The 2025-2026 NBA season kicks off on October 21st. The league is coming off a postseason that featured many headlines. The upcoming season starts with storylines featuring superstars who succumbed to devastating injuries in the playoffs. The most notable injuries were Achilles injuries to Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton. The trio will be greatly missed, and their absences will affect their teams throughout the season. Taking offseason moves and injuries into consideration, here is a look at the top ten NBA teams heading into the 2025-2026 season.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City is coming off its first NBA title. They were the best team throughout last season and are poised to lead the West. The trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams is returning for the upcoming season. The Thunder have extended their core, and they will be in the hunt for another championship before their role players are due for contract extensions.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Last season, Cleveland was the second-best team in the NBA. Their title hopes fell short after falling in the conference semifinals. The Cavaliers have most of their budget tied to Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and De’Andre Hunter. The front office’s ability to navigate the salary cap will be important to the team’s success this season.
3. Denver Nuggets
Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver is the biggest threat to Oklahoma City. They enter the 2025-2026 season with a new GM and head coach. However, the roster still features Nikola Jokic, the league’s best player. After years of being one of the West’s top teams, Denver’s window for another title is closing fast.
4. New York Knicks
Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
New York was a game away from reaching the NBA Finals. The team took a step forward a season ago and is poised for another successful campaign. Jalen Brunson will be the team’s catalyst in helping them reach another conference finals.
5. Houston Rockets
May 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Kevin Durant attends a WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Head coach Ime Udoka had Houston firing on all cylinders last season. The offseason addition of Kevin Durant will boost the team’s scoring ability, but losing Fred VanVleet for the season will impact the defense. The Rockets will be among the top teams in the Western Conference.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles is in win-now mode with aging stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. One of their most important players is underrated center Ivica Zubac. With the organization facing severe penalties surrounding the 2019 signing of Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers could be headed for a dark period in the upcoming seasons.
7. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) between plays against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Golden State seemed to be in the twilight of its decade-long championship contention, but the team rebounded during the second half of last season. The addition of Jimmy Butler gave the team a breath of fresh air. The team enters the upcoming season led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, but this could be the season Golden State’s strong run comes to an end.
8. Los Angeles Lakers
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Acquiring Luka Doncic gave the Lakers a light at the end of the tunnel when LeBron James is ready to call it a career. Doncic will be the team’s focal point moving forward, and the superstar will make the Lakers a destination for upcoming free agents. They will be a contender for the Western Conference Finals.
9. Orlando Magic
Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Orlando is the most intriguing team in the 2025-2026 season. They showed great promise last season and will be led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane. They are young, but dynamic. Orlando could be the 2025-2026 version of last season’s Indiana Pacers.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Jan 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The sky is the limit for San Antonio. The Spurs’ talented roster features Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, rookie Dylan Harper, and veteran De’Aaron Fox. The key to their season is keeping their young superstar Victor Wembanyama healthy.
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