NBA Championship Odds Update: Rockets Third, Clippers Surpass Lakers, Thunder Lead, Nuggets Soar to Second

On July 1st Beijing time, with the opening of the free agency market and several signings and trades finalized, team strengths have changed, which is reflected in the championship odds. The newest odds list the Thunder still leading, the Nuggets soaring from 8th pre-market to 2nd, the Rockets at 3rd, and the Clippers climbing from 12th to 7th, surpassing the Lakers who fell from 5th to 8th. The updated championship odds rankings are as follows—

Positions 1 to 10: 1. Thunder (+275), 2. Nuggets (+750), 3. Rockets (+850), 4. Cavaliers and Knicks (+1000), 6. Magic (+1200), 7. Clippers (+1500), 8. Lakers (+1600), 9. Timberwolves (+1800), 10. Hawks (+2500);

Positions 11 to 20: 11. Warriors (+3000), 12. 76ers (+3300), 13. Mavericks (+3500), 14. Celtics (+4000), 15. Spurs (+5000), 16. Pistons and Pacers (+6000), 18. Bucks (+10000), 19. Grizzlies (+12500), 20. Raptors (+20000);

Positions 21 and beyond: 21. Heat and Pelicans (+25000), 23. Bulls, Suns, Trail Blazers, Kings (+50000), 27. Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Jazz (+100000).

The Nuggets’ significant rise is closely tied to their moves today. They finally traded Michael Porter Jr. and acquired Cameron Johnson, and also re-signed Bruce Brown, clearly boosting their overall strength. The Rockets maintain 3rd place thanks to signing Fini Smith and Capela, keeping their level regarded as top three in the West.

The Clippers also improved their ranking by signing Brook Lopez today, providing a solid backup for Zubac. The Lakers’ drop is linked to their lack of major moves on the first day, only signing shooter R.J. Lavine for a 2-year $12 million deal, while losing key 3-and-D wing Fini Smith.

In the East, the Hawks showed the most notable rise, climbing from 19th before the market opened to 10th. They strengthened their backcourt by acquiring Alexander Walker via trade and signing Kennard. The Celtics fell from 9th to 14th, losing Cornette and gaining Garza, weakening their interior presence further.

Which team do you think will be the Thunder’s biggest challenger on their path to defending the title? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.