Which NBA Team Can Keep the League’s Parity Streak Alive in 2027?

Many NBA fans hate the current collective bargaining agreement, which has made it difficult to keep a core of players together for a contender. I have had my gripes about the CBA; however, it has absolutely succeeded in its goal of creating more parity in the NBA.

Whether you believe parity is a good thing is up to you, but it certainly creates opportunities for new franchises to win each season. Since 2019, no team has repeated as champion, with the New York Knicks being the 8th new team to win in as many years.

Due to the parity, I’m trying to find a ninth team to keep this streak alive in 2027. Currently, prediction markets have OKC as a slight favorite to win next season with a 28% chance of bringing the title back. The Thunder, of course, won the title in 2025, so I’ll be looking at the next few teams with the highest odds.

The draft and free agency haven’t even begun, so it’s still too early to fully decide who will be a contender, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status up in the air.

With that being said, the Spurs are the obvious favorite to continue this streak into 2027.

Despite losing the Finals in just five games, the Spurs led for 72% of the series. Victor Wembanyama has been given some flak for being a sore loser in this one, but he’s not wrong. San Antonio looked like the better team until crunch time rolled around. Their youth showed its colors on the biggest stage, and they weren’t able to close out a ridiculously clutch Knicks team.

It wouldn’t shock anyone to see the Spurs back in the Finals next year, and even exact their revenge as well.

Minnesota and Cleveland both have the next-highest odds, at 4% and 3%, respectively. Without major shakeups to their rosters, I don’t see how either of these teams can make the changes needed to become champions next season. Minnesota has already been a victim of the incredibly deep Western Conference, while Cleveland might take a step back in a healthier Eastern Conference next season.

My favorite team that hasn’t won recently currently has the 11th-best odds, and was one game away from winning in 2025. Prediction markets give the Pacers only a 2% chance of winning the Finals, but I’m not doubting Tyrese Haliburton anymore.

Last season was a nightmare in Indiana, but they have the space to bring in a free agent this year to pair with Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac. Bet on the Pacers before they make any big changes this offseason, as they’re currently a team too many are already forgetting about.