The basketball world was left stunned on Monday when the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery despite having just a 1.8% chance of securing the top selection.
After months of backlash for trading superstar point guard Luka Doncic, the Mavs suddenly have new life, and a potential 'Big Three' featuring Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Cooper Flagg has Dallas poised as a legitimate title threat.
While the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics remain at the top of the futures board for next season, the Mavericks have emerged as a serious contender.
Let’s dive into the latest NBA odds for next season, with the Mavs listed at +2500 following Monday’s incredible Draft Lottery win.
2025-26 NBA Championship odds
| Team |  |
|---|---|
 Oklahoma City Thunder |
+200 |
 Boston Celtics |
+370 |
 Cleveland Cavaliers |
+1100 |
 Minnesota Timberwolves |
+1200 |
 New York Knicks |
+1400 |
 Denver Nuggets |
+1400 |
 Houston Rockets |
+1600 |
 Los Angeles Lakers |
+2000 |
 Dallas Mavericks |
+2500 |
 Golden State Warriors |
+2500 |
Odds as of 5-13.
Thunder and Celtics are on top, but Tatum's injury looms large
Unsurprisingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder (+200) and Boston Celtics (+370) top their respective conferences, while several current playoff threats like the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks boast odds of 14/1 or shorter for next season's NBA Championship odds.
The big question for the Celtics is the availability of Jayson Tatum, who exited last evening's Game 4 loss to the Knicks with a non-contact lower-leg injury. Results of his MRI are not yet known, but he could miss an extended period of time if he tore his Achilles tendon, as many suspect.
Flagg puts Dallas in the championship conversation
While many Boston fans may soon be in mourning, fans of the Dallas Mavericks have plenty to rejoice about. New life has been injected into Big D just months after the Luka Doncic trade and a quick exit from the play-in round at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Now the Mavs are back in the spotlight with the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to land Duke phenom Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old was a first-team All-American and the consensus Player of the Year during his first — and only — season in Durham. His endless motor and exceptional defensive chops should allow him to make a seamless transition into the NBA, even on a team with championship aspirations.
And while Flagg will be a welcome addition, Dallas still has some concerns. Stop us if you've heard this before, but much hinges on the health of both Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Irving tore his ACL back in March and has suited up in 50+ games just three times over his last seven seasons. Davis, meanwhile, remains a regular "questionable" fixture on injury reports. The superstar forward suited up for just nine regular-season games with the Mavs after getting injured in his Dallas debut. His ability to stay on the floor will determine just how far the Mavs can go in the postseason.
Would Harrison dare flip the top pick?
Let’s also not forget that Nico Harrison is still calling the shots. We can't put it past the much-maligned general manager to flip the No. 1 pick for a blockbuster package, especially with the uncertain futures of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant still looming large.
Stay tuned for free agency, as the 2025-26 NBA Championship odds are certain to undergo seismic changes with teams like the Mavs and others jockeying for first place.
