While the Oklahoma City Thunder have not made an NBA Finals since 2012 (when KD, Russ, and Harden were still on the same team), many people believe it is only a matter of time until they reach the top of the mountain.
In a recent post, per Bovada, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is tied with the third-best odds to win the Finals MVP, with OKC having the second-best odds to win the title.
Last season, Shai had a historic run where he put up 30 points per game to go along with six assists and six rebounds. Such statistics not only helped lead the Thunder to become the youngest one seed in NBA history, but they also became the youngest team to win a playoff series, which ultimately placed SGA second in the 2023-24 MVP voting (behind Jokic).
As the Thunder enter the 2024-25 season with new additions like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as signing back key role players such as Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, experts believe OKC is the team to beat with Shai at the helm and co-stars Chet and JDub by his side.
Not only do the new additions of Caruso and Hartenstein provide the defense, shooting and rebounding the Thunder desperately needed, but the roster now has notable playoff experience, which was a main factor in their Western Conference Semifinals loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
There is still a long time, however, until playoff basketball takes place, so all Loud City can do now is wait for OKC's first game on October 24 where they take on the Denver Nuggets.
| Category | Person/Team | Overall Placement | Odds |
| NBA Champion | Thunder | 2nd | +625 |
| Finals Matchup | OKC vs. Boston | 1st | +940 |
| Clutch Player of the Year | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 4th | +1,100 |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Chet Holmgren | 3rd | +1,600 |
| Most Improved Player | Jalen Williams | 8th | +2,200 |
| Most Valuable Player | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 3rd | +550 |
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