2025-2026 NBA Season Preview

Knicks

Starters: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson

Off bench: Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart

The starting lineup continues to be one of the best in the NBA, led by the rock solid Brunson, offensively-versatile Towns, and stout wing defense. Former Cavaliers, Lakers, and Kings head coach Mike Brown gets his chance to lead the Knicks, who led the team to 50 and 51 wins in the last two seasons. Clarkson signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the team in the offseason after six seasons in Utah in which he topped out at 20.8 points per game in 2022-23. Clarkson, 33, is a reliable scorer who will immensely help a Knick second unit that was thin last season, relying on the likes of McBride and Landry Shamet. 

Cavaliers

Starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Off bench: Lonzo Ball, Sam Merrill, Larry Nance Jr.

The Cavaliers, who led the NBA in scoring in 2024-25 at 121.9 points per game, retain the same starting lineup as last season’s 64-win team, with a noted difference being off the bench with Ball, who was traded for forward Isaac Okoro. The Cavaliers still boast one of the top starting fives in the NBA, and with Ball now have a top defensive guard coming off the bench. Mobley and Allen are arguably the best forward-center combination in the game, and Mitchell could be in the MVP running this season.

Magic

Starters: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paulo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr. 

Off bench: Tyus Jones, Jase Richardson, Jonathan Isaac

On June 15, the Magic sent guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for shooting guard Bane. The 27-year-old averaged 19.2 points per game in 2024-25 on 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from 3-point range. He is also a career 88.3% free-throw shooter. Bane gives a lineup that already includes top end scorers Banchero and Wagner another dangerous offensive weapon. Isaac is a versatile defender off the bench, Jones is a natural point guard, and 20-year-old rookie Richardson, the son of former NBA veteran Jason Richardson (12.1 points as a senior at Michigan State), gives the bench additional punch. This team had the best defense in the NBA in 2024-25 in terms of points per game allowed (105.5) and now has the offense to go with it.

Hawks

Starters: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis

Off bench: Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker on July 6 in a sign-and-trade with the Timberwolves, agreeing to a four-year, $62 million with the former T-Wolf, who gives the Hawks perimeter defense and shooting. One day after the Alexander-Walker acquisition, the team acquired Porzingis from the Celtics. Porzingis gives the club a legitimate second scorer next to Young. Johnson was great in 36 games last season (18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists) before tearing his labrum in his left shoulder. The day after acquiring Porzingis, the Hawks signed Kennard to a one-year deal worth $11 million. Kennard is a terrific shooter. Health is key to the Hawks (Porzingis played 42 games last season) but this is a talented roster that with the expected second year jump of Risacher can make some noise in the Eastern Conference.

Bucks

Starters: Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner

Off bench: Cole Anthony, Bobby Portis

Last season's center Brook Lopez signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, but the Bucks were able to pull a surprising sign-and-trade deal with the Indiana Pacers to obtain the services of Turner. The 6 foot, 11 inch Turner, 29 years old, is not a great rebounder (6.5 per game), but can stretch the floor and is an athleticism upgrade from Lopez with his ability to play from the outside and block shots inside. Anthony is one of the league's top reserve point guards.

Pistons

Starters: Cade Cunningham, Caris LeVert, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Off bench: Marcus Sasser, Duncan Robinson

The Pistons won 44 games last season and took the Knicks to six games in the opening round, losing three games in the series by three points or less. The team will be without Jaden Ivey, who last season broke his left fibula and returned in the preseason only to suffer a setback, for four weeks. In his absence, LeVert provides playmaking at the off guard spot. Harris is a veteran who can score, and Duren, 21, has averaged a double-double each of the last two seasons. Cunningham is one of the best players in the NBA regardless of position, and will lead this franchise team to new heights.

Celtics

Starters: Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta

Off bench: Payton Pritchard, Chris Boucher

Superstar forward Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs against the Knicks, so the Celtics will have to navigate through most of, if not all, the 2025-26 season without their best player. On July 7, the Celtics traded guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for scoring guard Anfernee Simons. The 26-year-old averaged 19.3 points per game in 2024-25 and 22.6 points per game in 2023-24. He gives the Celtics bonafide scoring in the absence of Tatum. The team does have the reigning Sixth Man of the Year Pritchard off the bench, whose minutes and production figures to take a jump. The Tatum loss is major, but the Celtics took some steps to lessen the blow. They are still well coached and talented with championship pedigree.

76ers

Starters: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George, Joel Embiid

Off bench: Quentin Grimes, Kyle Lowry

Health is wealth for the 76ers, whose superstar center Embiid played just 19 games in 2024-25 after 39 in 2023-24. Embiid underwent left knee surgery in April. George played just 41 games in 2024-25. If this team can stay healthy, they can be one of the East's best. Grimes is a high-level scorer off the bench, too. Between the Dallas Mavericks and 76ers in 2024-25, he had games of 46 and 44 points with the 76ers and seven games of 20 more points with the Mavericks.

Heat

Starters: Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, Kel'el Ware

Off bench: Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic

Tyler Herro underwent foot surgery in September and will miss the beginning of the season. Powell, 21.8 points per game last season in a borderline all-star season, was acquired on July 7 via sign-and-trade. When they get healthy, this team will an issue for any team in the conference. Adebayo and Ware are both solid defenders, while Mitchell is one of the best on the ball guys in the league. Powell and Herro are both high-level scorers. Powell, 48.4% from the field last season, is efficient.

Pacers

Starters: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Jackson

Off bench: T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, Jay Huff

The 50-win Pacers from a season ago had an unexpected, Cinderella run to the NBA Finals. Rick Carlisle is one of the game's best coaches, and the team pushed the Thunder to seven games in the Finals. Unfortunately, star guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7, a major blow to a team that will play 2025-26 without its maestro. Still, they can lean on the likes of Siakam, top Sixth Man Mathurin, and the emerging Nembhard. Nesmith is a capable "3 and D" wing who gave many clutch moments in the '25 playoffs.

Team to Watch

With a revamped lineup that includes scoring forward Brandon Ingram, the Raptors are an intriguing team for 2025-26. Starting guards Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett can also score, and Scottie Barnes is a jack-of-all-trades forward. Jakob Poeltl is also offensively inclined.

Rockets

Starters: Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun

Off bench: Tari Eason, Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams

The Rockets were the best rebounding team in the NBA in 2024-25, but lacked exactly what Durant now gives them - a go-to scorer. While they did lose youth and defense in conceding Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the all-world Durant paired with center Alperen Sengun and wing defenders Amen Thompson (maybe the top wing defender in the NBA), Dorian Finney-Smith (out to begin the season due to ankle surgery), and Tari Eason makes the Rockets a very dangerous team. They will however likely be without Fred VanVleet for all of the 2025-26 season, meaning that Reed Sheppard is thrust into a marquee spot as one of their top guards. The 21-year-old has a high level of offense to his game.  

Thunder

Starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

Off bench: Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe

The Thunder, 68 wins in 2024-25 and the reigning champions, retain their core for 2025-26. With MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading them, they very well could be the West’s top team again. They may pace themselves more this season though, and the Western Conference has gotten even tougher. Still, they’ll be there contending at the end with a deep roster that has a wealth of wing defense.  

Nuggets

Starters: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic

Off bench: Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas

Jokic is the superstar behind a semi rebuilt team that now has Johnson in place of Michael Porter Jr. after the two were swapped for each other. Johnson is a better fit with his “3 and D” capabilities and gives the Nuggets more athleticism in their lineup with Gordon and shooting guard Braun, the latter of whom inked a new five-year, $125 million extension with the club on Monday. Jokic is looking for his fourth MVP award, which would pass the likes of Magic Johnson and Moses Malone.

Lakers

Starters: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton

Off bench: Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart

With James set to miss the first few weeks of the season due to sciatica, the Lakers will be heavily reliant on Doncic. Such reliance is a friend to Doncic, who carried the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals just two seasons ago. The Lakers brought in 27-year-old Ayton to fill their biggest need in the middle, and also acquired the veteran guard and former Defensive Player of the Year Smart, who if healthy also fills one of the team’s biggest needs. James, 40, will no doubt be brought along with a cautious approach, which is a big reason for their lower seed prediction. This is a team that, like their in-city rival Clippers, is built for the postseason. 

Clippers

Starters: James Harden, Bradley Beal, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, Ivica Zubac

Off bench: Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic

In July, the Clippers signed Beal for two years at $11 million. They also brought back Paul for one last run as a Clipper in his final season. One of the more veteran teams in the NBA, the Clips will also rely on their youth with Collins (28) and the emerging Zubac, also 28, who had a career season in 2024-25 (16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds). The team also signed veteran center Brook Lopez, who fills a major need on their bench as they last year they did not have a true backup center. Backup two-guard Dunn is an elite wing defender, and Bogdanovic is a capable scorer. Leonard figures to be monitored closely, but you know that will look to show out as he is not getting younger and senses that his opportunities to win are becoming less and less. 

Timberwolves

Starters: Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert

Off bench: Rob Dillingham, Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid

The Timberwolves lost Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade, but have most of the same group back for 2025-26. Dillingham, 20 years old, will get more playing time and responsibility, as will 25-year-old forward Terrence Shannon Jr. Reid, who signed an extension with the team in July worth $125 million over five years, is one of the league’s best sixth men. Edwards could end up in the MVP conversation. 

Mavericks

Starters: D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II

Off bench: Max Christie, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington

Nico Harrison got his revenge of sorts on his skeptics and naysayers with the selection of Duke’s Flagg No. 1 overall in June’s draft. Irving with a torn knee will miss most of the season, but the team signed guard Russell in the offseason to lessen that blow. If Davis and Thompson stay healthy, this team can finish higher than expected. Flagg impressed in the preseason playing some minutes at point guard and has developed a rapport with Davis. Lively II is a great complement to Davis inside, and Marshall and Washington are quality players to have off of the bench. 

Warriors

Starters: Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford

Off bench: Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga

The Warriors, with Horford in tow and Kuminga re-signed, are primed for a run as their veteran core of Curry, Butler, and Green gets older. Moody and Podziemski provide youth off the bench as does Kuminga. This is a team with a high ceiling, health permitting. 

Pelicans

Starters: Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi

Off bench: Jeremiah Fears, Jose Alvarado, Kevon Looney

The Pelicans are a talented young group, with no starter older than Jones' 27 years of age. Williamson, still just 25, is unquestionably their star. The only issue with him, as it has been thus far in his career, is the injury concern. Jones and Alvarado are top flight defenders, and Poole gives this group scoring on the perimeter. Missi is a talented young center, and Looney gives the team a veteran voice. Star guard Dejounte Murray tore his Achilles tendon in January, and in returning at some point in 2024-25 would push Poole to the bench and make the team even better.

Spurs

Starters: De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Victor Wembanyama

Off bench: Dylan Harper, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan

Wembanyama played 46 games in 2024-25 before missing the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. The second-year player averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks, and has led the NBA in blocks (3.6 as a rookie) in each of his first two seasons. Second overall draft choice Harper gives the roster another future building block alongside Wembanyama and 2025 Rookie of the Year Castle. Point guard Fox, 27, is a fast and dynamic guard who plays both ends. Vassell is a scoring forward and Barnes is an ideal veteran to have with this group. A healthy Wembanyama gets this team to the playoffs. 

Teams to Watch

The Memphis Grizzlies dealt Bane to the Magic and received a veteran “3 and D” player in return in Caldwell-Pope. Ja Morant is the team’s best player, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the top forward-centers in the game who can score from the outside and defends well as the league’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. The Bane loss hurts the team though, and though they could be a playoff team, they also may be due for a down year. Really, the Grizzlies and Pelicans could flip flop depending on health, but the Pelicans when healthy have the more talented roster.

The Phoenix Suns lost Durant but still have a star player in Devin Booker who, coupled with Jalen Green, creates one of the NBA's best scoring duos. Mark Williams is a top young center and Brooks gives this team an edge and perimeter defense, as does Grayson Allen off the bench.

The Sacramento Kings have a veteran roster with the likes of Dennis Schroder, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Russell Westbrook. Malik Monk is a dynamic guard, and Domantis Sabonis is one of the game's best big men. When it comes down to it, though, the conference is just too competitive.

MVP: Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic

NBA Champion: Houston Rockets