After the first 10 days of the 2025-26 NBA season, what have we learned? Will there be any surprise division or championship winners? Maybe some players have opened eyes with their hot starts, putting them into contention for individual player awards?
We asked ESPN analysts Andre Snellings, Steve Alexander, Eric Moody, Jim McCormick and Eric Karabell for the future bets that each of them would make based on the start of the season.
Odds by ESPN BET
I like the Philadelphia 76ers to win the Atlantic Division at +325.
The 76ers have built a team that can be successful, with or without their oft-injured superstars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Embiid has been on a strict minutes limit and has scored more than six points in only two of four games, but the 76ers are still undefeated behind backcourt Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. The Celtics are without Jayson Tatum and the 76ers are playing at a level to compete with the Knicks for the division. I'm bullish on the 76ers this season. --Snellings
I like throwing some money at the 5-0 San Antonio Spurs to win the NBA Championship at 25-1.
They have Victor Wembanyama doing things we've never seen anyone do before, Stephon Castle has taken a leap, and we haven't even seen De'Aaron Fox in action yet due to a right hamstring injury. While I'm guessing they are still a year or two away from being serious contenders, they're off to a great start, and with Wemby, anything is possible. I'm also intrigued by the undefeated Bulls at 500-1. Ten dollars to win $5,000? Why not? --Alexander
I like Giannis Antetokounmpo to win regular-season MVP at +900.
Antetokounmpo is already building a strong MVP case. He's averaging 36.3 PPG, 14.0 RPG, and 7.0 APG, leading the Bucks in both scoring and rebounding while showing no signs of slowing down in his 13th season. The main concern is whether he can stay healthy and sustain his 35.6% usage rate, one of the highest in the league. If he does, a third MVP is well within reach. --Moody
I like the Miami Heat to win the Southeast Division at +310.
As someone who was an advocate for the Hawks to take over this division, sitting last in the league in rebounding percentage could prove to be a lasting issue. Speaking of lasting issues, let's talk about the Orlando Magic and their abysmal offense thus far. Sure, the key playmakers for the Magic will play better in the coming months, but with the team not even proving dominant on defense, multiple flags are raised.
Which brings us to the pace and race ... the Heat? Yes, the Heat lead the league in pace, which itself is not an impressive feat, but it is a philosophical shift. The Heat have abandoned screens and pick-and-roll sets for pure octane. I think this works, for at least this season, to the end of being the surprise leader of the division come spring. --McCormick
Stephen A. Smith heaps praise on Austin Reaves for stepping up for the Lakers after his game-winning shot vs. the Timberwolves.
I like Austin Reaves for Most Improved Player 25-1.
OK, so Reaves probably won't finish among the scoring leaders in the NBA, but he is showing that he can do more than average 20.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 5.8 APG. A lot more. I was all-in on Luka Doncic potentially leading the league in scoring and earning MVP votes, but it didn't take long for his first injury. LeBron James already has his, and I am questioning if either player suits up 65 times. Reaves will, and playing for the Lakers, everyone will notice his improved numbers. --Karabell