The 2025-26 NBA season is set to kick off, marking the end of an offseason filled with massive player movement, gigantic contract extensions, and unexpected injuries.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who won the championship last year, enter the new season as the league’s favorites. . The Thunder’s status is based on the expectation that their young core will continue to develop naturally on its own. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams all received contract extensions, which will set the team up well long-term. Holmgren, who missed significant time last season with a hip fracture, is set to take a massive jump on offense this season. To the competitors of OKC, that inner growth represents a scary prospect.
The biggest splash in the Western Conference occurred when the Houston Rockets made a trade for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Durant’s signing fixes the team’s glaring lack for a scoring threat in must-score, pressure-filled situations.
“He really changes the team dynamic, and I think they could end up making a decent playoff run,” said sophomore Parker Perceval.
Many are predicting the Rockets to be a guarantee for a top-five or even a top-three defense with Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Dorian Finney-Smith leading the defense. Thompson, who was top-five in Defensive Player of the Year voting in his second year in the NBA, is in a good position to win Most Improved Player this season, with Durant set to accelerate his scoring development. Some think the with the new look the Rockets are capable of reaching 60 wins and competing with the Thunder in the West.
Another serious contender, the Denver Nuggets, addressed their long-standing problem of depth off the bench, an issue that has affected them in past years. Denver traded Michael Porter, Jr. to get Cam Johnson, who is expected to be a starter and more reliable fit on both sides of the floor. Also, the Nuggets finally signed a good backup center for Nikola Jokić in Jonas Valančiūnas, and brought back Bruce Brown on a minimum contract.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are building around the existing backcourt of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Butler’s arrival last season improved the Warriors overnight, significantly helping their net rating and free-throw rate, both of which were in the 99th percentile when he played.
“The Warriors are gearing up for a solid season with some new athletes and some old faces ready to show up and deliver for the team as a whole,” said sophomore Ryan Messinger.
If they remain healthy, 50 wins and a top-six seed are well within reach for Golden State.
The LA Clippers went after depth, adding veteran guard Bradley Beal and center Brook Lopez, while re-signing James Harden and bringing back Chris Paul for what will be his final ride in the NBA. Star forward Kawhi Leonard ended last season without sustaining an injury and should start this season healthy, which is crucial to the Clippers success.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who agreed to a contract extension with star Luka Dončić, signed center Deandre Ayton hoping that his arrival will add a vertical threat to the pick-and-roll attack. They also signed veteran Marcus Smart, who’s a former defensive player of the year. The team does have an early challenge, though, with LeBron James opting out of the start of his record 23rd season with a bout of sciatica, inflammation of a nerve in his glute. He will be re-evaluated early Nov. 2025.
In the East, the Cavs and Knicks have good championship odds, with the Cavs keeping their core. The Knicks are adopting a new pace-and-space offense under coach Mike Brown to maximize the team’s talent, such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Some people suggest that the Knicks may be set to reach 60 wins.
“I think the Knicks will come in first place in the East with a record of 59-23 and will make the finals, but lose to the Thunder,” said sophomore Asher Beatus.
The Detroit Pistons are also causing a buzz following their near-tripling of their win count last year, from 14 to 44. With Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA performance, averaging 26 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, the Pistons are looking for their first 50-win season in nearly two decades.
The Indiana Pacers are losing their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his achilles in the NBA Finals. Similarly, the Boston Celtics are struggling with Jayson Tatum’s achilles tear. These injuries have really impacted both teams’ championship odds.
The league is seeking significant development from several young players. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is heading into his third season healthy following a blood clot in the shoulder that shortened his previous season. Wembanyama was averaging a league-best 3.8 blocks per game before he was injured, and he is generally considered to be an instant defensive player of the year candidate. Furthermore, the 2025 NBA Draft brought in key talent, with the Dallas Mavericks selecting Cooper Flagg with the number one overall pick and the San Antonio Spurs followed by selecting Dylan Harper at number two. Both are expected to be key parts of their respective teams.
The combination of big offseason moves, the return of superstars, and the rise of young talents suggests the 2025-26 season will be a crazy ride, especially in the deep Western Conference.