The 2025 NBA Finals Power Rankings: Who’s Really Built for a Title Run?

Eight teams remain in the 2025 NBA playoffs as the second round intensifies. With talent, depth, rest, and playoff experience varying across the field, each team’s strengths and weaknesses will shape their path forward. This ranking breaks down the contenders still vying for the championship, highlighting who is best positioned to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

As the stakes rise, every possession counts, and these insights will help identify the teams most likely to advance and make your NBA Finals betting predictions more informed.

Why Power Rankings Matter in Playoff Betting

The playoffs aren’t the regular season. Each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and depth are scrutinized under a postseason lens. Power rankings don’t just reflect stats; they also account for recent form, matchups, and injuries, helping both fans and bettors make informed decisions. For anyone looking to place a bet with FanDuel or simply follow the action more closely, understanding these factors is key.

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, here’s how these playoff contenders stack up.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder aren’t just coasting; they’re steamrolling opponents. Their sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round wasn’t just an easy win, it was a statement. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has proven why he’s in the MVP conversation, while the team’s depth—with names like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams—is unmatched. Add in their extended rest heading into the second round, and OKC has all the pieces in place to claim the title.

Why They’re Favorites:

Depth: Players like Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren aren’t just role players. They’re game-changers who thrive in big moments,
Matchup Flexibility: From defense to spot-up shooting, this is a team that can adjust seamlessly to whatever opponents bring to the court,
Momentum: Last year’s early playoff exit seems to have lit a fire under this squad.

Odds are heavily in their favor, and with good reason. Unless injuries derail their run, the Thunder are the team to beat.

2. Boston Celtics

The defending champs haven’t missed a beat. Despite injury scares to Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics made light work of the Orlando Magic in the first round. Their defense remains elite, and their ability to adapt during games is a huge playoff asset.

Keys to Their Success:

Star Power: Tatum and Jaylen Brown are a deadly duo capable of carrying games on their backs,
Bench Depth: The Celtics’ bench consistently outperformed Orlando’s starters in the first round,
Playoff Experience: This is a team that knows how to handle the bright lights of the postseason.

While the Celtics aren’t quite as well-rested as the Thunder, their combination of playoff-tested leaders and versatility gives them every reason to believe they have what it takes to secure back-to-back titles.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have had a dominant playoff run on paper. Their annihilation of the Miami Heat by the biggest playoff margin in history was simply stunning. But injuries are already taking a toll, with Darius Garland’s toe injury raising question marks about their second-round series. While Garland’s absence was felt in their Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Cavs can still grind out wins with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley leading the charge.

Strengths:

High-Octane Offense: They’re averaging over 137 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs,
Defensive Rim Protection: Mobley and Allen control the paint like few others.

If Garland can shake off his injury, watch for Cleveland to rise back into serious contention. Without him, though, their odds will take a hit.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards is no longer a “rising star.” He’s a certified superstar in these playoffs. The Timberwolves looked dominant in a five-game defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers, leaning on their size and skill to punish smaller teams. With Edwards’ ability to disrupt defenses and Rudy Gobert holding down the interior, this team could go far.

Keys to Their Run:

Rebounding Dominance: They crushed the Lakers on the boards and should continue to exploit smaller lineups,
Anthony Edwards: His shot-making and ability to find open teammates under pressure have been outstanding.

If they stay consistent, the Wolves could easily find themselves in the Western Conference Finals.

5. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are quietly building something special. With Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense and Pascal Siakam adding much-needed size, they outclassed the Milwaukee Bucks in five games. Their Game 1 win over Cleveland further underscores their potential.

Why They’re Dangerous:

Three-Point Shooting: Shooting nearly 40% against Milwaukee was no fluke,
Improved Defense: Siakam gives them the versatility to guard multiple positions effectively.

While still considered outsiders, they’ve demonstrated they can compete with the East’s best.

6. Denver Nuggets

When Nikola Jokic isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, his teammates are stepping up. That was the case in their first-round win against a scrappy Clippers team. But as deep as the Nuggets are, their matchup against the Thunder doesn’t favor them. Denver’s defense must find answers for OKC’s plethora of scorers.

Factors to Watch:

Supporting Cast: Can Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. rise to the occasion consistently?
Matchup Challenges: Stopping OKC’s dynamic offense will be no easy task.

Denver’s road to the Finals will take more than just Jokic’s brilliance.

7. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors survived a grueling seven-game series against Houston, largely thanks to Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. However, their lack of size was exposed, and now they face an even tougher challenge against the Timberwolves.

Why They’re Struggling:

Rebounding Woes: Teams with size easily punish Golden State on the glass,
Heavy Reliance on Stars: Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler can only carry this team so far without consistent help.

While it’s never wise to count out a Curry-led team, their path forward looks challenging.

8. New York Knicks

Jalen Brunson’s Game 7 heroics propelled the Knicks past the Pistons, but their offense remains one-dimensional. Against a versatile Celtics team with elite rim protection, New York’s flaws could be magnified.

Challenges They Face:

Limited Offensive Creativity: Too much pressure falls on Brunson’s isolation play,
Defensive Weaknesses: Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles as a rim protector are a liability.

The Knicks need a miracle to hang with Boston in Round 2.

Predicting the NBA Finals Contenders

Based on current form and matchups, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are the most likely teams to meet in the NBA Finals. OKC’s depth and Boston’s championship pedigree set them apart, but playoffs are unpredictable. Keep an eye on playoff updates and NBA Finals betting news as the bracket progresses.

Where Should Bettors Focus?

Given the rankings above, the Thunder offer incredible upside with depth and consistent performances. However, Boston’s playoff experience makes them equally compelling. Evaluating matchups game by game and tracking NBA Finals betting insights will help smart bettors place informed wagers. nsights will help smart bettors place informed wagers.

Author Profile

Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com