Two major NBA events on Sunday caused a shift in the league’s balance of power, at least in the eyes of oddsmakers.
The first was the reported trade of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from Phoenix to Houston. Hours later, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton went down in Game 7 of the NBA Finals with what is reported to be a torn Achilles tendon.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were installed as 2025-26 title favorites well before they won Game 7. But Sunday’s events created a significant shift in the teams believed to be their biggest threats to repeating as champions.
Beyond the Pacers suffering a massive blow to their hopes of contending next season, Haliburton’s injury also impacted the odds of multiple Eastern Conference rivals.
Below are the planned opening odds at BetMGM for the Pacers to win the 2025-26 title, followed by the actual opening odds.
TYRESE HALIBURTON INJURY
–Cavaliers +1000 to +750
–Knicks +900 to +800
–Pacers +1300 to +4000
That followed a similar shift in the Western Conference following the news that Durant is heading to Houston — though the deal can not be made official until July. It impacted the futures of the Rockets and Suns in addition to two teams reported to be in the mix to land Durant.
KEVIN DURANT TRADE
–Rockets +1300 to +800
–Spurs +1800 to +2200
–Heat +10000 to +25000
–Suns +20000 to +30000
While the Thunder have garnered the most 2025-26 title bets at the book with 13.8 percent, the Pacers had been just behind them at 13.3 percent. Third is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been backed by 11.1 percent of the total bets while leading the way with 19.8 percent of all money wagered at +1600 odds.
–Field Level Media
