Even with most of the NBA season left to play, it’s still not too soon to start thinking about potential matchups for the 2025 NBA Finals. After all, the early part of the season has made it clear who the favorites are in each conference. Based on what teams have the best odds of winning the 2025 title, it’s easy to look ahead at what matchups we are likely to get in the finals.
Of course, betting on the 2025 NBA champion is among the many wagers possible with online sportsbooks. It’s also easy to bet on the outcome of individual games during the regular season. The key is to find betting sites with free bets for new users to help them get started the right way. For now, let’s look ahead at some of the heavyweight matchups fans and bettors might be able to enjoy during the 2025 NBA Finals.
Celtics vs Thunder
Based on the current odds, this is the most likely NBA Finals matchup in 2025. Even if the Celtics don’t have the best record in the Eastern Conference right now, they are still the favorites to come out of the East and defend their title. Meanwhile, the Thunder has proven to be the class of the Western Conference thus far. Oklahoma City has some injuries right now, but if the Thunder can get healthy for the playoffs, they could be on a collision course with the Celtics.
Knicks vs Thunder
If it’s not Boston, the Knicks are widely regarded as the most talented team in the Eastern Conference. They could potentially face the Thunder in a heavyweight matchup in the NBA Finals. New York hasn’t been in the NBA Finals since 1999, so getting there would be a big deal no matter the opponent.
Celtics vs Nuggets
Other than a Celtics-Thunder final, the Celtics battling the Nuggets might be the most compelling matchup. It’s been a rough start to the season for Denver amidst injuries. But the Nuggets have reigned MVP Nikola Jokic and are just two years removed from an NBA title. Between the star power on the floor and these two being the last two champs, this would be an epic matchup.
Cavaliers vs Thunder
Amidst a great start to the season, the Cavaliers have to be taken seriously as a contender in the Eastern Conference. They have great guard play and plenty of size inside. While the odds aren’t in Cleveland’s favor right now, the Cavs have the pieces to reach the NBA Finals, where they could be challenged by Oklahoma City.
Knicks vs Mavericks
This is not the most obvious matchup, but it’s certainly on the table. The Mavericks made a run to the NBA Finals last season and brought back all their key pieces. A matchup between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving against Jalen Brunson on the Knicks would make for a compelling series.
Celtics vs Warriors
While unlikely, Steph Curry and the Warriors may have one more championship run left in them. Golden State’s last title came in 2022 when the Warriors beat the Celtics 4-2 in the finals. If Curry has enough left in the tank to carry Golden State back to the finals, it would only be fitting to see the Celtics waiting for them for a rematch.
Knicks vs Warriors
Other than the Celtics, the Knicks would also be a great opponent for Curry and the Warriors in the NBA Finals. Curry squaring off against Brunson for seven games would be an incredible game within the game for fans. Plus, the narrative of these two franchises meeting in the finals would make the series something special.
Bucks vs Thunder
Talent-wise, the Bucks have enough to make the NBA Finals with Giannis and Damian Lillard leading the way. However, Milwaukee has underperformed ever since the team acquired Lillard. Nevertheless, if Doc Rivers can get the best out of the Bucks, they could find themselves back in the NBA Finals and match up against a team like the Thunder.
Cavaliers vs Nuggets
Neither of these teams is the leading favorite in their respective conferences right now. But a Cavaliers-Nuggets matchup in the NBA Finals isn’t that far-fetched. Cleveland’s early success this season shouldn’t be overlooked. The same can be said for Denver’s playoff experience if the Nuggets can get healthy for the postseason.
Celtics vs Timberwolves
Could this be the year the Timberwolves finally get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals for the first time? Minnesota’s start to the season hasn’t been particularly promising, although the T’Wolves did get to the Western Conference Finals last season. But they’ve started to heat up recently and might need time to get with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo joining Anthony Edwards and company. Of course, if that happens, the Celtics are the most likely team to be waiting for them in the NBA Finals debut.
