Well, NBA Fans, we are officially two months away from the NBA season starting. It is right around the time when the offseason moves have settled down and the NBA schedule is finally being released. It will be the start of a new era for the NBA’s 80th season. For starters, it will be the return of the NBA on NBC, along with games airing on Amazon Prime and Peacock.
As far as NBA moves, this offseason started with a set of big moves. The NBA season ended in a dramatic, hard-fought, and heartbreaking way with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning their first title since moving to Oklahoma City over the Indiana Pacers in a wild seven-game series. The series ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Indiana Pacers as their Cinderella-like run ended, losing Tyrese Halliburton to a torn Achilles tendon in just eight minutes of Game 7.
On the same day as Game 7, a big trade occurred with Kevin Durant being dealt for the second time in three years to the Houston Rockets, who are now transitioning from a young contender to a “win now” team. A few days prior, the Orlando Magic made a shocking move by trading for Desmond Bane, who should provide help to a team that struggled mightily on offense all last season. Let’s also not forget about the sentimental element with Damian Lillard returning to Portland after a tumultuous two-year period with the Bucks.
When looking at the NBA hierarchy, it appears that the Western Conference has gotten even stronger with 10 teams having the ability to win 45-50 games if things go their way, including Cooper Flagg and the rejuvenated Dallas Mavericks. In the East, the story has been completely different. The injury bug took out a couple of the contenders from last season, and it now appears that those teams will be in for a gap season.
The Boston Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum, and the Indiana Pacers will be without Halliburton. The East looks like a two-way race between the up-and-coming Cleveland Cavaliers and the star-driven New York Knicks. However, with the improvement of the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, they are looking to become dark-horse contenders. Let’s also not forget about the Milwaukee Bucks. As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the roster, then the Bucks will be relevant. The big question is, will Giannis still be committed to the dairy state?
Let’s get right into it!
2025-26 NBA Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 68-14
The Thunder were the best team in the NBA and Western Conference all year, and that shouldn’t change by extending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the richest extension in history. Oklahoma City was also able to extend Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, which locks up their big 3 for the foreseeable future. The Thunder are in a strong position to be the next NBA dynasty if they can avoid serious injury. This team is in a class of its own and looks like the strongest contender since the mid-2010s Warriors to repeat as champions for the first time since 2018. Oh yeah, let’s not forget about lottery pick Nikola Topic will make his NBA debut after missing his entire rookie season.
Record Prediction: 61-21
2. Denver Nuggets 50-32
The team that took the champs to seven games just got a whole lot better. The Nuggets ranked 27th in total bench points, and they were able to upgrade their bench by bringing back Bruce Brown, along with signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and trading for Cam Johnson, which will give Denver plenty of depth and shooting. Let’s not forget that Denver also signed Jonas Valanciunas, who will be a solid backup big man for Nikola Jokic. With the best player in the world, along with a full season of a new coach and front office, and an improved supporting cast, the Nuggets are the biggest threat to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Record Prediction: 56-26
3. Houston Rockets 52-30
Let’s be transparent. The Rockets were among the main winners of the offseason due to the simple fact that they upgraded from Jalen Green to Durant. Houston’s biggest weakness last year, especially in the postseason, was the lack of a go-to scorer and star power. Kevin Durant fits the bill for both of those categories. The Rockets were able to replace Dillon Brooks with Dorrey Finney Smith and signed Clint Capela as a backup big to rising young star Alphren Segun. The biggest concern with KD will be health and age. Durant will be 37 years old and in Year 19. Nevertheless, the Rockets are legit contenders. GM Rafael Stone stated, “We’re not a developmental team anymore.”
Record Prediction: 52-30
4. New York Knicks 50-32
I like what the Knicks did this offseason. With the East being more wide open since LeBron James left the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are doing what they need to do to position themselves to be in the NBA finals for the first time since 1999 and perhaps win their first title since 1973. The Knicks signed both Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabuselle to provide depth off the bench for a New York that ranked dead last in total bench points. The Knicks were able to extend Miles Bridges for another five years to keep their core four intact to compete for a championship for the next few seasons.
Record Prediction: 52-30
5. Cleveland Cavaliers 64-18
The Cavaliers were the best team in the East for most of the entire season until the second round, where injuries and a bad matchup ended their season prematurely. But with the Celtics, Pacers, and Bucks likely taking a gap year, this team should be one of the two favorites to come out of the East. I believe the move for Lonzo Ball was extremely underrated for a team that needs a backup point guard who can run the offense. This season is conference finals or nothing. Anything short of that will be a massive disappointment.
Record Prediction: 55-27
6. Los Angeles Clippers 50-32
The Clippers were able to win 50 games and were one game short of a semi-finals appearance despite losing Paul George last summer, and Kawhi Leonard only played 37 games all last season. The Clippers were able to add more size and depth in the frontcourt with John Collins and Brook Lopez, despite losing Norman Powell. The Clippers were able to replace Powell with Bradley Beal and will have CP3 making his return to the Clippers. This team would have been a fantasy team back in 2017. Nevertheless, the Clippers will have the oldest roster in the NBA, but this team has the potential to be a dark-horse contender in the West.
Record Prediction: 50-32
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 49-33
The Timberwolves were able to find their groove towards the end of the season and returned to the Western Conference Finals. As long as Anthony Edwards is on the roster, Minnesota should be able to compete for the playoffs year after year. Resigning Naz Reid and Julius Randle will help the Wolves maintain their front-court depth. However, losing Nikael Alexander-Walker will hurt their depth on the perimeter, and both Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert are another year older. Time to win now might be sooner than expected with this core.
Record Prediction: 50-32
8. Los Angeles Lakers 50-32
Not necessarily a flashy offseason for the Purple and Gold, but a productive one to say the least. Were they enough to elevate the Lakers into title contention? It is possible. Getting De’Andre Ayton will give the Lakers a formidable big man, which was a crucial need after trading Anthony Davis and losing in the first round to Minnesota. The big stories from this offseason regarding the Lakers were LeBron opting in for two more seasons, which could likely be his last 2 years in the NBA. The other story was the physical transformation of Luka Doncic, who looks slimmer and is an MVP favorite. It’s title or bust for the Purple and Gold.
Record Prediction: 50-32
9. Golden State Warriors 49-33
It’s easy to think that the Warriors will appear to be more like the team they were after trading for Jimmy Butler. And they were dominant, going 23-9 after the trade deadline. However, this core of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler will be another year older, with each of them being 38, 36, and 36 years old once the postseason begins.
Also, this team stood pat, while the other teams in the West improved. Golden State still has the potential to contend and go deep in the playoffs. However, with the age of their big three along with other teams improving, don’t expect Golden State to be a dominant regular season. Also, when will the Jonathan Kuminga situation be resolved?
Prediction: 48-34
10. Orlando Magic 41-41
Acquiring Bane was the right move. However, I didn’t like how much Orlando gave up to get him. Still, it will give the Magic another offensive option who is capable of getting 20-25 points a night, especially for a team that struggled in practically every offensive metric last year. The shooting and offense were even worse when both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were out due to injury last year. This team, if healthy, has the potential to be top three in the Eastern Conference. Let’s remember how elite their defense was: number in defensive efficiency, first in blocks, and second in opponent turnovers. If the Magic can at least be an average team offensively, then look out.
Record Prediction: 50-32
11. Atlanta Hawks 40-42
Atlanta had one of the best offseasons in the NBA. The Hawks were able to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Nikeal Alexander Walker, and Luke Kennard, who will provide shooting, rim protection, and perimeter defense. Let’s not forget that the Hawks got an unprotected lottery pick from the Pelicans, who aren’t expected to contend this season for next year’s draft. Atlanta has always been a talented team on paper, which has underachieved a bit in the regular season. However, in an injury-riddled East, this might be the year where the Hawks can have their breakout season. Let’s see if they recapture their 2021 playoff magic.
Record Prediction: 47-35
12. Milwaukee Bucks 48-34
As long as Antetokounmpo is on the roster, the Bucks can be a contender of some type. The roster does feel like a subtle sinking ship for their 2021 title. Nevertheless, Milwaukee did make some moves. They replaced Brook Lopez with a younger rim protector who can shoot the 3 in Myles Turner. Waiving Lillard was a disappointing move financially and morally, but Milwaukee was able to sign Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, who can provide the team with extra scoring options. If the Bucks can start winning, then maybe Milwaukee can reemerge as a title contender in the East, but with the amount of uncertainty related to the Giannis rumors, it will be very tough to rank Milwaukee.
Record Prediction: 47-35
13. Detroit Pistons 44-38
Oh man, what a turnaround. The Pistons were the pleasant surprise story from last year, tripling their win total and avoiding the play-in tournament altogether. Detroit was able to win its first playoff game in 17 seasons. Is another win jump like this expected? Probably not, but the Detroit Pistons are one of the rising young teams in the NBA, and they should be back in the postseason this upcoming season. Let’s not forget that Cade Cunningham proved that he is worthy of his first all-star appearance and is expected to have plenty more all-star appearances. Let’s not forget Jaden Ivey will be back after his season-ending leg injury. Detroit basketball is so back!
Record Prediction: 44-38
14. Memphis Grizzlies 48-34
It was overall a good offseason for the Memphis Grizzlies. They were first able to extend star defensive big man Jaren Jackson Jr. to a 5-year, $240 million contract. The Grizzlies also traded Bane for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, along with 4 future first-round draft picks. This move will make the Grizzlies worse in the short term, but will help Memphis build around its core of Ja Morant and Jackson Jr. for the foreseeable future. The Grizzlies were also able to improve their depth by adding Ty Jerome, who can provide scoring off the bench, and adding size to the frontcourt depth. Overall, they are expected to be a play-in team in a tough Western Conference.
Record Prediction: 43-39
15. San Antonio Spurs 34-48
Could this team be the favorite to be the most improved team this upcoming season? This team sure has the potential to be that. With a full season of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembyama coming from a season-ending injury, the potential of this Spurs team could elevate them back into the postseason.
Is there an overlap of talent on this roster? Yes, but that is what happens when you are blessed with three consecutive top two draft picks. The potential greatness of 21-year-old Wemby should be enough to overcome the odd roster construction, but it will also determine who to keep to build around their superstar. It will be the first season in nearly 30 years that Gregg Popovich won’t be the coach.
Record Prediction: 45-37
16. Boston Celtics 61-21
It is crazy how one playoff series and one injury can completely alter the trajectory of a franchise. A series loss to the Knicks, along with Tatum’s season-ending Achilles rupture, has the Celtics going from being one of the favorites to repeat to now being one of the most active sellers this offseason and expecting a gap year. Luckily, with Boston being in the weaker conference, they could sneak into the postseason as a play-in team. However, they will need more than just a big year from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
Record Prediction: 42-40
17. Dallas Mavericks 39-43
The Mavericks will be one of the hardest teams to project. When this team is fully healthy and with their size on the frontcourt, they can be a playoff contender in the West. Dallas will be looking to turn the page on what was one of the most bizarre seasons I have seen in recent memory, which involved the shocking Doncic deal. At least that netted them number pick Flagg, who looks like a generational talent. Health will be the big X-factor for Dallas this season. Kyrie Irving will be out until at least the first half of the season, and Davis, as most know, will always be questionable when it comes to health.
Record Prediction: 41-41
18. Indiana Pacers 50-32
What a run. The Pacers were one win away from pulling off perhaps the Cinderella story of a lifetime. I owe the city of Indianapolis an apology for picking against them every series along the way, and I was rooting for them in the NBA finals. Unfortunately, it appears that due to the injury of Haliburton and the loss of Myles Turner in free agency, the Pacers are in for a gap year. But man, that playoff run was magical, despite the ending. Expect a big season from Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin to keep the Pacers in the playoff hunt.
Record Prediction: 37-45
19. Miami Heat 37-45
The Heat are looking to pick up the pieces after a rough season, which involved a distracted star eventually being traded and one of the most embarrassing first-round losses in NBA history. The Heat did acquire Powell, who had his best season offensively for the Clippers, and will provide another scorer to a team that was below average offensively. Will that alone elevate Miami to a contender? Probably not. Will Heat Culture still be a thing next season? Possibly. Once again, this is a roster that has average-level talent at best that always finds a way to get into the postseason.
Record Prediction: 41-41
20. Philadelphia 76ers 24-58
Injuries destroyed any chance of the 76ers competing last year. The big three of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and George were only able to play 15 games together last season. Nevertheless, the 76ers are still a fringe contender when healthy, but that is a big “if” currently. Joel Embiid will be 32 years old, and with his health injury, the window for title contention might be a lot shorter than expected. The backcourt of Maxey and 3rd overall pick VJ Edgecombe should be intriguing to see a glimpse of what the future could hold for the 76ers squad.
Record: 41-41
21. Portland Trail Blazers 36-46
It will be tough to imagine Portland taking another leap similar to what they did last season, especially in the second half of the season. The Blazers were practically a .500 team in the 2025 portion of the season thanks to a solid defense and development from their young core. It will be another year of rebuilding and development in Portland this year. But that is okay because Lillard will be rehabbing from a torn Achilles and making his return to Portland in 2026. It is crazy how things work in a full circle sometimes.
Record Prediction: 35-47
22. Chicago Bulls 39-43
The Bulls somewhat accepted a rebuild last year by trading Zach LaVine, but still kept Nikola Vucevic. It is frustrating that they still haven’t fully committed to a plan. Nevertheless, the Bulls’ young core showed some promise during the second half of the season, with guys like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Mata Buzelies showing promise as a young core. The Bulls are still mediocre and in the NBA Purgatory, but at least now, they have a core that has shown some promise. Maybe if the Bulls can land Kumniga, that can all change. But at least Chicago has committed to a plan. Kinda.
Record Prediction: 35-47
23. Sacramento Kings 40-42
What exactly are the Kings doing? It appears that the Kings are content with being in the NBA Purgatory. Their biggest acquisitions were signing Dennis Schroder and Markelle Fultz. It is beyond delusional to believe that Sacramento will compete for anything other than a play-in tournament. If the Kings can land Jonathan Kuminga, then at least the Kings are betting on a player with star potential. Otherwise, it will be an average season in Sacramento around the core of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis.
Record Prediction: 32-50
24. Toronto Raptors 30-52
This team is going to be tough to project this upcoming season. On one hand, this Raptors squad has a solid core of veterans and young talent. The amount of playing time for their big three of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley was limited, and their biggest acquisition from last year’s deadline, Brandon Ingram, has yet to make his debut for the Raptors Let’s not forget that the Raptors are in the weaker conference and getting into the play-in might not be a tall task. Yet, the roster construction is very questionable, as most of the best players have similar playing styles.
Record Prediction: 36-46
25. Phoenix Suns 36-46
The Suns’ record last year when Durant didn’t play was 3-17. Well, the Suns just traded Durant to Houston for Green, Brooks, and several draft picks. Beal was recently bought out by the Clippers weeks later. It will likely be a transition year for the Suns, and it might result in an ugly season.
The fit between Booker and Green is puzzling, yet intriguing, with both players being ball-dominant and iso-heavy scorers. Expect a big scoring year from Booker as he will need to score a lot to keep the Suns competitive. Oh, and Green will likely have the green light as well to have a breakout season. Potential is there in the desert but the days of the Suns competing in the postseason are over.
Record Prediction: 27-55
26. New Orleans Pelicans 21-61
Last season was an unmitigated disaster in New Orleans. This offseason didn’t get fans too excited about the potential for this team, as it was highlighted by their biggest acquisition, which was Jordan Poole from DC. The other move was trading their unprotected pick in next year’s draft to move up for a late lottery pick in this year’s draft. In a deeper Western Conference, don’t be surprised if the Pelicans are a bottom team again, especially with DeJounte Murray to be out for the early part of the season rehabbing from an Achilles rupture. And Zion? Well, we all know health is always going to be a question mark related to that guy.
Record Prediction: 27-55
27. Charlotte Hornets 19-63
It was a good offseason for Charlotte. Acquiring both Spencer Dinwiddie and Collin Sexton provides scoring to a team that was one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, along with a backup point guard for a team that went 3-32 without their star guard, LaMelo Ball. Drafting Kon Knueppel was a great selection as he will provide shooting and is more of an NBA-ready prospect. The big question is whether LaMelo Ball is still a viable player to build your franchise around. The kid is only 24 years old, but has had three straight injury-riddled seasons. Can the Hornets finally turn the corner and end their nine-season playoff drought?
Record Prediction: 32-50
28. Washington Wizards 18-64
It might not appear currently, but the Wizards are slowly and surely heading in the right direction. The Wizards have a lot of young talent that has shown glimpses of potential, along with acquiring veterans like CJ McCollum, Marcus Smart, and Khris Middleton. The main goal for next season is to determine their next franchise player. Despite the improvement towards the end of last season, expect the Wizards to be at the bottom of the league unless their young core takes a significant leap. Things are headed in the right direction!
Record Prediction: 21-61
29. Brooklyn Nets 26-56
Expect a big year from Michael Porter Jr. Nearly a decade ago, Porter Jr. was a top high school player and had top three draft pick potential before his back injury in 2017. Now, it is possible to see what Porter Jr can do as a number one option despite being in a situation where the team will be focusing on building for the future. The Nets proved that by drafting five players in this past year’s draft. Other than that, Brooklyn won’t be relevant this upcoming season, and their top priority will be the 2026 draft and securing another top pick.
Record Prediction: 17-65
30. Utah Jazz 17-65
The team with the worst record in the NBA last season lost a couple of its key veteran players and replaced them with rookies and younger talent. This team should hold the title as the youngest roster in the NBA, and the Jazz should be getting attention around the league because of their intriguing young talent on the roster. The goal for this season is to see if Utah has a current potential star on the roster, whether it’s fifth pick Ace Bailey or someone else, and shoot for a top pick in the 2026 draft. Don’t be surprised if the Jazz have another 60-loss season.
Record Prediction: 15-67
Main Image: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
