Boston Celtics rise in NBA championship odds after Jayson Tatum returns
The Boston Celtics have surged in the NBA championship betting markets following the return of Jayson Tatum from a long-term Achilles injury.
The Eastern Conference contenders saw their title odds slashed from +900 to +550 after winning two of their first three games.
Tatum sustained the severe tendon issue during last season’s playoffs, forcing a lengthy and gruelling rehabilitation.
Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the forward’s recovery, with over a quarter of recent championship wagers backing the Massachusetts franchise.
Oklahoma City Thunder maintain overall lead
Despite Boston’s upward momentum, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain the outright favourites to secure the 2025-26 NBA crown at +135.
The Western Conference powerhouses are currently outpacing both the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs, who sit at +750.
Boston’s resurgence has simultaneously devalued the futures of their regional rivals across the East.
Odds for the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons have all drifted over the past week as confidence grows in the Celtics.
Gilgeous-Alexander closes on second MVP
In the individual accolades market, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is rapidly pulling away from the competition.
The Canadian guard is overwhelmingly priced at -800 to secure his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award.
His commanding position is heavily supported by a clean bill of health and Oklahoma City’s sustained dominance on the court.
Adebayo heroics fail to move Miami odds
Elsewhere, a historic 83-point performance from Bam Adebayo failed to significantly alter the market view of the Miami Heat.
Bookmakers kept the Florida outfit at 200-1 for the championship, though their divisional odds did shorten slightly to +105.
The spectacular individual display will be remembered as a season highlight, but oddsmakers clearly remain unconvinced of Miami’s broader title credentials.