Frontrunner: Oklahoma City Thunder
A strong consensus backs the Oklahoma City Thunder to return to the Finals, and quite possibly lift the title again
- They retained virtually their entire core and are building on recent success, providing continuity that often leads to postseason advantage.
- Few teams, if any, appear better positioned in the West to challenge them.
- If they do reach the Finals, many pick them to win
Top Challenger: Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets emerge as the West’s most credible threat.
- Led by star Nikola Jokić, they’ve supplemented him with stronger supporting pieces, signaling a renewed push.
- Their near‑miss against Oklahoma City last season suggests they have both experience and motivation.
- The logic: if Oklahoma City slips, Denver is ready to step in.
Eastern Conference Outlook
On the East side, the picture is more open—but a few teams stand out.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are frequently mentioned as the team to watch in the East.
- They’ve kept their core intact, which gives them stability.
- If they improve defensively and maintain health, they could become the East’s representative.
Houston Rockets & New York Knicks
Also worth noting are the Houston Rockets—who made a big splash in the offseason—and the New York Knicks, who made a conference‑finals push last year.
- Rockets: With added star power, their trajectory points upward.
- Knicks: They have momentum and could break through if key things go right.
Prediction Snapshot
- Championship pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Most likely upset: Denver Nuggets
- Dark horse(s): Cleveland Cavaliers (East), Houston Rockets (West)
- Matchup to watch: Thunder vs. Cavaliers — a young‑core vs. rising contender storyline.
Key Questions to Monitor
- Can Oklahoma City maintain its dominance and avoid the “championship hangover”?
- Will Denver’s strengthened roster be enough to topple the favorites?
- Which Eastern team will consistently challenge for the Finals berth?
- How will injuries, trades, and mid‑season momentum shifts impact the race?
This early outlook sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting stretch. While predictions are speculative, they offer a framework for the storylines to follow as the season progresses.
