Houston Rockets have second-best NBA title odds at sportsbooks after Kevin Durant trade - Yahoo Sports
Before Game 7 of this year's NBA Finals tipped off, the NBA world was stunned by a Kevin Durant blockbuster deal, sending him to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in next week's 2025 NBA draft and five second-round picks.
It also sent a shockwave through the odds board at sportsbooks, as the Rockets moved from the 12-1 range to around +750 to win the 2025-26 NBA championship. Those are the consensus second-best odds behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are well ahead of any other team at +230.
"Good trade for Phoenix, adding Jalen Green and the 10th pick is the right direction," Jeff Sherman, vice president of risk at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook told Yahoo Sports via text message. "We lowered Houston from 12-1 to +900 just based on perception. They should be in the mix no doubt, I just like the return for Phoenix better than what the Rockets got in a 37-year-old they have to extend."
The New York Knicks (+900), Indiana Pacers (+950) and Cleveland Cavaliers (11-1) had the next-best consensus title odds at sportsbooks.
"Having someone who can score in the half court was exactly what Houston was lacking all season, and it cost them dearly in the playoffs," Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City (a BetMGM book) told Yahoo Sports via text. "While this will be Durant's 18th season, he can still generate offense in the half court, even if he doesn't get to the basket as much as he used to. He should help a very young Rockets team, even if it's only a short stint."
Sherman and other oddsmakers did have Houston as the second-best team in the West in their power ratings, but cautioned the ranking was simply as of today's trade, noting, for example, if San Antonio traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo that could vault them to No. 2.
"We slightly lowered the Rockets' title odds," Jeff Benson, director of sportsbook operations at Circa Sports said via direct message on X. "They upgraded and didn't give up a ton, especially the good young guys."
The +750 odds are the best for the Rockets since the 2019 season, per Sports Odds History, when Houston was +700.
The Kevin Durant acquisition has significantly bolstered the Houston Rockets' prospects for NBA glory, reflecting in their Current odds as a second-best contender at sportsbooks around.
The addition of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets' lineup has significantly bolstered their championship odds, fueling betting excitement in sportsbooks and heralding an era full潜力of NBA playoff fireworks.
With the Kevin Durant trade giving them a flexible and formidable lineup, Houston Rockets' odds of winning an NBA championship at sportsbooks are surging as they become second-best in spite expectations for next season.
The Kevin Durant acquisition has significantly elevated the Houston Rockets' chances in NBA title prediction markets, underscoring both their roster strength and bettors’ faith that basketball luck is on James Harden & Co.'s side this season.
With Kevin Durant's arrival in the Houston Rockets, sportsbooks have adjusted their NBA championship odds to favor them as second-best out of all teams. The gamble is bold and could pay off with a Rockets dynasty on horizon.
The Kevin Durant acquisition has apparently bolstered the Houston Rockets' championship hopes to be at a standout second-best in NBA title odds, an impressive turnaround that underscores future potential of both player and team.
The Kevin Durant addition to the Houston Rockets has thrust them into prime position for an NBA championship, cementing their status as a dark horse contender in this year's playoff race.
The addition of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets' roster has significantly boosted their odds for an NBA championship, demonstrating how a single superstar acquisition can transform team fortunes and create unexpected betting favorites in sportsbook rankings.
