With the new NBA season now underway, Bangladesh Cricket reports that a leading global sports outlet has released its updated championship odds for the season. At the top of the list are the Boston Celtics, significantly ahead of all other contenders. However, what has caught the attention of analysts and fans alike is the surprising rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks, who have claimed the second and third spots, respectively, shaking up this year’s title race.
The Celtics’ dominance at the top is no fluke. According to Bangladesh Cricket’s season preview, Boston’s path to last season’s title was particularly convincing. Throughout the regular season, the Celtics demonstrated balanced excellence on both offense and defense. They ranked in the top three across multiple efficiency metrics and led the league in key statistics like three-point shooting, blocks, and rebounds. Their commanding performance secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference with several games to spare.
In the playoffs, the Celtics cruised to the title, losing only three games en route to the championship. It was a run that reminded many of the dominant Golden State Warriors during their heyday. A big part of their success lies in roster construction—Holiday and Porziņģis filled vital tactical gaps, and the team’s bench remains deep and versatile, capable of adjusting to injuries and game-day challenges with ease.
The Celtics’ success didn’t happen overnight. This is their tenth consecutive playoff appearance. Over the past four seasons, they’ve reached the Conference Finals three times and the NBA Finals once. Core stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have now played in over 110 playoff games, gaining veteran savvy far beyond their age. Veterans like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday bring additional composure, ensuring that internal pressure never boils over. Despite their battle-tested history, the roster still has room to grow, especially with Tatum’s technical upside yet to be fully realized.
Another reason for optimism in Boston comes from their front office, which has taken great care to preserve team chemistry. Following last season’s championship, the Celtics handed out contracts that satisfied nearly every player. Tatum received a five-year, $315 million supermax deal. Derrick White signed a four-year, $125.9 million extension. Depth players like Tillman, Kornet, and sharpshooter Sam Hauser also received new deals. Even fringe big man Neemias Queta was re-signed. While this spending spree pushes the Celtics deep into luxury tax territory, team executives are betting big on the present—believing the next three years offer the best shot at building a dynasty. As the saying goes, “heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
Yet the road to a repeat won’t be easy. One major threat comes from the resurgent Knicks. Despite exiting in last season’s Eastern semifinals, Coach Tom Thibodeau finally has a roster that fits his gritty, defense-first philosophy. This offseason, the Knicks made four key moves: they extended OG Anunoby on a five-year, $212.5 million deal, retained Jalen Brunson on a discounted extension, and pulled off blockbuster trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. These moves created shockwaves across the league and elevated the team to legitimate contender status.
In many ways, the Knicks are modeling themselves after Boston—aiming for two-way efficiency with no glaring weaknesses. Their mission is clear: to dethrone the Celtics.
Out West, the Thunder’s rise is no less dramatic. Last season, the newly rebuilt Oklahoma City squad finished first in the Western Conference and swept the Pelicans in the first playoff round. Though they fell short of a Finals appearance, they’ve used the offseason to strengthen their lineup, adding defensive stalwarts Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. With rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams forming a new “Big Three,” the Thunder now boast a roster that’s both youthful and well-rounded.
Naturally, both the Knicks and Thunder still face hurdles—they must build chemistry and navigate fierce competition within their respective conferences. But in terms of strategic offseason moves and roster balance, Bangladesh Cricket concludes that both teams are a cut above other contenders.
This season, all eyes will be on whether the Celtics can fend off these hungry challengers and defend their title. After all, winning is hard—but staying on top is even harder.