Basketball fans, it’s time, the NBA season 2025/26 has arrived and excitement is already building across the league. After Oklahoma City’s championship run last year, all eyes are on whether the Thunder can defend their crown or if new contenders will emerge. With fresh draft talent, injured superstars, and unpredictable storylines waiting to unfold, this season promises drama, intensity, and moments that could redefine the league.

Last Season’s Highs and Lows

The 2024/25 NBA season concluded with the Oklahoma City Thunder crowned as champions, capping a remarkable campaign. OKC finished first overall in the regular season, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring and leadership were pivotal in tight playoff games. In the postseason, the Thunder swept Memphis 4-0, narrowly defeated Denver 4-3, and beat Minnesota 4-1 to reach the Finals.

The Indiana Pacers made a surprising Eastern Conference run, sweeping Milwaukee 4-1, upsetting Cleveland 4-1, and defeating the New York Knicks 4-2 in the conference finals. However, their star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a severe injury in Game 7 of the Finals, ultimately contributing to Oklahoma City’s championship victory.

As we look to the NBA season 2025/26, there are plenty of questions about whether the Thunder can defend their title, how Denver’s Nikola Jokić will shape the Nuggets’ playoff run, and which teams are ready to challenge for the crown.

Main Title Contenders for 2025/26

As the new season unfolds, a handful of teams stand out as main title contenders. 

• The Oklahoma City Thunder, defending champions, are led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring, playmaking, and leadership will be crucial if OKC hopes to defend their crown. 
• The Denver Nuggets, powered by Nikola Jokić, remain a dominant force in the West, capable of eliminating teams deep into the playoffs with his all-around game.
• In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers aim to bounce back after a dominant regular season followed by a short playoff run, seeking to prove they can contend with the league’s elite.
• The New York Knicks, guided by Jalen Brunson, have the talent and cohesion to challenge for a conference title, though questions remain about their ability to reach the Finals. 
• The LA Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, pushed hard after Luka’s transfer, finishing third in the Western Conference. However, their playoff run ended quickly last year, leaving questions about whether the duo has what it takes to compete for the title.

Other Important Teams

Several other teams are expected to play significant roles in the title chase. The Houston Rockets made headlines by signing Kevin Durant, one of the biggest moves of the offseason, and are now considered strong contenders capable of challenging the league’s top teams. The Minnesota Timberwolves, anchored by Anthony Edwards, remain a stable and competitive force.

The Indiana Pacers, missing Tyrese Haliburton, and the Boston Celtics, managing Jason Tatum’s recovery, both face questions about how far they can go this season with key players sidelined. But these two teams should never be underestimated.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers return at full strength with Joel Embiid back from a long injury layoff, making them a dangerous dark horse capable of shaking up the Eastern Conference.

With so many top teams and star players shaping the league, fans should also watch the newcomers who could shake up rosters, influence playoff races, and inject fresh energy into the NBA season 2025/26.

NBA 2025/26 Draft Picks and Rising Stars

The NBA season 2025/26 brings a fresh crop of rookies, and their impact can vary widely. Some newcomers struggle to adjust and make little difference, while others, especially those joining teams in need of a spark, can shake up the league immediately. This season, several promising draft picks have the talent and opportunity to make a significant mark right away. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable selections:

Cooper Flagg – Mavericks (Duke), Pick No. 1

Cooper Flagg enjoyed a storied journey to the NBA, starting with his standout high school career at Nokomis Regional, where he became the first freshman named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year after winning a state title. After transferring to Montverde Academy, he continued to dominate, earning multiple national awards. His lone season at Duke was equally impressive, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance. Known for his versatility, defensive instincts, and efficiency, Flagg is expected to contribute immediately on both ends of the court.

Dylan Harper – Spurs (Rutgers), Pick No. 2

Harper comes from a basketball family. His father Ron won five NBA championships, and his brother currently plays for the Pistons. A consensus five-star recruit, Harper became Rutgers’ highest-rated recruit ever. Despite a freshman season disrupted by illness, he averaged over 21 points, along with solid rebounds and assists in his final games. Harper brings scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership to the Spurs’ backcourt.

VJ Edgecombe – 76ers (Baylor), Pick No. 3

Born in the Bahamas, Edgecombe moved to the U.S. for high school, earning McDonald’s All-American honors. At Baylor, he averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Known for his shooting, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ, Edgecombe is a promising addition to Philadelphia’s roster.

Kon Knueppel – Hornets (Duke), Pick No. 4

Knueppel comes from a basketball family and averaged 14 points per game at Duke, showing strong shooting efficiency from distance and the free-throw line. His scoring versatility and defensive potential give Charlotte a dynamic young option on the wing.

Ace Bailey – Jazz (Rutgers), Pick No. 5

Bailey earned high school and collegiate honors as one of Georgia’s top prospects. In his lone season at Rutgers, he averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his inside/outside scoring ability and athleticism. Bailey’s versatility and experience playing alongside Dylan Harper should help him transition smoothly to Utah’s system.

Egor Demin – Nets (BYU), Pick No. 8

Originally from Moscow, Demin developed in Real Madrid’s academy before a successful season at BYU, averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. He is known for his perimeter shooting and floor vision.

Noa Essengue – Bulls (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany), Pick No. 12

Noa Essengue began his professional basketball career in France in 2021. After two years of development, he signed with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Bundesliga. During the 2024-25 season, Essengue became a regular contributor for Ratiopharm Ulm in the Bundesliga’s top division, averaging 9.7 points and 4.5 rebounds across 30 games. His combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts makes him a valuable asset in the frontcourt, providing rebounding, rim protection, and scoring versatility.

Yang Hansen – Grizzlies (Qingdao, traded to Trail Blazers), Pick No. 16

A 19-year-old center from China, Hansen has already played two professional seasons in the CBA, showing scoring efficiency, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills. He brings experience and a physical inside presence. Could this be the next Yao Ming in the NBA?

Joan Beringer – Timberwolves (Cedevita Olimpija), Pick No. 17

Beringer, a French guard, transitioned from soccer to basketball only a few years ago but quickly rose through France’s youth leagues. Known for his defensive instincts and team-oriented play, he impressed coaches in Slovenia before being drafted by Minnesota.

Hugo González – Celtics (Real Madrid), Pick No. 28

González has experience in Real Madrid’s senior and junior teams and in international competitions, earning silver medals in FIBA U17 and U18 tournaments. A young sharpshooter and versatile guard, he has long-term potential for Boston.

NBA 2025/26 Title Odds

Wondering who sportsbooks see as the favorites for the NBA title this season? Here are the odds for the 2025/26 title according to DraftKings:

And if you have no idea what these betting odds mean, here’s a simple explanation: the larger the number, the more money the sportsbook will pay you if you bet on that team to become the champion.

In other words, the heavy favorites this year are the Oklahoma City Thunder (+240), followed by the Denver Nuggets (+600), Cleveland Cavaliers (+850), and New York Knicks (+900). Other strong contenders include the LA Lakers (+1700) and Houston Rockets (+1100). The odds for teams like the Indiana Pacers (+15000) and Boston Celtics (+5000) are higher, reflecting the impact of key injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jason Tatum, which sportsbooks have factored into their calculations.

How to Turn Odds into Opportunity

For fans who are curious, there’s a little-known way to interact with sportsbook odds that doesn’t rely on luck, guesswork, or who has a good night on the court. With matched betting you can leverage odds and bonuses in your favor, without relying on chance. The truth is, sportsbooks would prefer that most people never discover this strategy. When you earn money from their promotions in a smart, structured way, it’s not the house that benefits. Let’s see what matched betting is all about.

Matched Betting: How It Works

In theory, matched betting is simple: you place opposing bets across different sportsbooks in a way that guarantees a profit, regardless of the outcome of a game. The profit comes from the free bets, refund deals or other types of promo that the sportsbook offers. Think of it like credit card cashback. Banks offer a card with a cashback incentive, hoping you’ll spend more than you normally would and pay interest, which is profit for them. But if you’re smart, you can simply use the cashback without overspending and extract value on your terms.

Matched betting works in a similar fashion. Sportsbooks give you bonuses and free bets to get you to play. You can choose to be smart, using these bonuses to lock in real value without relying on luck, or you can ignore the method and risk developing bad habits. The choice is yours, but for those who take the calculated route, it’s a safe and strategic way to engage with the games you already love.

Locking in Profit: A Real-Life Bet365 Example

For example, imagine Bet365 offers a $500 refund if your first bet loses. Using our tools, you can turn this promotion into a structured opportunity with just a few steps:

1. Find the most suitable qualifying bet: First, you use the Dutcher to find the best game and optimal stake for the qualifying bet. Let’s say that’s the game LA Lakers vs. MIN Timberwolves from the NBA season 2025/26. You insert the necessary amounts and place both bets: for instance, betting on the Lakers with Bet365 and on the Timberwolves with FanDuel. The amounts are calculated in a way that you end up with the same profit no matter if Ant-Man has a good day or not.

2. After the game:

1. • If the Lakers win, you’re done and have successfully completed the offer.
   • If the Timberwolves win, Bet365 refunds your stake up to $500. Using the Dutcher again, you find the best game to place this free bet, insert the amounts, and place your bets following the same logic. A bet on Team A to win using your free bet and a bet on Team B to win using your own money. This allows you to lock in a profit regardless of the outcome.

By using our tools to calculate stakes and find optimal games, you can take the guesswork out of the process and turn sportsbook promotions into a structured approach to engage with basketball betting opportunities.

NBA Season 2025/26 FAQ

When does the NBA 2025/26 season start?

The NBA 2025/26 regular season tips off on October 21, 2025, bringing back months of basketball excitement.

What is the NBA 2025/26 schedule?

The regular season runs from October 21, 2025, to April 12, 2026. The teams play a total of 82 games in this period. The Play-In Tournament takes place April 14–17, followed by the NBA Playoffs starting April 18, 2026.

Who are the favorites to win the Western Conference?

According to the latest sportsbook odds, the Oklahoma City Thunder (+240) lead the pack after their championship run. The Denver Nuggets (+600) and Minnesota Timberwolves (+1500) also remain top contenders, while the LA Lakers (+1700) could rise if LeBron James and Luka Dončić click together.

Who are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference?

The Cleveland Cavaliers (+850) and New York Knicks (+900) are considered frontrunners, followed by the Houston Rockets (+1100), who have added Kevin Durant, and the Philadelphia 76ers (+2800), now boosted by Joel Embiid’s return.

Will Tyrese Haliburton play in the NBA season 2025/26?

Unfortunately, Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire NBA season 2025/26 after suffering a major Achilles injury during last year’s Finals.

Will Jayson Tatum play in the NBA season 2025/26?

Reports remain uncertain. While early estimates suggested Tatum could miss the full year with his Achilles injury, recent updates hint he might return in the second half or even make a playoff comeback.

Who was the MVP of the 2024/25 season?

The NBA MVP was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading his team to a championship and cementing his place among the league’s elite.

What’s the newest NBA team?

As of the 2025/26 season, there are no new franchises. Expansion discussions continue, with Seattle and Las Vegas often mentioned as potential future markets.

Who was the No. 1 draft pick this year?

The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg (Duke), one of the most exciting young prospects in recent memory.

Can I do matched betting with NBA games?

Yes! Matched betting can work with NBA games, but not every promotion is profitable. By placing opposing bets and using bonuses strategically, you can lock in a potential return without relying on who wins the game. That’s why for our Premium members we maintain a list of recurring offers. Only the promotions you can actually use to make money are included, so you know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Ready to give it a try during this NBA Season?

ℹ️ Matched betting is not gambling, but it still requires careful execution. Always read the terms of each promotion.