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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Liam McKeone

NBA Championship Power Rankings: Thunder Roll Into Postseason As Favorites

NBA Thunder Kawhi Leonard James Harden Nikola Jokic Warriors Celtics Jimmy Butler Steph Curry Lakers
Dort and Holmgren will be key to the Thunder’s championship chase. | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The NBA playoffs are finally here! With the conclusion of the play-in tournament on Friday night, the postseason bracket for the 2024–25 season is set. There’s never been more talent in the NBA, and this year’s field proves as much, with numerous teams that have the profile of true title contenders ready to go on Saturday. 

Before the games tip off, let’s break down exactly who should be considered the favorite to win it all. Here are NBA championship power rankings entering the 2025 playoff race. 

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