Knicks have only the 4th-best NBA championship odds for 2027
NY Daily News
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Despite recently winning their first NBA championship in 53 years, the New York Knicks are already considered underdogs for the next season. Early betting odds place them fourth in title contention, behind teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics.
- The Knicks' championship odds are set at +650 by DraftKings, significantly longer than the Spurs (+250), Thunder (+260), and Celtics (+550).
- This follows a postseason run where the Knicks were initially 17-1 long shots but went 16-3, achieving a record-setting point differential of +283.
- The team is expected to retain its starting lineup and key reserve Miles McBride.
- Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are their main free agents, and Jose Alvarado has a player option.
- The Knicks' projected payroll for the 2026-27 season is around $209 million, approaching the second apron of the salary cap ($222 million), which may require difficult decisions to keep the championship roster intact.
- Early favorites include the Spurs, bolstered by young talent like Victor Wembanyama, and the Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who are expected to contend after strong previous seasons and playoff performances.
- The Celtics, who also had a successful season and are rumored to be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, are considered contenders, especially in the Eastern Conference.
