The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with defending champions OKC installed as $3.60 favourites to go back-to-back, but history says it\u2019s no easy task. No team has repeated since the Warriors dynasty, and with several contenders retooling their rosters, there\u2019s plenty of value across the outright markets.<\/p>\n
Our NBA previews and outright betting tips highlight the teams best placed to challenge the Thunder, including one ready to take the next step and another flying under the radar in the East.<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets @ $9<\/b><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n OKC rightly sit as short-priced favourites after claiming the 2024-25 title, but $3.50 is short considering we haven\u2019t seen a team go back-to-back since the Golden State dynasty of Steph, KD, Draymond and Klay.<\/p>\n Several contenders have upgraded over the off-season, while the Thunder are essentially running it back with the same group.<\/p>\n One team that has added serious punch is Denver, who pushed OKC to seven games in the Western Conference Semi Finals. Flipping Michael Porter Jr for Cam Johnson is a clear defensive upgrade and arguably an offensive one too, with Johnson a much better system fit. Remember, MPJ averaged just 7.4 points per game in that OKC series.<\/p>\n The Nuggets have also added much-needed depth. Bruce Brown returns after proving invaluable during their championship run, Tim Hardaway Jr provides reliable shooting off the bench, and Jonas Valanciunas gives Jokic genuine frontcourt support which should help preserve the Serbian\u2019s legs through the regular season.<\/p>\nNext Best<\/b><\/h2>\n