NBA Championship Futures: Best Value Bets for the 2026-27 Season

The NBA tips off Tuesday, October 20, and the futures board is fascinating: co-favorites at the top, a defending champion being disrespected, and LeBron James in a new uniform. Here’s where the value is before the season starts. Check live futures at our certified sportsbooks.

The Favorites

Spurs and Thunder (co-favorites, ~+270). Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs lost last year’s Finals in five games and are back hungrier. The Thunder are the West’s other superpower. Both are deserving favorites, but there’s no value at +270, you’re paying full retail.

The Value Plays

Knicks (+900). The defending champions, at 9-to-1? New York just won the title, and the market is treating them like a fluke. Championship DNA plus a banner-raising home opener is a dangerous combination to bet against. This is the best value on the board.

76ers (+900). LeBron James and Jaylen Brown debuting together on opening night against the Knicks. If the fit clicks, +900 will look silly by December. High variance, high upside, that’s what futures are for.

Celtics (+1300). Perennial contenders at 13-to-1. Boston’s core has been here before, and the East runs through them until proven otherwise.

The Long Shots Worth a Dart

Cavaliers (+2200). A real team at a real price. If the East’s top tier stumbles, Cleveland is the kind of roster that can steal a conference.

How to Bet NBA Futures

Split your stake: half on the most likely winner at a fair price (Knicks), half on the highest-upside long shot (76ers). Never put your whole futures budget on the favorite, the payout doesn’t justify the risk over an 82-game season. And remember: futures tie up your money for eight months. Size accordingly.

Opening Night Watch

Tuesday’s tripleheader is appointment viewing: Celtics at Pistons, then 76ers at Knicks with the banner raising and LeBron’s Philly debut, then Thunder at Spurs in a Finals rematch. The results won’t decide the title, but they’ll move the futures board. Bet before tip-off, not after.

Our Take

Knicks +900 is the value play of the young season. The defending champs don’t repeat often, but at 9-to-1 you’re being paid like they have no chance, and that’s just wrong. Pair it with a smaller 76ers ticket for the upside, and enjoy the season.

Bet responsibly. 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.