The Boston Celtics are favorites to win the 2025 NBA title, but the Oklahoma City Thunder still need to prove they are legitimate contenders. Or at least that is the point of view held by Boston beat writer emeritus Bob Ryan on a recent episode of the semi-eponymous CLNS Media "Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman, and Gary Tanguay!" podcast.

There isn't enough firepower on this roster to keep pace for Cleveland's explosive offense. Miami's strength, its defense, isn't slowing the Cavs down. To this point, Cleveland is scoring a playoff-best 135.2 points per 100 possessions. Most Heat fans have likely moved on to thinking about the offseason by now. Net Rating: -14.2

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs as favorites to win the NBA championship, and have done nothing to dissuade the betting public in winning their first three games against the Memphis Grizzlies,