Ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, there is little doubt that the Oklahoma City Thunder are the heavy favorites to repeat as champs. Not only is the core of the team intact, but the Thunder also added two first-round picks, making OKC’s roster even deeper. Of course, the Thunder isn’t the only team that has a chance to be better during the 2025-26 season. Some teams have young cores or made splashy offseason additions that are poised to take a big step forward. Let’s look at some of the teams that could be among the NBA’s most-improved teams during the 2025-26 season.
Orlando Magic
The Magic has already made big strides in the past two seasons, making the playoffs after a period in which they were among the worst teams in the NBA. Of course, they’ve also lost in the first round of the playoffs in back-to-back years. But after making headlines by acquiring Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies, Orlando is among the teams to watch in the Eastern Conference this season. The Magic already had one of the best front courts in the league, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the way. They will now pair Bane with Jalen Suggs in the backcourt for one of the most balanced and explosive starting lineups in the NBA.
Houston Rockets
There was nothing wrong with Houston’s 2024-25 campaign. The Rockets won the Southwest division and had the second-best record in the Western Conference, albeit 16 games behind Oklahoma City. But after trading for Kevin Durant, the Rockets are set up to be among the NBA’s elite. While more than a decade removed from being league MVP, Durant is still an all-star. He’s also joining a Houston roster that has rising stars like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson. If Durant can quickly gel with his new teammates, there’s no telling what Houston’s ceiling can be. In fact, many of the best betting apps that offer odds on the NBA and other sports list the Rockets as having the second-shortest odds to win the 2026 NBA title behind Oklahoma City.
Atlanta Hawks
The play-in tournament hasn’t been kind to Atlanta the past two seasons. But there are reasons to think the Hawks can make enough gains during the 2025-26 season to make the playoffs without going through the play-in tournament. With Trae Young, Atlanta has one of the NBA’s elite point guards. They also have a difference-maker in the front court after trading for Kristaps Porzingis, who is still capable of averaging 20 points per game. Young and Porzingis give the Hawks the star power they need to go from underdogs to favorites in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta also had two first-round picks in this year’s draft, so the Hawks have added a lot of talent to their roster during the offseason.
San Antonio Spurs
It’s now been six straight seasons that the Spurs have missed the playoffs. That’s a stunning number for a once-proud franchise that’s become a perpetual underdog. Nevertheless, San Antonio went from 22 wins two seasons ago to 34 wins last season, and another big jump could be on the horizon. But the team’s improvement isn’t about splashy offseason moves but rather player development. Getting Victor Wembanyama healthy after he was limited to 46 games last season will be a huge help. Having De’Aaron Fox for a full season after acquiring him last February is another reason to believe in the Spurs this season. The supporting cast for those two stars is coming along as well. San Antonio will also hope that second-overall pick Dylan Harper can make an immediate impact, boost the team’s talent level even more.
Dallas Mavericks
Just two years removed from playing in the NBA Finals, the Mavericks have as good of odds as any team of getting back there after missing the playoffs last season. Dallas welcomes first-overall pick Cooper Flagg, who looks poised to make a huge impact during his rookie year. Flagg will be surrounded by proven veterans like D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis, which should make it easier for him to hit the ground running. Keep in mind that the Mavericks will have Kyrie Irving coming back from injury around January. If they can hold down the fort until then, the Mavericks could peak at the right time of the season and become favorites to unseat Oklahoma City as king of the Western Conference.
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