The 81st season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) tips off on Oct. 20, delivering more surprises as teams lock horns for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But can the Spurs’ young core turn last season’s Finals heartbreak into a title run, or will the Knicks defend their crown against a stronger East?
Here are our NBA 2026–27 betting predictions ahead of the Regular Season, including our Eastern and Western Conference picks, championship odds, and teams who may just make a deep run.
Note: All odds and statistics are accurate as of Oct. 18, 2026, and are subject to change.
NBA 2026–27 Regular Season Schedule & Format
The 2026–27 NBA Regular Season runs from Oct. 20, 2026 through April 11, 2027. Each of the league’s 30 teams will play 82 games, competing for Playoff qualification and a higher postseason seed.
The top six teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences will qualify directly for the Playoffs (starting April 17), while those finishing 7th–10th compete in the Play-Ins (April 13–16) for the remaining spots. In the end, only two teams will reach the NBA Finals in June, where they’ll face off for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
NBA 2026–27 Opening Games & Betting Odds
Here are the opening NBA 2026–27 matchups and their respective moneyline odds, including overtime:
| Date | Time (EDT) | Time (PDT) | Matchup | Odds | Implied probability |
| Oct. 20 | 15:00 | 12:00 | DET vs. BOS | -112 / -112 | 52.83% / 52.83% |
| Oct. 20 | 19:00 | 16:00 | NYK vs. PHI | -192 / +148 | 65.75% / 40.32% |
| Oct. 20 | 21:30 | 18:30 | SAS vs. OKC | -141 / +111 | 58.48% / 47.39% |
| Oct. 21 | 19:00 | 16:00 | ORL vs. ATL | -141 / +111 | 58.51% / 47.39% |
| Oct. 21 | 19:00 | 16:00 | WAS vs. MIL | -213 / +163 | 68.05% / 38.02% |
| Oct. 21 | 19:30 | 16:30 | BKN vs. CHA | -106 / -119 | 51.46% / 54.34% |
| Oct. 21 | 19:30 | 16:30 | MIA vs. MIN | -119 / -106 | 54.34% / 51.46% |
| Oct. 21 | 19:30 | 16:30 | TOR vs. CHI | -435 / +331 | 81.31% / 23.20% |
| Oct. 21 | 20:00 | 17:00 | MEM vs. UTA | -119 / -106 | 54.34% / 51.46% |
| Oct. 21 | 20:00 | 17:00 | NOP vs. IND | +133 / -169 | 42.92% / 62.89% |
| Oct. 21 | 20:30 | 17:30 | HOU vs. DAL | -370 / +272 | 78.74% / 26.88% |
NBA 2026–27 Regular Season Teams & Outright Odds
The NBA’s 30 teams are split evenly between the Eastern and Western conferences, but offseason moves have drastically shaken up both Playoff races.
Most notably, the Eastern Conference is looking a bit more stacked. Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto, and both LeBron James and Jaylen Brown have joined the 76ers. In the West, San Antonio and Oklahoma City lead the title odds, but an improved Utah roster could push its way into the Playoff picture.
Here are all the teams competing in the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season, along with their outright odds to win the NBA Championship:
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
| New York Knicks (+850) | San Antonio Spurs (+250) |
| Philadelphia 76ers (+900) | Oklahoma City Thunder (+260) |
| Boston Celtics (+1200) | Denver Nuggets (+2200) |
| Cleveland Cavaliers (+2000) | Minnesota Timberwolves (+2200) |
| Miami Heat (+2000) | Los Angeles Lakers (+2500) |
| Detroit Pistons (+2500) | Golden State Warriors (+3000) |
| Toronto Raptors (+2500) | Houston Rockets (+4500) |
| Indiana Pacers (+4000) | Portland Trail Blazers (+7500) |
| Atlanta Hawks (+7000) | Phoenix Suns (+10000) |
| Orlando Magic (+7500) | Dallas Mavericks (+18000) |
| Charlotte Hornets (+10000) | Los Angeles Clippers (+20000) |
| Washington Wizards (+15000) | Utah Jazz (+20000) |
| Chicago Bulls (+50000) | New Orleans Pelicans (+35000) |
| Milwaukee Bucks (+50000) | Memphis Grizzlies (+75000) |
| Brooklyn Nets (+75000) | Sacramento Kings (+99800) |
Important: These predictions reflect the perceived strength of teams based on historical trends and the latest available odds. This analysis should not be interpreted as betting advice. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Always gamble responsibly.
NBA 2026–27 Western Conference Winner Prediction
The San Antonio Spurs are our pick to win the NBA 2026–27 Western Conference (+145) and NBA Championship outright (+250), building on an incredible 62–20 record after ranking 3rd in both offensive and defensive efficiency in the previous season.
The roster returns almost entirely unchanged from the Finals, retaining 98% of postseason minutes, along with massive upside from their young core. In particular, Victor Wembanyama (22) anchors the team’s explosive defense, recording 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.08 blocks en route to unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors last season.
At the same time, developing talents Stephon Castle (21) and Dylan Harper (20) offer creative offensive playmaking and drives to the basket, while the headline acquisition of veteran Tobias Harris from the Detroit Pistons adds proven frontcourt versatility, having averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds over 63 games with the East’s former top seed.
Despite a disappointing 1–4 NBA Finals loss to the Knicks, the bull case remains crystal clear. The Spurs beat their principal rival, the Thunder, in 8 of 12 head-to-head meetings (66.67% win rate), including a seven-game Western Conference Finals series, firmly cementing their place as our NBA Championship favorites.
Projected starters:
- Victor Wembanyama
- Stephon Castle
- Dylan Harper
- Devin Vassell
- De’Aaron Fox
NBA 2026–27 Eastern Conference Winner Prediction
Defending champions, the New York Knicks (+320), are priced to win the 2026–27 NBA Eastern Conference. While they sit behind the Spurs (+250) and Thunder (+260) in outright odds, their dominant 16–3 postseason run and league-best +15.4 Playoff net rating paint a strong picture of a possible repeat.
Most of that championship team is back, too. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson leads the attack after averaging 32.6 points against San Antonio, while Karl-Anthony Towns adds another scoring threat both inside and outside the arc. Beyond that, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges anchor the team’s perimeter defense, while Josh Hart is the glue holding it all together.
Although Mitchell Robinson’s departure leaves a gap in the team’s rim protection, replacement Andre Drummond brings solid passing, improved free-throw shooting, and strong rebounding, after posting 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season. His better injury record also offers some assurance over his availability during the season.
With established chemistry, victory in the East is well within reach, but the Knicks will have to maintain their strong interior defense and rebounding to run it back. They also face the tougher challenge of becoming the first team to clinch back-to-back NBA Championships since the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
Projected starters:
- Jalen Brunson
- Josh Hart
- Mikal Bridges
- OG Anunoby
- Karl-Anthony Towns
Lock In Your NBA 2026–27 Bets At Thunderpick
While the Spurs and Thunder lead the NBA Championship odds, the Knicks have already proven they can spoil the party. Also, with Philadelphia loading up on star power and Kawhi back in Toronto, reaching the Finals will be a much steeper climb for the defending champions this time around.
Think the Knicks can run it back? Or do you think a new champ will emerge? Back your picks at the NBA betting page at Thunderpick and take advantage of unbeatable odds across dozens of pre-match and in-play markets. From outrights and moneylines to totals and props, there’s plenty to choose from, with fee-free cryptocurrency transactions and bonuses to boost your bets.
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