Spurs
The breakout story is that Victor Wembanyama has evolved into a true two-way NBA betting monster. Additionally, the young core (with vets) has them close behind OKC in the West standings. Hot streaks and massive odds improvement make them high-value. The ceiling is championship-level if Wemby stays dominant. But experience in deep playoff runs remains a question.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Harden Delivers
The East’s biggest riser after acquiring James Harden. Pairing him with their core creates matchup nightmares and more offensive firepower. Hence, if they gel post-deadline, the East looks wide open. There is no dominant force like OKC in the West. Health and chemistry will determine whether they leap to true Finals threat status.
Detroit Pistons are Firing
Detroit is the East surprise, emerging as a top-seed contender, with Cade Cunningham thriving. Young, hungry, and improved defensively. Detroit could make noise if they secure a high seeding. However, limited playoff experience caps its ceiling compared to the West elites.