NBA Season Predictions 2025-26: Standings, Playoffs, Champion, No. 1 Pick

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with two games on Tuesday, setting the stage for another unpredictable year. Our NBA season predictions 2025-26 highlight projected standings, playoff outcomes, a potential Finals champion, and the likely No. 1 pick contenders.

Last season brought surprises across the league. The Thunder captured the championship after a prior second-round exit, the Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick, and Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers reshaped both franchises. With new rosters and veteran shifts, this season’s projections show significant movement at the top and bottom of both conferences.

Projected Standings and Playoff Outlook

In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks share the top record at 55-27. The Magic’s addition of Desmond Bane boosts their shooting and balance. The Knicks, under new head coach Mike Brown, bring defensive intensity and improved ball movement. Detroit, Atlanta, and Cleveland follow closely behind, while Miami, Indiana, and Chicago round out the top eight.

Boston and Milwaukee fall out of playoff contention due to salary cap-related roster losses. Both teams enter rebuilding phases, while young rosters like the Pacers and Bulls fight for play-in survival.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain dominant with a 61-21 record. The Rockets, led by Jalen Green and newly acquired Kevin Durant, secure the second seed despite losing Fred VanVleet to injury. The Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Clippers all stay competitive, while Dallas, Memphis, and Golden State fill the middle tier. The Lakers, led by Dončić and LeBron James, miss the playoffs amid age and injury concerns.

Playoff Predictions and Finals Matchup

In the East, Orlando, New York, Detroit, and Cleveland advance past the first round. The Knicks and Magic then meet in the conference finals after eliminating the Pistons and Cavaliers. New York prevails, returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in over 50 years.

In the West, Oklahoma City opens with a strong first-round win, but the Clippers and Grizzlies create chaos with upsets. The Clippers eliminate the Thunder in the second round, and Memphis continues its Cinderella run by beating Dallas. The Clippers’ depth and veteran leadership carry them to the Finals, defeating the Grizzlies in the conference championship.

The Finals feature a coast-to-coast clash between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers. Jalen Brunson’s leadership and Karl-Anthony Towns’ consistency lift the Knicks to victory, delivering New York its first NBA title since 1973. Mike Brown’s first year as head coach ends in celebration, marking a historic turnaround for the franchise.

No. 1 Pick Race and Rebuilding Outlook

The bottom three teams—Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans—share the best odds for the 2026 top draft selection. The Pelicans, however, owe their pick to Atlanta due to a prior trade. Washington and Utah stand to benefit most, both seeking foundational young stars to rebuild around.

Expect intense focus on player development and youth rotations among lottery-bound teams. Each franchise aims to identify cornerstone talent for long-term competitiveness. The draft lottery outcome could shift the league’s future balance.

Overall, the NBA season predictions 2025-26 spotlight the Knicks’ resurgence, the Clippers’ last-chance run, and a dynamic battle for the next generation’s top prospect. Parity remains high, and every conference race looks wide open.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Which team is favored to win the 2026 NBA Finals?

The New York Knicks are projected champions, edging the Clippers in a seven-game series.

Q2: Who are the top regular-season teams?

Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder lead their conferences, both winning over 55 games.

Q3: Which franchises are in the running for the No. 1 pick?

The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans finish bottom three and hold the highest lottery odds.

Q4: What major upsets could occur in the playoffs?

Memphis defeating Houston and the Clippers beating Oklahoma City are the key projected surprises.

Q5: Which players are likely MVP candidates?

Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Karl-Anthony Towns headline the MVP discussion in this projection.