NBA 2025/26: Four storylines to follow this season

The 2025/26 NBA season is underway and fans across the world are pondering whether any team can knock Oklahoma City Thunder off their perch.

Thunder clinched their first NBA title courtesy of a 4-3 series victory over Indiana Pacers last term and are the bookmakers’ favourites to go back-to-back.

Reputable sportsbook Betway rates them as 11/5 shots to retain the title, and it would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.

While punters consider whether Thunder represent value in the outright market, we look at four other storylines to follow in the NBA this season.

Antetokounmpo needs to deliver

Giannis Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA. However, the ongoing uncertainty over his future has not helped the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 2020/21 champions are priced at 50/1 to win the title, which seems unthinkable given they have Antetokounmpo leading a talented line-up.

The 30-year-old has been angling for a move to the New York Knicks, but needs to put that to one side and focus on helping the Bucks mount a title challenge.

The two-time MVP award winner should have more than one NBA title to his name. This season would be a great time for him to prove his worth.

The end is near for James

LeBron James has entered the 2025/26 campaign as the first NBA player to embark on a 23rd season. Whether he makes it to number 24 is debatable.

After missing the start of the season due to sciatica, James faces a battle to prove he can still cut the mustard at the top level past his 40th birthday.

The Los Angeles Lakers have not ruled out James remaining with them beyond the end of the season, although that scenario seems unlikely.

Reuniting with Kyrie Irving has been touted as a possibility, and enjoying a last hurrah with the Dallas Mavericks could be too tempting to turn down.

Beware of the Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets clinched the NBA title in 2023/24 and were backed to mount a strong title to follow up last time around. Things did not go to plan.

They were defeated 4-3 by Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semi-finals and will be eager to set the record straight this time around.

Nikola Jokic will once again lead the Nuggets and he could be a good bet to win the MVP award for the fourth time in his illustrious career.

The acquisition of forward Cam Johnson from Brooklyn Nets may prove to be a shrewd move, while Lithuanian centre Jonas Valanciunas could be a key part of the jigsaw.

A final dance for the veteran Warriors?

The Golden State Warriors head into the 2025/26 season as 20/1 shots to win the title. If their top players stay fit, those odds could represent decent value.

The Warriors went 22-5 with Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler in the line-up last term, which equates to a 67-win campaign over a full 82-game season.

Draymond Green and Al Horford add more experience into the mix, while head coach Steve Kerr is still one of the best in the business when he has a full roster to work with.

The Warriors were defeated 4-1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semi-finals last season. Don’t bet against them going further in 2025/26.