The 2025 NBA Playoffs are well underway. They’ve already delivered thrilling performances, upsets, and breakout stars. However, when it comes to teams, there’s one squad which has clearly risen above the rest: Oklahoma City Thunder.
The youngest squad in the league, the Thunder has surged through the postseason with a combination of confidence and consistency. Explosive offence. Disciplined defence. Depth on the bench. These points underline why they’re the team to beat as the Finals approach.
Led by MVP-level play from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong supporting cast, OKC is on the verge of capping off a remarkable rebuild in the grandest way possible. However, the road to the championship is far from over. Denver and Golden State still have fight, while rising powers such as Minnesota are hungry for glory.
Yes, the Thunder may be favourites on paper. Yes, they’re being backed heavily based on NBA betting odds. The issue for them is the NBA Playoffs rarely follow a script. To get a clearer picture of each team’s chances, this guide uses those betting odds – along with recent form and other data – to see if OKC can be stopped from scooping the title.
Oklahoma City Thunder
As referenced enough times above, Oklahoma City has emerged as the standout favourite for the 2025 title. This isn’t a one-player team, even if Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the charge in some style. There’s a deep, balanced roster around him. Chet Holmgren’s two-way impact and Jalen Williams’s versatility give OKC options on both ends.
That’s why the Thunder appear ready to complete their transformation from rebuilding project to NBA champions. They’ve handled pressure well so far, knocking out experienced teams with poise. If they remain healthy and keep up their momentum, few teams – if any – can match their pace or depth.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Are they the best of the West? Minnesota has grown into a serious playoff force, with Anthony Edwards delivering star performances night after night. Aside from their offensive ability, their defence is elite with players like Rudy Gobert supplying size and stopping ability.
It’s true: questions remain about late-game execution and playoff composure down the stretch. Still, if Edwards keeps rising, the Timberwolves can pull off an upset and go all the way – even against OKC in the Western conference finals.
New York Knicks
The Knicks has a carefully crafted blend of grit, defence, and shot-making – and this could give them a real shot at the Finals. Jalen Brunson has put in stellar performances this postseason, while coach Tom Thibodeau’s intense system continues to frustrate opponents.
What’s against them from winning it all? Well, if they were to reach the finals, they could play favorites OKC – a team that trounced them earlier this season. Still, the Knicks remain one of the most disciplined teams left. Their ability to grind out wins makes them a serious title threat.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers, if nothing else, bring the entertainment for viewers. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrates a fast-paced, high-scoring offence, and this has seen Indiana cause real problems for more favoured sides. In fact, they punched their ticket to the East finals by knocking out number one seed Cleveland Cavaliers with a comprehensive 4–1 series victory.
While their defence can be breached, their scoring ceiling is high enough to trouble anyone. If they build on their victory over the Cavaliers, they could ride the momentum all the way to a shock title victory.
The Rest: Long Shots with Big Dreams
At the time of writing, there are another three teams in the hunt for eternal NBA glory. Those are the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors. While they’re still technically in the hunt, they each face steep odds.
Boston, hit by injuries and inconsistency, no longer appear to be serious contenders. Denver has the pedigree, but a difficult bracket – they’re currently in the playoffs against OKC – and fatigue is catching up. Golden State, meanwhile, is hanging on by a thread, although they do possess playoff experience.
While Oklahoma are still heavy favourites, it would be foolish to write off all the contenders that are still vying for the crown.
