Clear favorite emerges to win MVP in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

The Conference Finals got off to a roaring start as Oklahoma City Thunder, the No 1 seed in the West, cruised to a dominant 114–88 win over the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 at the Paycom Center.

Over in the East, the New York Knicks, who finished third in the regular season, will be expecting a strong showing at Madison Square Garden against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers.

Both matchups are expected to deliver intense battles on the hardwood – and whichever team emerges champion, history will be made. For the first time in league history, there will be seven different NBA champions in seven straight years. That’s especially significant given that just seven franchises have won 77% of the previous 70 titles.

Here’s the last time each of the four remaining teams lifted the trophy:

• New York Knicks: 1973
• Indiana Pacers: Never
• Minnesota Timberwolves: Never
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Never*

*The Seattle SuperSonics – who became the Thunder when the franchise moved in 2008 – won the NBA title in 1979, but the current Oklahoma City organization does not lay claim to that championship.

As for the MVP race, one name has clearly pulled ahead. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder is the overwhelming favorite to take home the league’s top individual honor.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: -125
2. Jalen Brunson: +550
3. Anthony Edwards: +650
4. Tyrese Haliburton: +900
5. Pascal Siakam: +2500
6. Julius Randle: +4000
7. Jalen Williams: +4000
8. Karl-Anthony Towns: +4500
9. Chet Holgren: +6500
10. Mikal Bridges: +12,000

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