The 2025-26 NBA calendar opens Tuesday, Oct. 21, when the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder unveil their title banner against the Houston Rockets—now featuring Kevin Durant. In advance of opening night, ESPN betting writers André Snellings and Eric Moody have released a comprehensive futures guide that singles out one recommended wager for all 30 franchises.
How the preview was compiled
Snellings evaluated every team in the Eastern Conference, while Moody handled the Western Conference. All odds were listed as of publication on Oct. 17; ESPN advises checking its sportsbook for real-time updates.
Eastern Conference picks
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young to average at least 12.0 assists (+225) or lead the league in assists (-130). Young has increased his assist rate in each of his seven seasons, reaching 11.6 per game last year, and now pairs with newcomer Kristaps Porziņģis in pick-and-roll sets.
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown to score 28-plus points per game (+225). With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown is expected to absorb a share of Tatum’s 20.3 field-goal attempts per night.
Brooklyn Nets: Fewest regular-season wins in the NBA (+180). A roster featuring five first-round rookies pushes Brooklyn into a projected three-way battle for the league’s worst record, according to BPI.
Charlotte Hornets: Over 26.5 wins (-120). Charlotte went 16-31 with LaMelo Ball in uniform last year—a 28-win pace—and added veteran guard depth to weather future injuries.
Chicago Bulls: Josh Giddey to average at least 8.0 assists (+115) and to win Most Improved Player (18-1). After Zach LaVine’s departure, Giddey posted 21.2 points, 9.3 assists and 10.7 rebounds over the season’s final 19 games.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Finish as the East’s No. 1 seed (+115). Cleveland returns every key piece from a 64-win squad that led the conference by three games last season.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham to average 28-plus points (+185). The 24-year-old guard closed last season with a 28.1-point average over his final 40 contests.
Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nembhard (12-1) or Bennedict Mathurin (16-1) to win Most Improved Player. Both guards inherit larger roles with Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Myles Turner gone.
Miami Heat: To appear in the Play-In Tournament (-110). Miami has landed in the Play-In three straight years and projects to a three-way tie for ninth in the East, per BPI.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo to average at least 7.0 assists (+110). Without Damian Lillard, Giannis could match the 7.9 assists he averaged in 13 Lillard-free outings last year.
New York Knicks: Reach the Eastern Conference finals (+130). New York brings back its primary rotation after last season’s conference-final appearance and is second in BPI’s East win projections.
Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero to average 26-plus points (+110). The arrival of sharpshooter Desmond Bane is expected to create additional space for Banchero’s inside-out scoring.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey to score 26-plus points per game (+150). Maxey owns a 26.1-point average across 122 games the past two seasons and could see heavier usage if Joel Embiid or Paul George miss time.
Toronto Raptors: To reach the Play-In Tournament (even). Despite last season’s injury trouble, BPI places Toronto in a three-way tie for ninth in the conference.
Washington Wizards: Fewest regular-season wins in the NBA (+375). BPI rates Washington last in the league at ‑7.4, emphasizing development over victories.
Western Conference picks
Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg over 16.5 points per game (-110). The No. 1 overall pick is projected for 19.5 points in 33.2 minutes while Kyrie Irving rehabs a torn ACL.
Denver Nuggets: Over 55 wins (+105). Roster upgrades—including Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas—add depth around Nikola Jokić.
Golden State Warriors: Over 46.5 wins (-115). A healthy Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and midseason addition Jimmy Butler III propelled the club to a 28-15 finish last year; veterans Al Horford and Seth Curry enhance the bench.
Houston Rockets: Under 53.5 wins (-120). Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL tear and Durant’s recent injury history cast doubt on matching last season’s 52-win total.
Los Angeles Clippers: Exact finish as the West’s No. 5 seed (+500). Managing minutes for Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Bradley Beal could prioritize playoff readiness over regular-season seeding.
Los Angeles Lakers: Win the NBA championship (15-1). Luka Dončić and LeBron James are 15-8 together, and offseason additions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart strengthen defense for Year 2 under coach JJ Redick.
Memphis Grizzlies: Over 40.5 wins (-115). A healthy Ja Morant teams with Jaren Jackson Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and promising youngsters Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Over 49.5 wins (-115). Minnesota averaged 52.5 victories over the past two seasons and returns its core, now supplemented by rookie sharpshooter Joan Beringer.
New Orleans Pelicans: Over 30.5 wins (-110). Zion Williamson’s return, plus scoring from Jordan Poole and defense from Herbert Jones, lifts expectations beyond 31 victories.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Win the NBA title (+200). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren aim for the league’s first repeat crown in seven years.
Phoenix Suns: Over 31.5 wins (-115). Devin Booker now shares the backcourt with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, while rookie center Khaman Maluach strengthens the interior.
Portland Trail Blazers: Under 33.5 wins (+110). Damian Lillard’s season-long Achilles absence and a young frontcourt signal another developmental year.
Sacramento Kings: To make the West Play-In Tournament (+195). Veterans Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis headline a roster built for a late-season push if healthy.
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama to record at least one block in every game (+130). Cleared after a shoulder issue, the 7-foot-3 phenom averaged 3.8 blocks last year and is projected for 4.0 this season.
Utah Jazz: Over 19.5 wins (-110). Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler anchor a lineup featuring rookies Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski plus young guards Keyonte George and Walter Clayton Jr.
The ESPN report provides bettors with a concise option for each organization as teams prepare for the league’s 80th season.
Source: ESPN
