The 2025-26 NBA season is set to commence, bringing with it a landscape of intense competition. As we gear up for what could be one of the most thrilling seasons in recent memory, the focus is on a handful of teams. Leading the pack are the Oklahoma City Thunder, who emerge as heavy championship favorites, while several other teams are vying for a chance at the title. Meanwhile, there are three teams that appear to be strategically positioning themselves for a strong shot at the loaded 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as the team to beat, bolstered by the reigning MVP who is also this year's frontrunner for the coveted award. Last season, the Thunder showcased their dominance with an impressive 68-win record, but their playoff performance raised some questions. Despite capturing the championship, they struggled to replicate their regular-season prowess in the postseason. With no NBA team achieving back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, the possibility of a unique champion for the eighth consecutive year looms large. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors may rise to the occasion, challenging OKC for supremacy in this era.
As the new season unfolds, it’s time to rank each team based on their championship potential. Let’s kick off with the teams that are likely to struggle.
The Washington Wizards are expected to face a tough season, yet they possess intriguing young talents like Alex Sarr and rookie Tre Johnson. Though they have a promising collection of players, they lack a definitive star to guide them. Aiming for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Wizards will need to endure a rough season filled with losses.
Under the leadership of elite young coach Will Hardy, the Utah Jazz have potential but are clearly in a rebuilding phase. With All-Star caliber forward Lauri Markkanen and promising rim protector Walker Kessler, their youth could hinder immediate success. The Jazz are focused on securing a franchise player in the upcoming draft, making them a team to monitor this season.
The Brooklyn Nets have a significant challenge ahead as they lack their first-round pick in 2027. With a roster filled with rookies, including Egor Demin and Drake Powell, they will likely endure a tough season despite having some veteran presence. The Nets are aiming for a top-3 pick, hoping to secure a franchise-changing player in the draft.
After a disappointing season, the Charlotte Hornets are facing a crucial year with LaMelo Ball needing to regain his form. The addition of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel could provide a spark, but without a solid center, they may find themselves among the league's bottom teams once again.
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a precarious position after trading away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick. Zion Williamson remains a key player, but his health is uncertain. The team's composition lacks depth, and they must hope for Williamson to deliver an elite performance to stay competitive in the unforgiving Western Conference.
The Phoenix Suns are struggling to build a competitive roster around Devin Booker after the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. With limited cap flexibility, they face an uphill battle this season. The hope rests on rookie Khaman Maluach, but the Suns will have to navigate through a loaded Western Conference.
The Sacramento Kings are in denial about their rebuilding status, as they attempt to blend new faces like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan with Domantas Sabonis. With injuries plaguing their roster, another rebuild seems inevitable for the Kings.
Despite a talented roster, the Chicago Bulls will likely finish around the same win total as the previous years. Head coach Billy Donovan's high-paced style offers hope, but defensive concerns remain. With the addition of Isaac Okoro, the Bulls are searching for a better offensive flow.
The Philadelphia 76ers face uncertainty with Joel Embiid's health and age catching up to Paul George. While young talents like Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe provide a glimmer of hope, the team's overall direction feels shaky, making their playoff aspirations uncertain.
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, the Indiana Pacers may need to pivot towards a tanking strategy. The loss of Myles Turner compounds their challenges, and the team will rely on younger players to step up in a gap year.
The Miami Heat are coming off a disappointing season, and with injuries to key players like Tyler Herro, their prospects look grim. Bam Adebayo remains a solid player, but the overall talent and depth of the roster raise concerns about their competitiveness this season.
The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be moving towards a win-now mentality with the addition of Jrue Holiday. Yet, the concern lies in their offensive capabilities. The team needs a significant breakout from players like Scoot Henderson to avoid falling short.
The Toronto Raptors possess a mix of talent but lack sufficient spacing and shooting. With Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram leading the charge, their performance will heavily depend on the ability of players like Immanuel Quickley to create offensive opportunities.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in a transitional phase after last season's collapse. With injuries affecting key players, they will need contributions from young talents to maintain their competitive edge while navigating the challenges ahead.
The Boston Celtics are facing a gap year, with questions surrounding the health of Jayson Tatum and the overall depth of their front court. While they have talented players, concerns about their ability to compete make their future uncertain.
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves under pressure to prove their worth to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The roster lacks depth, and the loss of key players raises questions about their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference.
With Cooper Flagg joining the team, the Dallas Mavericks are looking for a fresh start after the controversial trade involving Luka Doncic. However, the health of Anthony Davis and the overall roster composition will heavily influence their success this season.
The San Antonio Spurs are banking on Victor Wembanyama to elevate the team this season. With a deeper and more talented roster, they have the potential to make a significant leap, but they need to find the right balance around their star player.
After a significant turnaround, the Detroit Pistons are looking to build on their recent success. With young players like Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, the potential for growth is there, but they need to maintain their momentum.
The Atlanta Hawks are poised for a breakout season with a well-rounded roster surrounding Trae Young. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis may provide the necessary firepower, but they must deliver on their potential to avoid another early playoff exit.
The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a transitional phase with Luka Doncic taking center stage. While he has the potential to lead the team, the roster needs to find its identity and depth to make a deep playoff run.
The Los Angeles Clippers are still under scrutiny due to the Aspiration scandal, yet they remain a formidable team with Kawhi Leonard leading the charge. The balance between offense and defense will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
The Golden State Warriors are aiming to prove they can still compete for a championship despite aging stars. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, they have a solid chance if they can stay healthy and avoid injuries this season.
The Orlando Magic have built a strong roster featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With the acquisition of Desmond Bane, they are looking to improve their three-point shooting and overall offensive efficiency.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are relying on Anthony Edwards and a strong defensive core to continue their success. The team needs to find a balance between offense and defense to make a deeper playoff run.
The Houston Rockets are looking to build on their surprising success from last season. With the addition of Kevin Durant and young stars like Amen Thompson, they are poised to make noise in the playoffs, provided they can navigate their roster challenges.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming to build on their impressive season, but questions remain about their playoff readiness. With key players returning, they must prove they can perform under pressure when it matters most.
The New York Knicks are under pressure to deliver after a successful season last year. With a strong rotation and new leadership, they aim to make a serious push for the NBA Finals this year.
The Denver Nuggets are a formidable contender with Nikola Jokic leading the charge. With a revamped roster, they are positioned to make a significant impact this season and challenge for the championship.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the season as the team to beat, boasting the reigning MVP and a solid roster ready to defend their title. With a strong defensive foundation and key players returning, the Thunder are primed for another successful campaign.
