As the NBA pauses for the 2026 All-Star break in Los Angeles, the picture of who is “legit” and who is merely padding their record has finally come into focus. The 2023 CBA changes have created a new landscape where depth and smart financial construction are paramount, and the teams at the top have separated themselves through a mix of young firepower and veteran savviness. With the trade deadline behind us, the league has a clear hierarchy of contenders. Heading into the home stretch, these five teams are the true championship favorites.
The True Top Five NBA Title Favorites
5. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks continue to be a gritty, legit team that matches up well against the top of the Eastern Conference. Despite a sometimes-rollercoaster season, their elite offense and defense make them a dangerous playoff matchup.
Jalen Brunson has continued his elite play, and the team’s depth has held up despite nagging injuries to key players. As a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals just a season ago, the Knicks have the experience to push anyone in a seven-game series.
4. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as one of the top 2026 NBA title favorites due to the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama, regarded as a top-five player, combined with high-level team performance, including strong, young complementary players like Stephon Castle. The Spurs currently sit second in the Western Conference standings and and still have a solid shot at moving up to first.
San Antonio has put the league on notice by dominating their season series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning four out of the five matchups. Any team that has championship aspirations will most likely have to go through the Thunder to get it done and the Spurs are the team that has shown the potential to do it.
3. Denver Nuggets
Despite a minor scare when Nikola Jokic missed time earlier in the season with a knee injury, the Denver Nuggets have shown they are built for the long haul. They retooled efficiently, bringing back fan-favorite Bruce Brown to bolster their bench, which has kept them in the elite tier.
Jokic is still the best player in the world, and Jamal Murray has arguably reached new heights, earning his first All-Star selection. The addition of a solid backup center and consistent bench scoring keeps them as one of the biggest threats to the Thunder in the West.
2. Detroit Pistons
A surprise to many, the Detroit Pistons have sustained a top-three defense and a top-10 offense throughout the season, establishing themselves as a legitimate Eastern Conference powerhouse.
With Cade Cunningham emerging as a superstar (leading the East in assists), Detroit has paired him with better shooting, recently acquiring Kevin Huerter to fill gaps. The Pistons have set at the top of the East for most of the season, proving they are no fluke.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champions have not just hung around; they have dominated. Sitting atop the league standings and holding the best point differential, the Thunder are looking to become the first repeat champion since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has cemented himself as one of the best in the game today, while Chet Holmgren has taken a massive leap in his third year, providing elite two-way play. Their deep, young core has developed even faster than expected, and they have maintained the best defense in the league while ranking near the top of the league offensively as well. Every team has their flaws, and the Thunder are no exception, but as long as they are healthy at the right time, they are the team to beat.
Honorable Mention
After a rocky start, the Boston Celtics have climbed the standings, aided by the acquisition of Nikola Vucevic to upgrade their center position. This is a team that must be mentioned as a serious threat. If Jayson Tatum comes back this season, then this team instantly becomes a legitimate title contender.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
