Oklahoma City Thunder favored to win NBA title
- The Oklahoma City Thunder have recorded 68 wins this regular season, securing the top seed in the Western Conference.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers also had an outstanding season with 64 wins, putting them at the forefront in the Eastern Conference.
- The NBA playoffs are characterized by intense competition and unpredictability, indicating a potential for surprises among lower-seeded teams.
As of April 19, 2025, the NBA playoffs have kicked off with the Oklahoma City Thunder entering as the top seed in the Western Conference with an impressive record of 68 wins. This season, the Thunder also set a league record, outscoring their opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game. They are among the favorites to win the championship, closely followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top seed in the Eastern Conference who achieved 64 wins, marking the second-best regular season in their franchise history. Competition is fierce in the playoffs, with nine different franchises making at least one finals appearance in the past six seasons, showcasing the league's current parity. Teams such as the Boston Celtics, who are attempting to win back-to-back titles for the first time since Golden State did it in 2017 and 2018, have garnered significant attention. The Celtics are considered a strong contender after their success last season, although they face challenges with their playoff journey. The playoffs feature intriguing matchups, including a rematch between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers in Round 1. The Pacers previously defeated a struggling Bucks team last season, which saw Milwaukee hindered by injuries. This time, the Bucks will be without Damian Lillard for at least the first game, intensifying the rivalry. Other teams to watch include the Golden State Warriors, whose surprising playoff journey as a 7-seed has garnered them a reputation as a dark horse, particularly after their successful play-in game. Betting activity has significantly increased as more than $500 million was wagered in Las Vegas during the first three months of the playoffs, highlighting the financial stakes involved. Emphasis is placed on the unpredictability of the playoffs, where lower-seeded teams, such as the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers last season, have shown they can make deep runs despite their seeding. As the playoffs unfold, the Thunder remain focused on reclaiming their strength as they enter the postseason.