The season opens Tuesday, and the Thunder and Spurs headline the third matchup, instantly pegged as the league’s next champions.
ESPN’s preseason power list crowns Oklahoma City first, San Antonio second, projecting 61 and 59 wins respectively. No other squad breaks the 52‑win mark. In my view, the Thunder appear unstoppable.
Western playoff votes were unanimous for the Thunder, Spurs, Timberwolves and Rockets. The Nuggets earned 29 votes, as did the Lakers, while the Trail Blazers and Jazz collected 18 and 16. Meanwhile the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks and Pelicans scraped 11, 10, 6 and 1 votes each.
We want your take. Which eight teams per conference will clinch the postseason? Who will battle for the Finals crown, and who will lift it? Who earns the season’s top honors? Who will surprise or disappoint? Can you picture the drama?
Head to the comments below and drop your forecasts for the 2026‑27 campaign—what will the story look like?