The Warriors are already favorites to win the 2017 NBA title
Golden State Warriors: 3/2
Cleveland Cavaliers: 5/2
San Antonio Spurs: 6/1
Oklahoma City Thunder: 8/1
Los Angeles Clippers: 16/1
Boston Celtics: 20/1
Toronto Raptors: 25/1
Miami Heat: 25/1
Chicago Bulls: 40/1
Atlanta Hawks: 40/1
Minnesota Timberwolves: 60/1
New Orleans Pelicans: 60/1
Houston Rockets: 60/1
Portland Trail Blazers: 60/1
Memphis Grizzlies: 80/1
Utah Jazz: 80/1
Charlotte Hornets: 80/1
Washington Wizards: 100/1
Indiana Pacers: 100/1
Dallas Mavericks: 100/1
Milwaukee Bucks: 100/1
Detroit Pistons: 100/1
Los Angeles Lakers: 100/1
New York Knicks: 100/1
Sacramento Kings: 100/1
Philadelphia 76ers: 100/1
Orlando Magic: 100/1
Denver Nuggets: 100/1
Phoenix Suns: 300/1
Brooklyn Nets: 500/1
Before this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were actually considered the title favorites (9/4), with the Warriors and Thunder (5/1) tied for second.
For now, these 2016-17 odds feel about right. The Warriors are probably in slightly better position for next season than the Cleveland Cavaliers, although both teams will bring back the core of their championship-caliber squads. Golden State will have some uncertainty with the free agency of Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli; the flipside of that is the Warriors' potential ability to add a big name this summer. Golden State will also have to make up for the loss of Luke Walton from the coaching staff, as he moves on to take on his new gig as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder, meanwhile, face Kevin Durant's looming free agency, which likely drives down their current odds. The likeliest scenario is Durant returning to Oklahoma City for at least one more year, but his departure isn't out of the question. The San Antonio Spurs likewise might lose Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to retirement. Like the Warriors, though, the Spurs could be big players in free agency this summer, especially if their two veteran stars call it quits.
And if you like wasting money, the Lakers are 100-to-1 longshots to win the title, which is absurdly generous.
