Cleveland Cavaliers: A Betting Favorite in 2025

The Cleveland Cavaliers have managed to come up with a storied run to the top of the league this season, but are they poised to win it all now more than ever? At this point, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been really a fun team to watch this season, and it cannot be denied that the team has shown a lot of growth in the campaign, and they are making a strong case for their chances of winning it all now more than ever. However, are the Cleveland Cavaliers safe to bet on to win the NBA Finals overall?

Are the Cleveland Cavaliers a Contender Now?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have quietly emerged as one of the most promising teams in the NBA. With a roster full of young talent, a dynamic backcourt, and the right mix of experience, the Cavs have positioned themselves to make some serious noise in the playoffs in the near future.

The Cavaliers are undeniably a team on the rise and a legitimate playoff contender. They have an impressive blend of youth, talent, and defensive prowess that puts them in the mix in the Eastern Conference. However, in order to be a true championship contender, the Cavs will need to refine their shooting, gain more playoff experience, and find a way to match the firepower of teams like the Bucks or Celtics.

Considering the fact that they are the best team in the NBA right now, the stocks have never been higher for the Cavaliers for the first time since the LeBron James era of the team. However, it seems that this Cavaliers squad is writing their own story, and that means a lot of confidence from a squad that suffered a semis exit last season.

Cleveland Cavaliers image

What are the Odds for the Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are historically a bad team for most of its seasons, except for the eras where they had LeBron James leading the way – before he led them to beat the record-breaking 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. So what made this iteration of the team a whole lot different?

Well, for starters, the Cavs didn’t really have much traction until they had the best start in the history of the franchise – something that was only achieved in LeBron’s time with the team. Needless to say, the Cavaliers are on the odds map right now, and this means that the public opinion has changed a lot, and their chances of winning are really sky high now more than ever.

2025 NBA Finals Odds (updated as of December 16, 2024)

Rank	Team	Best Odds to Win
1	Boston Celtics	+225
2	Oklahoma City Thunder	+350
3	New York Knicks	+1000
4	Dallas Mavericks	+1100
5	Cleveland Cavaliers	+1200

Based on the odds, the Cavaliers are a favorite to win it all, but not ahead of the 2024 NBA Champions Boston Celtics, 2024 West first seed Oklahoma City Thunder, highly revamped New York Knicks, and the 2024 Western Conference champions, Dallas Mavericks. At this point, the Cavaliers have been still downplayed when it comes to the odds, but let’s be clear that it doesn’t tell the entire picture.

The Cavaliers have been pretty much a tanking team without James. However, there has been a spark of potential ever since head coach JB Bickerstaff took over, rising from the ashes as a new contender to look out for. But the final change that the team made? Moving on from Bickerstaff and bringing in Kenny Atkinson instead. So far, the results have been phenomenal now more than ever.

What Makes the Cavaliers a Perfect Betting Pick?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have quickly evolved from a rebuilding team to a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. With a blend of young stars, a solid supporting cast, and strong defensive principles, they’ve positioned themselves as a team with serious potential. But the real question is: Can the Cavs make a case for the NBA Finals?

Here are a few reasons why it’s a yes:

Donovan Mitchell’s Leadership is Paying Off

Three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell has proven himself in the postseason, especially with his electrifying performances for the Utah Jazz. He’s a true offensive powerhouse—capable of taking over games, hitting clutch shots, and putting pressure on opposing defenses. His ability to create his own shot and produce in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs is one of the Cavs' biggest assets.

Now he’s bringing the explosiveness that has been expected of him so far. After being traded to Cleveland from Utah in 2022, Mitchell has become the Cavs’ most significant offensive weapon. His ability to get buckets in various ways—whether from beyond the arc, in isolation, or in pick-and-roll situations—gives Cleveland the offensive firepower it was sorely missing in years past.

Donovan Mitchell image

Evan Mobley’s Development is on a Steady Pace

While the backcourt may get most of the attention, Evan Mobley could be the player who determines whether the Cavaliers make a deep playoff run—or even an NBA Finals appearance. Mobley, in just his third season, has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

His ability to protect the rim, alter shots, and guard multiple positions gives Cleveland a major advantage on the defensive end. Mobley can guard everything from opposing centers to quicker wings, and his presence in the paint creates a defensive identity for the team.

Evan Mobley image

Kenny Atkinson’s Impact is Just Impeccable

Head coach Kenny Atkinson has done a fantastic job cultivating a strong defensive identity for the Cavaliers. Since taking over, Atkinson has implemented a system that emphasizes ball movement, defense, and unselfish play. His coaching staff has helped mold Cleveland into one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the league, and that kind of system becomes especially valuable in the playoffs when the game slows down and possessions become more critical.

Atkinson’s ability to adjust to different playoff matchups will be vital in Cleveland's quest for an NBA Finals appearance. He’ll need to maximize the talents of his stars while finding ways to exploit opponent weaknesses. So far, the Cavaliers started the 2024–25 season with one of the longest winning streaks in NBA history, winning their first 15 games, which made Atkinson the only head coach in NBA history to win the first 15 games to start a tenure with a franchise.

Kenny Atkinson image

Should You Bet on the Cavaliers to Win it All?

The Cavaliers are expected to make a lot of noise on the big stage when it matters most, and one can say that the sky is the limit for the team’s chances at this point in time. However, players can be sure that the team is a contender to look out for – worth betting on and coming up with a lot of impressive wagers now more than ever. If you are keen to see them win it all, then spice it up with some combo bets and gauge your potential winnings with GambleSpot’s Parlay and Odds Calculator!

Make sure to consult our Gamble AI if you have some concerns in your betting plans or in need of a new betting strategy. The more well-thought your wagers are, the bigger your chances of winning in each of your wagers!

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