By Salil Karkhanis
The NBA is finally back, and it feels like the whole basketball world has been waiting for this. A fresh season means new storylines, breakout stars, and the return of familiar rivalries that make every night worth watching. From superteams reloading to rising stars ready to take over, this year already feels special. Everyone’s wondering who will make that next big leap and who might surprise us all. So before tipoff, here’s a look at the top 10 teams heading into the 2025–26 season, each with their own path to glory and questions to answer. (Disclaimer: Rankings were made before the start of the season.)
#10: San Antonio Spurs
At number ten, I had a tough time deciding who deserved this final spot, but the Spurs just barely got the edge over teams like the Lakers, Hawks, and Pistons. This group finally looks ready to make some noise again, and it all starts with Victor Wembanyama. He looks stronger, more confident, and ready to take over the league after a full offseason of work. Wemby had some wild moments last year, like his 50-point game and those insane stat lines that made everyone realize he is already one of the best players in the world. Now he has real help, with De’Aaron Fox running the show and rookies Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle bringing energy and speed. The only thing that might hold them back is outside shooting, but guys like Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes should keep defenses honest. The Spurs are still young and figuring things out, but you can feel that something special is starting to build again in San Antonio.
#9: Dallas Mavericks
At number nine, I had to give this spot to the Mavericks because Cooper Flagg is already changing everything in Dallas. He is only eighteen, but the number one pick plays with the poise of a veteran, belonging from day one. Pairing him with Anthony Davis gives the Mavs a frontcourt that is huge, athletic, and actually kind of scary. With Kyrie Irving out for now, Flagg will have the ball in his hands a lot, which is exactly what fans want to see. The offense might not be as explosive as it was in past years, but the defense and size more than make up for it. Dallas feels different now, and if Flagg lives up to all the hype, this could be the start of something big.
#8: Orlando Magic
At number eight, I went with the Magic because they finally look ready to prove they belong. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner can already score with the best of them, and now with Desmond Bane joining the mix, Orlando finally has the shooter it needed to open everything up. This team feels different—confident, tough, and hungry to take that next step. Health is the only thing that might slow them down, especially with Jalen Suggs still recovering, but if they can stay on the floor, the Magic could easily sneak into the top tier of the East. For the first time in years, it feels like Orlando basketball actually matters again.
#7: Golden State Warriors
At number seven, I have the Warriors, and honestly, it still feels strange seeing them this low. Everything still runs through Stephen Curry, who somehow keeps getting better even in his seventeenth season. He is still lighting up defenses and proving why he might be the best point guard ever. The addition of Jimmy Butler gives him some much-needed help, and with Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Steve Kerr still around, this team knows exactly how to win. The question is how much the veterans have left in the tank and whether the young guys like Jonathan Kuminga can hold things down when the stars rest. The dynasty may be aging, but as long as Curry is doing Curry things, I would never count them out.
#6: Minnesota Timberwolves
At number six, I went with the Timberwolves because this season is all about Anthony Edwards taking that next big step. He already looks like a superstar, but now he has a chance to prove he can lead a team to the Finals. The Wolves kept almost their entire core together, which gives them great chemistry and a real sense of identity. Edwards has turned into the heart of the team, organizing workouts and setting the tone for everyone. Their defense is still one of the best in the league, and Gobert has shown flashes of offensive excellence. The only real concern is playmaking, since Mike Conley is aging and there are not many options behind him, but if Edwards continues to rise, that might not matter. This could be the year Minnesota finally breaks through.
#5: Houston Rockets
At number five, I have the Rockets, and it still feels weird saying that after how young this team was just a few years ago. Bringing in Kevin Durant completely changes everything. He is the veteran leader this team needed, and with Fred VanVleet out, Durant is going to have the ball in his hands a lot. Coach Ime Udoka has built a lineup that looks more like a wall than a basketball team, with Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Steven Adams all towering over opponents. They might not have a true point guard, but the offense flows through everyone, which makes them unpredictable. Sengun is already an All-Star and could easily push for MVP votes if he takes another jump. The Rockets are huge, physical, and hungry to win now. If Durant stays healthy, I would not be shocked if they make a deep playoff run.
#4: New York Knicks
At number four, I had to go with the Knicks because the energy in New York right now is unreal. For the first time in forever, fans actually believe this team can make a run at the Finals. Jalen Brunson has completely taken over as the leader, and every night he plays like the moment is never too big for him. With new coach Mike Brown running a faster, more creative offense, the Knicks finally have a system that fits their talent. Health is the one thing that could hold them back, especially with Mitchell Robinson and a few other key players dealing with nagging issues, but if this group stays together, the East is wide open. The city is ready, the fans are hungry, and it feels like the KAT trade was the best decision possible for this team.
#3: Cleveland Cavaliers
At number three, I have the Cavaliers, a team that feels like it is right on the edge of something big. After winning sixty-four games last year, the pressure is on for Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the group to finally make a real playoff run. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen still anchor one of the best defenses in the league, but staying healthy will decide how far they go. Darius Garland, Lonzo Ball, and Max Strus are all dealing with injuries, which is not the start Cleveland wanted. Still, their offense runs smoothly with shooters everywhere and one of the most dangerous pick-and-roll attacks in basketball. The expectations are massive, and if Mitchell can keep up his superstar play, the Cavs might finally go from being a fun story to a true contender in the East.
#2: Denver Nuggets
At number two, I went with the Nuggets because they still have the best player in the world running the show. Nikola Jokic just keeps getting better, and now he finally has one of the deepest rosters of his career. Trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson was a smart move that gives them more balance, and adding veterans like Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas makes their bench a lot stronger. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon both look ready to take another step, and one of them could easily join Jokic at the All-Star Game. The only real concern is defense, which held them back last year, but with Jokic leading the way, Denver is still built to win big. The Thunder might be the favorites, but the Nuggets are right there waiting for their chance to take the crown back.
#1: Oklahoma City Thunder
At number one, it has to be the Thunder. They are the defending champs and the youngest team in the league, yet somehow they look even better than before. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off an MVP season, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are both All-NBA talents, and all three just signed long-term deals to keep this core together for years. The defense is already ridiculous with Luguentz Dort and new addition Alex Caruso hounding opposing guards, and Coach Mark Daigneault has this group locked in with his constant focus on improvement. The Thunder are deep, hungry, and built to last. It really does feel like the start of a dynasty in Oklahoma City, and right now, seemingly no one can stop this team.