11-time NBA All-Star and "Inside the NBA" host Charles Barkley. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Dares Anyone to ‘Bet’ Against Him After Naming NBA Finals Winner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 27, 2025 10:38 PM ET

The 2025 NBA Finals are fast approaching, with the Eastern and Western Conference Finals still underway. Tuesday night’s Game 4 features the New York Knicks facing off against the Indiana Pacers, but NBA legend Charles Barkley already seems certain about who will take home the championship.

In recent weeks, Barkley has consistently backed the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. On Tuesday night, ahead of the Knicks-Pacers game, he took his confidence to a whole new level with a bold statement in support of the Thunder—coming off their thrilling 128-126 road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, which gave them a commanding 3-1 series lead.

"This is the Oklahoma City invitational," Barkley said. "Whoever comes out of the East, [OKC] will beat the hell out of them."

He continued, "The Thunder are gonna win the championship and anybody that wanna bet, come to my damn house because I can afford it."

"The OKC Thunder are gonna win the Championship and anybody that wanna bet... come to my damn house because I can afford it."

Chuck NOT mincing words at all ️ pic.twitter.com/GZrU5bLm5A
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 27, 2025

The Thunder have indeed been the best team in the NBA all season. Not only did they finish with the best record in the Western Conference by a wide margin, but they also ended the regular season with the best record in the entire league at 68-14. Their dominance has carried into the playoffs, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

After defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in five games during the first round, the Thunder went on to dominate the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling, win-or-go-home Game 7 on their home court.

Now, they stand just one win away from the NBA Finals, facing the Timberwolves in Game 5 at home in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: