The 2025 NBA championship race is heating up, and AI projections favor two teams: Boston and Oklahoma City. Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are leading their squads with MVP-caliber performances. But other contenders, from Cleveland to Denver, are still in the mix.   Here’s a breakdown of the top teams and their championship odds.

AI Predicts The NBA Champion in 2025: Celtics and OKC Lead with Best Odds

The Celtics are right where everyone expected—at the top of the title race. Jayson Tatum is leading the charge with 27.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 5.8 APG, proving why Boston is a serious contender. Jaylen Brown has been locking down defensively with while Derrick White continues to provide much-needed rim protection.  Boston’s depth and consistency keep them a step ahead, but can they hold on until June?

5. Jayson Tatum (BOS) – 1.0% MVP Probability

1. Boston Celtics (+225)

OKC’s young core has skyrocketed into championship contention, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander torching defenses at 32.8 PPG and making a strong MVP case. Isaiah Hartenstein has solidified their paint presence, averaging 11.3 RPG. With elite scoring and a defensive identity, the Thunder are no longer just a fun young team—they’re legitimate threats to go all the way.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (+225)

The Cavs have quietly built a title-worthy squad, with Donovan Mitchell averaging 24.4 PPG and Jarrett Allen owning the glass with 10.3 RPG. Darius Garland’s 6.7 APG keeps the offense humming, while Evan Mobley’s shot-blocking makes Cleveland a defensive nightmare. If they stay healthy, don’t sleep on this squad making a deep playoff run.

Donovan Mitchell

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (+600)

The Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, and the duo of AD (25.7 PPG, 11.9 RPG) and LeBron (8.5 APG) still commands respect. But injuries, including LeBron’s recent groin strain, have raised concerns. Can this star-studded lineup stay on the court long enough to make another title push?

4. Los Angeles Lakers

4. Los Angeles Lakers (+1000)

Nikola Jokić remains the ultimate triple-double machine, averaging 28.9 PPG, 12.9 RPG, and 10.6 APG—a stat line that would make any coach jealous. The defending champs are battle-tested, but with teams gunning for them, repeating won’t be easy. Peyton Watson’s emergence as a rim protector could be crucial in a deep playoff run.

1. Nikola Jokić (DEN) – 72.8% MVP Probability

5. Denver Nuggets (+1200)

Stephen Curry (24.5 PPG, 6.2 APG) is still doing Steph things, but the biggest storyline is Jimmy Butler’s arrival, adding another layer of toughness and defensive grit. Draymond Green is still the defensive anchor, while Kevon Looney continues his work on the boards. If this veteran squad finds its rhythm, a return to glory isn’t out of reach.

6. Golden State Warriors (+1400)

Jalen Brunson is proving he’s the real deal, leading the Knicks with 26.3 PPG and 7.4 APG. Karl-Anthony Towns’ rebounding dominance (13.3 RPG) gives New York a solid inside-out attack. Josh Hart’s hustle and OG Anunoby’s defense make this team scrappy, but can they hang with the elite squads in a deep playoff run?

7. New York Knicks (+1800)

Ja Morant is back, running the show with 7.4 APG, but it’s Jaren Jackson Jr. keeping them afloat with 22.7 PPG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.6 BPG. Rookie big man Zach Edey is finding his footing (7.8 RPG), adding size in the paint. At +4000 odds, Memphis isn’t the safest bet, but with Ja healthy, anything is possible.

Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)

8. Memphis Grizzlies (+4000)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a beast, averaging 30.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, and keeping Milwaukee in the conversation. Damian Lillard (7.1 APG, 1.2 SPG) adds another level of playmaking, while Brook Lopez continues to swat shots (2.0 BPG). The Bucks have the talent, but their inconsistency has hurt them this season.

9. Milwaukee Bucks (+5000)

The Clippers' title window is hanging by a thread, but Norman Powell (23.8 PPG) has surprisingly led the scoring charge. James Harden is still dishing out assists (8.5 APG), while Ivica Zubac is a force on the boards (12.5 RPG, 1.1 BPG). At +8500 odds, they’re a long shot, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.