The 2025 Pacers proved a preseason long shot can catch fire and reach the NBA Finals. Could the Wizards or Mavericks make a similar run this season?

Washington Wizards (+15000)

Washington’s new core of Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr has significantly more talent than its odds suggest.

Young has already led a team to the Eastern Conference Finals, while Davis gives Washington an elite defensive anchor and dangerous pick-and-roll partner. If Dybantsa immediately develops into a reliable scorer, the Wizards could become a difficult playoff matchup.

Health and chemistry are major concerns, but the Eastern Conference gives Washington a realistic path to a surprise run.

Dallas Mavericks (+18000)

Dallas has built a young, athletic roster around Cooper Flagg, adding Zaccharie Risacher, Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama alongside Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.

Flagg could take a major second-year leap, while Irving provides the championship experience and late-game scoring most young teams lack. Dallas also has the length and versatility to develop into a disruptive playoff defense.

The Western Conference makes its path much harder, but 180-to-1 is a massive price for a team with this much young talent.

Who Has the Better Chance?

Washington has the easier route and more proven stars, while Dallas may possess the higher long-term ceiling.

Neither team is likely to reach the Finals, but that is the point of a long shot. The 2025 Pacers showed how quickly an overlooked team can become a contender.