NBA Title Odds Shift Dramatically After Conference Semifinals
Five teams are left in the NBA playoffs, and by the end of the weekend, we will be down to the final four.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are still in the mix, as the defending champions have yet to drop a game in the postseason.
But while they remain as the favorites, per Kalshi, the prediction website, a new team has skyrocketed up the odds charts to challenge the Thunder as the favorite.
As we head into the conference finals next week, here are how fans see the chances for each team left standing to win it all.
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Oklahoma City Thunder: 57%
No real reason or description needed. Best team in basketball. One of the best defensive teams of all time. They have the MVP who is about to win his second in a row. A strong home court advantage. If someone is going to knock off the reigning champs, they’re gonna have to earn it.
San Antonio Spurs: 23%
Welcome the Spurs to the party. Although there was some worry that they might be getting thrown into the lion’s den too soon as a young team, their trio of postseason rookies, Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, has only raised their games since the stakes have tripled.
While the East has strong teams as well, many fans are looking at the West final as a possible early NBA Finals.
New York Knicks: 14%
The Knicks want their respect. They blew out the Atlanta Hawks by 50 when eliminating them in the first round, and then did almost the same thing in Game 4 against the Philadelphia Sixers in a sweep. The Thunder and Spurs might have otherworldly defenses, but right now, the Knicks might be hot enough offensively to give them trouble.
Detroit Pistons: 4%
The Pistons have been counted out every step of the way this season, and it’s the same with their title odds. They will rise at least a little if they can knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7.
Cleveland Cavaliers: 2%
Can LeBron James check in for the Cavs in Game 7?
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 6:34 PM.