NBA 2026-27 Season Predictions: Who Will Claim the Title?
Eastern Conference Contenders
The 2026-27 NBA season brings fresh hopes and predictions. Many experts lean toward the New York Knicks as the team to beat in the East. Kelly Iko points out that despite off-court distractions, the Knicks maintain a strong roster and coaching staff without glaring weaknesses. Dan Devine trusts the Knicks more than any other Eastern team, highlighting their potential despite heavy workloads in recent seasons.
Tom Haberstroh favors the Philadelphia 76ers, citing their four All-NBA players, championship-winning coach, and solid depth as key factors. Steve Jones also supports the Knicks, emphasizing continuity and playoff readiness across multiple teams like the Cavs, Pistons, Sixers, Heat, and Raptors. Nekias Duncan prefers the Boston Celtics, impressed by their defensive skills, rebounding, and the presence of MVP-level talent Jayson Tatum.
Expert Picks for the East
- Kelly Iko: New York Knicks
- Dan Devine: New York Knicks
- Tom Haberstroh: Philadelphia 76ers
- Steve Jones: New York Knicks
- Nekias Duncan: Boston Celtics
Western Conference Favorites
On the Western side, opinions diverge between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan admires how the Thunder battled injuries yet nearly reached 70 wins and challenged fiercely in the Western Conference finals. Their talent, coaching, and motivation stand out.
Haberstroh and Jones both back the Spurs, who impressed last season and appear ready for another run with rising stars and a hunger for revenge. Dan Devine sides with the Thunder, expecting a rematch of last year's intense conference finals. Kelly Iko also sees the Spurs locked in for a collision course with Oklahoma City.
Expert Picks for the West
- Nekias Duncan: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Tom Haberstroh: San Antonio Spurs
- Steve Jones: San Antonio Spurs
- Dan Devine: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Kelly Iko: San Antonio Spurs
Who Will Take Home the NBA Championship?
Experts' championship forecasts vary, with some expecting rematches from previous thrilling Finals. Dan Devine predicts the Thunder over the Knicks, praising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise into elite company alongside legends with multiple regular-season and Finals MVP awards.
Duncan envisions the Thunder defeating the Celtics, highlighting star matchups, coaching battles, and fast-paced play from key contributors like Derrick White and Alex Caruso. Iko favors the Spurs over the Knicks, noting their improved lineup featuring Tobias Harris and believing they can counter New York’s stars.
Jones also picks the Spurs over the Knicks, looking forward to another Finals with strategic defensive battles and offensive improvements. Haberstroh selects the Spurs against the Sixers, expecting Victor Wembanyama to complete a rare progression from Rookie of the Year to champion within four seasons, a feat not seen in over half a century.
Championship Predictions
- Dan Devine: Thunder over Knicks
- Nekias Duncan: Thunder over Celtics
- Kelly Iko: Spurs over Knicks
- Steve Jones: Spurs over Knicks
- Tom Haberstroh: Spurs over Sixers
