The upcoming 2025-26 NBA season is already gearing up to be one of the most competitive ones in recent history. In the last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) cruised past the regular season, before repeating their performance to clinch their maiden NBA title. But a repeat of the same would be anything but easy.
As free agency moves took on a major scale with star power rising across both conferences, we are about to witness a pack of ambitious challengers in hot pursuit. But which team would make it to the finals, as the championship is up for grabs once again. Here’s a look at stats and expert predictions.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Can The Defending Champions Keep Their Crown?
For starters, the OKC come to the 2025-26 as the reigning champions for the first time in their history. They bring the momentum, depth and star power to kickstart their upcoming season. They recorded a dominating 68-14 record in the regular season. Then came the playoffs, but Oklahoma City Thunder remained the same.
They cruised past each opponent to win the Western Conference and faced the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. In a thrilling series that went till Game 7 for a decider, the OKC came on top to beat the Pacers in a dramatic fashion.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 28.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the regular season. This earned him the NBA MVP of the Year. But his performance continued in the playoffs and ultimately in the Finals. He also won the Bill Russell Finals MVP award, averaging 30.3 points, 5.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 7 games.
Two first-round additions with center Thomas Sorber and guard Nique Clifford, along with a core featuring Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren keeps the OKC young, deep, and versatile. Their defense also held playoff opponents to just 103.7 points per game. This was the best among the Final Four teams. While the West have upgraded themselves, the OKC continue to remain as the favorites amongst the oddsmakers to repeat their triumph.
West Rivals: Nuggets, Rockets, and New Threats
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets pushed the OKC till Game 7 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The got two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, who averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists in 70 games) and continues to be in peak form. With him, Denver boasts one of the league’s most sorted lineups. Their experience in playoffs and late-game composure keeps them in the contender conversation.
Houston Rockets
Houston made the headlines by landing Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade. Despite a disappointing first-round exit as the West’s No. 2 seed, the Rockets now constitute of a potent mix of seasoned stars with Durant, Jalen Green, and Clint Capela, along with upcoming talents like Amen Thompson. Last season, Houston finished 55-27. If Kevin Durant can continue to maintain his health, the Rockets can turn out to be OKC’s fiercest challenger.
Other Western Conference Squads to Watch Out For
Los Angeles Lakers
With LeBron James, Luka Doncic and new signing Jake LaRavia coming together, the Los Angeles Lakers keep their title hopes alive.
Minnesota Timberwolves
After their run till the Western Finals, Minnesota and rising star Anthony Edwards look to build on recent momentum, and hoping to avenge their one-sided defeat.
Threats from the Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season, the Cavaliers finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed of the Eastern Conference. But they had an early second-round playoff exit, keeping their window wide open. Donovan Mitchell averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 71 games and anchored both ends of the floor with Evan Mobley, who averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 71 games. They continue to remain as the favorites in the East to reach the finals.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have been waiting since a long time to break the jinx and overcome the biggest stage, beyond the Conference Finals. With new coach Mike Brown taking the helm, the New York Knicks hope to spark an offensive boost. Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 65 games will lead a deep roster that would thrive on defense and timely scoring. On their day, with their momentum, the Knicks can give the OKC a run for the title.
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