The 2025 NBA Playoffs haven’t even finished yet, and thus, the curtain on the 2024/25 campaign remains yet to come down. Even so, though, fans and experts are already looking forward to next season.
In the ongoing NBA Finals, an almighty shock could well be on the cards as the Indiana Pacers currently lead the much-fancied Oklahoma City Thunder by two games to one. Led by the sensational Tyrese Haliburton, Indy has managed to flip the script throughout the entirety of the playoffs with a series of epic comebacks and last-gasp game-winners.
Now, they are aiming to complete the ultimate Cinderella story by claiming the Larry O’Brien for the first time, but even if they are successful in their grueling quest, it remains OKC that NBA betting sites favor to dominate the court for years to come.
The Thunder remain the favorites to win this year’s Finals even though they trail through three, and the latest NBA betting at Bovada odds also make them the frontrunners next season as well. They are currently priced as short as +205 with the aforementioned outlet to secure the championship in 2026, regardless of what happens this year. But which other teams should we have our eyes firmly fixated on next term?
Let’s find out…
Dallas Mavericks
This past year tested the Dallas Mavericks’ resolve in ways few could have imagined. Trading away Luka Doncic, the face of their franchise and the guy whose shoulders future hopes were pinned on, seemed like borderline suicide. The move sent shockwaves throughout the entire league and appeared to spell doom for the team for generations to come. But just as the basketball world began writing them off, the Lone Star State side found a new lease of life.
The centerpiece of this resurgence? None other than Cooper Flagg. The current Duke Blue Devils man is expected to be selected with the first overall pick of the 2025 draft, and the team that will make that selection? Dallas. Despite having just a 1.8% chance of winning the draft lottery, the Mavs luckily did exactly that, and now they can bank on Flagg to inject some much-needed electricity into the Dallas roster, picking up right where Luka left off.
COOPER FLAGG BROOOO 😱
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) January 11, 2025
But the current college superstar isn’t the only reason why Dallas is a team to watch next term. Big man Anthony Davis – the man that the Mavs received as compensation for the departing Doncic – is set to return from injury and is poised to reclaim his dominant form. Add to that the return of Kyrie Irving from his devastating ACL tear, and Flagg has a reliable Robin to his Batman already in the building.
Experienced depth pieces like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington ensure that the Big Three will have the support needed to compete against the West elite. With Flagg’s impending arrival set to anchor both ends of the floor, as well as Davis and Irving regaining their rhythm, the Mavericks could transform from chaos to one of the league’s most interesting comeback stories.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have spent the better part of the past few years laying the foundation for something special. After four years of struggles, the Texans bulldozed their way back to life last term, riding a talented young core to an impressive second-place finish in the Western Conference. Now, as they gear up for 2025-2026, the Rockets seem not just promising but poised for a legitimate playoff breakthrough.
At the heart of Houston’s resurgence is its youthful set of savvy scorers, Jalen Green, versatile center Alperen Sengun, and forward Jabari Smith Jr., all of whom have shown spectacular growth. The former of that trio has become somewhat known for his acrobatic finishes and ability to rise to big moments.
Green is already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s premier scorers, while his Turkish teammate is a hub of creativity courtesy of his court vision and interior dominance. Smith Jr’s defensive range and sharp shooting continue to blossom, making the 22-year-old power forward a genuine two-way threat.
While youth can sometimes be a liability in high-stakes moments, last season’s regular season run gave this young and hungry team invaluable experience. Winning critical late-season games, holding their own against heavyweight opponents, and simply building chemistry have equipped the Rockets with the seasoning they’ll need to go further this year. While their postseason came to a disappointing early end at the hands of the experienced Golden State Warriors, a prosperous future seems to be just around the corner.
The Rockets are still considered one of the outsiders for glory next season, and perhaps rightfully so. The Western Conference is absolutely stacked, with the likes of OKC, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the LeBron x Luka-powered Los Angeles Lakers all harboring genuine championship ambitions. But if the 2024/25 season is anything to go by, Houston shouldn’t be written off by anybody.
If you love a punt, make sure to check out tonight’s free NBA picks.
