Here we go! The 2025-26 NBA season kicks off today.
There are a million stories headed into the season. Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren repeat? Can this be the start of a Thunder dynasty? Will LeBron James and Luka Doncic bounce back? Is this still LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant’s league? Or do Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, and company have other plans?
Here is how I think things will pan out in the regular season.
NBA Standings Predictions
Overall, I do not think any of my picks are too controversial. With the injuries of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, and the Bucks cutting Damian Lillard, the East will be even weaker than usual. The only two teams in the East that I think can make the NBA Finals are the Knicks and Cavaliers. Young teams like the Magic, Pistons, and Hawks can give them a run for their money, but each of those teams has glaring weaknesses that give them a ceiling.
do you feel that energy? ⚡️
that’s how we’re comin all season long. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/86XrlkBB2G
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 20, 2025
Out West, a million things can happen. I think that the Thunder and Nuggets are in their own tier at the top, but so much can happen outside of that. Even though I have the Timberwolves and Rockets winning at least 50 games, they can easily slip down a couple of seeds. In addition, the Warriors, Lakers, and Clippers are all older and have both high ceilings and low floors. As I said, I think that the Thunder and Nuggets are the overwhelming favorites, but there are more than four teams that can give them a hard time in the playoffs.
Conference Finals Predictions
Western Conference Finals: Nuggets over Thunder in 7
I am not sure how controversial this is, but I think those who have the Thunder a whole tier above everyone else are wrong. As great as the Thunder were last year, it took them seven games to beat the Nuggets, and Denver was not healthy. The Nuggets now have a better roster, and Nikola Jokic has the most depth he has been surrounded by in his entire career. The Thunder are probably still the favorites, but I think that the Nuggets will match up perfectly with them. As long as everyone stays healthy, Jokic should have no problem leading this team to the finals.
Eastern Conference Finals: Cavaliers over Knicks in 7
Unless something weird happens, I would be shocked if this is not the Eastern Conference finals matchup. As much potential as Orlando, Detroit, and Atlanta have, they are not on the same level as Cleveland or New York yet. The Knicks have been better than the Cavs in the playoffs for the past few seasons, but I think that changes this year.
Darius Garland says the Cavs would have won the title last season if he were healthy
“I think we would have won it. I say that pretty confidently. … It’s just the talent in this group is just out the roof, the will that we have on both sides of the ball.”
(via @SiriusXMNBA) pic.twitter.com/4HFPhF4COF
— Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) October 19, 2025
As great as Jalen Brunson is, I think that Donovan Mitchell is just as good, if not better than him. Their depth is about even, as well. However, I think the tiebreaker will be Evan Mobley versus Karl-Anthony Towns. As great as Towns is on offense, his defense has put a ceiling on his teams. Mobley is just the opposite; his defensive abilities have made his team one of the best defenses in the league. So while the Knicks may have slightly better depth, I think the Cavs’ intangibles will essentially make them come out on top.
NBA Finals: Nuggets over Cavaliers in 5
This would be another year in a row where there are no big markets in the finals, just pure hoops. As great as the Cavs will be this year, I do not think they will be good enough for the Nuggets. As I mentioned, Jokic has the best supporting cast he has had in a long time, and maybe even ever. Not only does it help Jokic, but it will also help Jamal Murray. Though I am a believer of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley more than anyone, Jokic is hungry, and it will take a whole lot to stop him this year.
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