Only a few more sleeps until the 2025/26 NBA season tips off on October 21st. With key injuries depleting several top contenders, we could see a shift in power in the league this season. However, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will remain the team to beat, with a deep, young, talented roster returning this year. Here are the best NBA win totals to take advantage of for this season.
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2025/26 NBA Win Totals Best Bets
Chicago Bulls – 32.5 Wins
Last Season Record: 39-43
Key Additions: Isaac Okoro, Noa Essengue
Key Departures: Lonzo Ball
The main problem with the Chicago Bulls is that they will never totally bottom out. They’ve won 40, 39, and 39 games over the past three seasons – the epitome of mediocrity. They have never been willing to tear the roster down to its studs and do a complete rebuild. So, therefore, they don’t have any cornerstones to build a championship-contending roster on.
With no real key additions or departures to their roster from last season, when they won 39 games (again), and with the Eastern Conference expected to be weaker this year with no Jayson Tatum or Tyrese Haliburton on the floor, I don’t see the Bulls losing seven more games than last season.
Best Bet: Chicago over 32.5 wins
Cleveland Cavaliers – 56.5 Wins
Last Season Record: 64-18
Key Additions: Lonzo Ball
Key Departures: Isaac Okoro
We’ll stick in the Eastern Conference and head to the top of the conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers had a dominant season last year, with their 64 wins the tops in the East, and second only to the champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
As mentioned, with two key East competitors in the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics expected to take huge steps back this season, the wins will be there for the taking for the Cavs. While they’ll need more injury luck from their top four players, who all played 70+ games last season, they’ll have more point guard depth with Lonzo Ball added to the roster (which they’ll need with Darius Garland currently injured).
With an easier schedule this year and the expected continued growth of Evan Mobley, why would you bet on the Cavaliers losing eight more games this season than last?
Best Bet: Cleveland over 56.5 wins
Houston Rockets – 52.5 Wins
Last Season Record: 52-30
Key Additions: Kevin Durant
Key Departures: Fred VanVleet (season-ending injury), Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks
Much is expected of the Houston Rockets this season after adding what they hope will be the finishing touches to their roster in superstar Kevin Durant in an offseason trade with the Phoenix Suns. However, a season-ending injury to point guard and team leader Fred VanVleet may have thrown a spanner in the works.
The loss of three starters from last year’s 52-win team is a real concern, with none bigger than FVV’s. Running out Reed Sheppard and probably Amen Thompson as your point guards is a concern. As is the lack of three-point shooting. I expect the Rockets to take a step back in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Best Bet: Houston under 52.5 wins
Philadelphia 76ers – 42.5 Wins
Last Season Record: 24-58
Key Additions: VJ Edgecombe
Key Departures: Guerschon Yabusele
What’s old is new in the land of the Philadelphia 76ers, as stars Joel Embiid and Paul George’s statuses heading into the new season are up in the air due to injuries. When will they return to action? Will they return to action? Magic 8 Ball says, “Reply Hazy. Try Again Later.”
But at least the Sixers have a new toy in #3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe, who is also currently injured but not seriously. If you’re taking the over 42.5 wins for Philly, which would be a 19-win improvement over last season, you’re betting on Embiid and George being relatively healthy. Best of luck to you.
Best Bet: Philadelphia under 42.5 wins
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