The NBA has a way of surprising us season after season. For instance, last year, few expected to see the Detroit Pistons improve from just 14 wins to 44 or for the Indiana Pacers to make a deep run to the Finals, pushing the series to seven games. I thought the Clippers were pretty average, yet they’ve emerged as one of the top teams in the West. Sure, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t secure 64 wins last season, but that’s just the start of the unexpected.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, we can expect more surprises. Predictions made now will surely be challenged, giving rise to new narratives. Right now, the Thunder are seen as strong championship favorites, while the Knicks and Cavaliers are anticipated to be significant competitors in the East. Whether those expectations hold true, who knows? Experts will undoubtedly miss the mark in various ways throughout the season.
Let’s dive into nine bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season. Your thoughts in the comments would be appreciated.
Thunder to win 70 games
Historically, only two teams have won more than 70 games in a season: the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. I have a hunch that the Oklahoma City Thunder will join those ranks in the 2025-26 season. They won 68 games last year despite key players like Chet Holmgren missing significant time. If Holmgren can stay healthy this year, it might be a real turning point for him offensively, and I could see him earning an All-NBA spot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a reliable scorer on the perimeter, and with young talents like Nicola Topic and Kayson Wallace potentially thriving, the Thunder’s depth and defense seem well-equipped to tackle a challenging conference schedule. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them surpass the win total set by Las Vegas, aiming for that 70-plus mark.
Nuggets to claim the 2026 championship
Sure, picking a team with high preseason championship odds might not sound incredibly bold, but with the Thunder as favorites, it feels like a tough task to choose otherwise. I was particularly impressed by the Nuggets in the preseason. Jamal Murray seems to be in better health, no longer slowed by his previous foot injury. Aaron Gordon’s shooting has noticeably improved, and the offensive synergy around Nikola Jokic appears to be evolving positively with Cameron Johnson’s growing familiarity with the team. The bench could turn into a strength this season, a stark contrast to last year. Jokic has his eyes set on more than one championship, and this looks like his best team yet. Denver is poised for an exhilarating year.
In the Eastern Conference, the Knicks and Cavaliers seem like the clear frontrunners, yet I think the Orlando Magic might give them a run for their money in the playoffs. The Magic’s defense is likely to be a top-tier unit once more, and I believe they’ve worked on the major offensive flaws that held them back previously. Last season, they struggled with 3-point shooting, finishing last in the league. With the right trades and some added space, particularly for Paolo Banchero, I can envision significant improvements. The challenge will be for Banchero and Franz Wagner to enhance each other’s play. Orlando’s net rating hasn’t been great with the two of them on the floor together, and better spacing might just do the trick this year. If they can address these issues, I really think they could exceed expectations.
Alperen Shengun breaks out
My preseason MVP rankings had Alperen Shengun at No. 6, reflecting his potential after an impressive year. Despite setbacks like Fred VanVleet’s injury, the Houston Rockets seem poised for growth, largely due to Shengun’s possibility of transitioning from All-Star to superstar. Houston’s spacing issues last year limited his opportunities, but adding players like Kevin Durant should provide much better looks at the rim. Shengun appears more confident after his standout performance in EuroBasket and has the skills to become a key player. If he sharpens his free-throw and 3-point shooting, I expect him to rack up points effortlessly.
Sabonis to be trade centerpiece
There’s a real chance this could be Giannis Antetokounmpo’s final season with the Bucks, though a midseason trade would be unexpected. Teams appear ready to head into rebuild mode ahead of the 2026 draft, with the Sacramento Kings standing out as a likely candidate. Even with players like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, the pieces don’t seem to fit well together. I’m worried the defense will struggle, and the core group might not elevate each other’s games. While Sabonis consistently puts up impressive numbers, he may not have the impact some anticipate, and other players like Lauri Markkanen could emerge as more attractive options as trade candidates.
LeBron likely to play limited games
LeBron James has made the All-NBA team for 21 seasons in a row, a remarkable feat in his storied career. However, this could be the year that streak ends. He’s been dealing with sciatica as the season kicks off, making it tough to see him playing the requisite games for another All-NBA selection. The Lakers have shifted their reliance to Luka Doncic, whose contract is up this summer, raising doubts about LeBron’s commitment and readiness as the season begins. I suspect he’ll explore free agency next summer, with a reunion with the Cavaliers appearing plausible. While Cleveland should be competitive this year, should they falter and miss the playoffs, a farewell tour for LeBron would certainly not surprise anyone. It’ll be curious to see how all of this unfolds.
2024 draft perceptions shift
The 2024 NBA Draft was initially viewed as lacking in standout prospects, and everyone was searching for a potential superstar. Yet, now that we’re entering the second seasons, many players are looking promising. I’m impressed with Matas Bouselis from the Bulls, who is showcasing skills as a transition scorer and solid three-point shooter. I expect strong performances from Donovan Clingan in Portland and Zach Eady in Memphis. Jared McCain was high on the list before his injury, and if he recovers well, he could become a vital player for the 76ers. Some players who didn’t go first overall could still rise and shine, and I think teams that invest in these developing talents will reap the benefits.
I haven’t even brought up players like San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, who’s still working on his 3-point shot, or Oklahoma City’s Nicola Topic, who topped my final board. I’m also keen to see how Ron Holland performs with the added opportunities. While it’s cautious to predict stardom for any of these players just yet, I do think this draft class holds a lot of potential contributors, especially with another weak draft looming on the horizon.
Zion Williamson makes an All-NBA squad
I can hardly believe that Zion Williamson has progressed to being seventh in the league. Time flew since I was profiling him before his senior year in high school, long before his breakout season at Duke. I thought by now he would be contending for MVP, but injuries hindered his growth, largely due to his own neglect of his conditioning. I may sound a bit harsh, but I genuinely think if the newly-slimmed Williamson can stay healthy, he’ll deliver a substantial year. While he’s already been named an All-Star twice, this is his first All-NBA selection, putting him among the league’s elite. His scoring ability in the paint is among the finest, and his creative finishes are breathtaking. This season feels pivotal for him to solidify his place as New Orleans’ franchise player.
Nets, Jazz, Wizards face lottery fate
Even with changes to the lottery system in 2019, team tanking doesn’t guarantee success like it used to. The Mavericks made major jumps in the last draft, moving from the 11th to the first pick, while the Spurs leaped from eighth to the second overall pick. Fast forward to 2024, where the Hawks moved up from number 10 to grab the top spot. Even if some teams finish at the bottom, they’re not ensured the top picks. Heading into this year, the Jazz, Nets, and Wizards seem poised for rebuilding. Given recent lottery trends, I suspect two of these teams might find themselves in a challenging spot come draft night, especially with the 2027 draft lacking in talent.
