Friday, Oct. 17, marks the final day of the NBA preseason, and teams are readying themselves for the regular season push. Players and coaches have used the preseason to regain game shape, test lineups, and evaluate potential playoff rotations.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, are returning as the team to beat after a historic 68-win season — the most in the league. Yet, history suggests repeating is difficult; no NBA team has defended its title since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2017–18.
Experts are projecting competitive matchups across both conferences, with young stars and veteran leaders vying to establish supremacy early in the season.
Eastern Conference Outlook
Atlantic Division
New York Knicks (59-23): New coach Mike Brown brings a diversified offense, featuring Jalen Brunson off the ball more often. The Knicks’ depth gives them the tools to dominate the East.
Philadelphia 76ers (43-39): Joel Embiid’s health is the key factor. If managed correctly with load management, Philly could surprise.
Boston Celtics (41-41): Without Jayson Tatum, role players must step up. Veteran acquisitions will test whether Boston can stay competitive.
Toronto Raptors (40-42): Brandon Ingram pairs with Scottie Barnes to boost the offense. Health will be critical to climbing back into the playoff conversation.
Brooklyn Nets (16-66): A rebuilding year focused on draft capital, relying heavily on young, unproven players.
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers (58-24): Despite losing sixth man Ty Jerome, the Cavs retain their core, led by Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr., remaining a top Eastern threat.
Detroit Pistons (53-29): Return of Jaden Ivey provides major offensive support alongside Cade Cunningham, giving Detroit a chance to sustain last season’s breakout performance.
Indiana Pacers (39-43): Guards Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard will have opportunities to step up with Myles Turner’s departure.
Milwaukee Bucks (37-45): Giannis Antetokounmpo carries the team, with Myles Turner added to bolster the frontcourt.
Chicago Bulls (35-47): Continuity may lead to surprises if Josh Giddey continues to progress.
Southeast Division
Orlando Magic (52-30): Additions like Desmond Bane diversify the offense alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Atlanta Hawks (44-38): Roster upgrades and the return of Jalen Johnson strengthen Atlanta’s playoff chances.
Miami Heat (40-42): Starting without Tyler Herro is a setback; tempo-focused strategies will be key.
Washington Wizards (23-59) & Charlotte Hornets (21-61): Young cores building for the future; key rookies may emerge as future stars.
Western Conference Outlook
Northwest Division
Oklahoma City Thunder (62-20): Dominant core intact; avoiding complacency after a title is critical.
Denver Nuggets (54-28): Adding Cameron Johnson complements three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, making them immediate title contenders.
Minnesota Timberwolves (45-37): After back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances, the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker raises questions about depth.
Portland Trail Blazers (37-45) & Utah Jazz (17-65): Developing young talent with injury recovery and rookie stars shaping the long-term outlook.
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Clippers (51-31): Veteran roster faces off-court distractions, but John Collins and Brook Lopez strengthen the frontcourt.
Golden State Warriors (45-37) & Los Angeles Lakers (43-39): Aging stars remain competitive, though depth and injuries will determine success.
Sacramento Kings (35-47) & Phoenix Suns (30-52): Focus on perimeter defense and supporting superstar scorers.
Southwest Division
Houston Rockets (55-27): Despite losing Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant keeps Houston as a title threat.
San Antonio Spurs (50-32): Rookie Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama could catalyze a breakout season.
Memphis Grizzlies (39-43) & Dallas Mavericks (38-44): Youth development and injury management key to staying competitive.
New Orleans Pelicans (28-54): Injuries and roster gaps may limit playoff potential despite promising rookies.
2025-26 Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks def. Pistons Western Conference Finals: Nuggets def. Spurs 2026 NBA Finals: Nuggets def. Knicks
