<p>With the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/events/nba">2025/26 NBA season beginning at the end of October</a>, many bettors will be looking forward to the various basketball markets that are offered throughout the campaign.</p> <p>In separate articles, we’ve already discussed <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-nba">how to bet on the NBA</a> alongside with our betting predictions for the outright winner and which players will be up for some of the biggest individual awards the league has to offer to recognise their performances.</p> <p>Now, we’ll take a look at the two conferences and make our predictions on who we think are in contention to win them and make the post-season, where they’ll have the chance to play for the NBA Finals Championship.</p> <h2>NBA Eastern Conference Betting Predictions</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba-futures/nba-futures-2026-9324399">2025-26 NBA Eastern Conference Winner</a> market has the Cleveland Cavaliers as the opening favourite to be crowned the winner.</p> <p>Indeed, it’s hard not to agree with the odds being offered, as they were excellent last season. They went on a 15-game unbeaten run to start the campaign, before finishing last season strong with a 64-18 record (1st in East), powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 24.5 PPG, efficient defence, and one of the best net ratings in the league. They have maintained roster continuity and depth, making them the leading candidates.</p> <p>Elsewhere, the New York Knicks had a solid 51-31 record last season, with improvements from Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns, and reached the conference finals for the first time in decades. Their offseason moves add depth and shooting, helping to sustain their place as a title contender in the East this season.</p> <p>The Orlando Magic could be an outside bet in this market this season, as they are expected to rise after a 43-39 finish last year. They have key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who showed potential last season and should improve further, while new additions like Desmond Bane boost their overall offensive efficiency.</p> <h2>NBA Western Conference Betting Predictions</h2> <p>In the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-us/nba-futures/nba-futures-2026-9324399">2025-26 NBA Western Conference Winner</a> market, it’s not really a surprise to learn that the Oklahoma City Thunder are the big favourites. They are the defending NBA Champions, are expected to retain their crown, and have kept a core group of players together, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.</p> <p>With this in mind, it’s almost impossible to look beyond OKC, and we’re not, especially as they coasted through the West last season. They finished the 2024–25 season with a record of 68–14, with the Houston Rockets the next best on 52-30.</p> <p>For those looking for a little value, the Rockets might be a good outside pick and a dark horse for this year’s West. They have added Kevin Durant in the offseason, which further bolsters their title hopes. They struggled in the post-season, but they should improve this year in terms of scoring and leadership on the court.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are always a team that cannot be overlooked, especially with players like Nikola Jokic on their roster. They finished with a 50-32 record last season, but improvements are expected.</p>