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Here in the UK, and across Europe, we’ve gradually noticed our friends from across the Atlantic having more and more of an influence on our culture and society as a whole. We’re seeing more US fast food joints popping up all over the place, we’re calling secondary schools ‘high schools’ now, and don’t even get us started on Black Friday. One particularly welcome US influence however, is the growth in popularity of NBA basketball.

For those of you who are partial to a bet or two, if you fancy a break from the horses, and are sick and tired of being let down week after week by your football accumulator, you may wish to consider betting on NBA basketball.

NBA basketball has enjoyed enormous growth across Europe over the years, and as far as sports betting is concerned, it is quickly proving to be a fun and viable way of making money and having fun in the process.

So, with the action now picking up, who are the UK bookmakers tipping for 2026/2027 NBA Championship glory? Let’s find out, shall we?

Oklahoma City Thunder

If you’d like to back this season’s current favourites, Oklahoma City Thunder current boast that title, with BOYLE Sports currently providing 11/4 odds, while Ladbrokes have them at 13/5.

The Thunder are one of the Northwest division’s most successful teams. The 2025/26 season in particular, was one to remember as they held the best record in the Western Conference, thanks to a 42 – 14 record at the All Star break.

Back in April, The Thunder secured the Western Conference first seed slot for the third consecutive year, after defeating the LA Clippers. With the recent acquisition of Jared McCain from the 76ers they’re currently in a very strong position and are being heavily tipped to be crowned champions at the end of the season.

San Antonio Spurs

We’re travelling from Oklahoma to Texas next, to the home of the San Antonio Spurs.

If The Thunder are favourites, it’s only by a narrow margin, as there certainly isn’t much in it between them and The Spurs.

The Southwest Division goes into the Championship in a very strong position, especially due to the fact that Victor Wembanyama is currently in such great form. In fact, as of this writing, he’s the team leader with an impressive 25 points to his name. Add to this, the fact that his rebound game is so strong, evident in the 11.5 rebounds he currently has, and you can see why the 7ft 4 centre and forward is their MVP.

Whilst Wemby can’t be expected to do all the work, if he stays fit, the bookies believe he could be the difference maker. Currently, Ladbrokes have the Spurs equal on odds with The Thunder, coming in at 13/5. BOYLE Sports are also offering 11/4 odds, so again, there’s nothing in it at this point in the year.

New York Knicks

The New York Knickerbockers compete in the NBA’s Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, playing their home games at the world-famous Madison Square Garden.

Now, without question, their MVP is point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson signed in 2022 and proved to be a real force to be reckoned with. Not only did he help guide them to a playoff spot in 2024, but in the 2025/26 season, he, along with new coach Mike Brown, helped to end their Championship drought. Not only did they win, they overcame a 29-point deficit in the 4^th game to stage the biggest comeback in NBA history.

If Brunson performs as he can, and should, the Knicks could be ones to watch. Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports are both currently providing 9/1 odds if you wish to back the Knickerbockers.

Philadelphia 76ers

Finally, we have the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers also compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and before the offseason, they weren’t really considered to be title contenders. That all changed, however, when they signed a little-known player by the name of LeBron James!

Signing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics was big enough, but by signing LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players to ever live, for the princely sum of $8 million on a two-year deal, suddenly they find themselves in the NBA Championship discussion talks.

If you believe that the 41-year-old, 6ft-9, LeBron James can help guide The Sixers to the championship this season, you’ll get 9/1 odds with BOYLE Sports, and 17/2 odds with Ladbrokes.