Bookmakers know who they want to see in the NBA Finals. As for the public? Patrick Everson has the scoop on that, too, as the second round approaches.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs as favorites to win the NBA championship, and they have done nothing to dissuade the betting public so far after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies.

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.