2025-26 NBA Season: Expert Predictions for Conference Champions and Finals Showdown

The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history, with several teams vying for supremacy in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. ESPN's Summer Forecast panel has provided its insights into which teams are likely to emerge as conference champions and who will ultimately claim the NBA Finals title.

Eastern Conference Predictions

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who boasted the second-best regular-season record last season, are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Despite injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Max Strus, the Cavs have a strong roster that could carry them to the conference finals.

Top Picks for the Eastern Conference:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: 98 points
2. New York Knicks: 72 points
3. Orlando Magic: 21 points
4. Milwaukee Bucks: 7 points
5. Indiana Pacers: 3 points

The Knicks, under new coach Mike Brown, have the flexibility to make significant roster adjustments, which could be a game-changer as the season progresses.

Western Conference Predictions

The Oklahoma City Thunder, last season's champions, are the overwhelming favorites to win the Western Conference. With a young and talented core, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are poised to make a strong bid for back-to-back titles.

Top Picks for the Western Conference:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder: 106 points
2. Denver Nuggets: 50 points
3. Houston Rockets: 35 points
4. Los Angeles Lakers/Minnesota Timberwolves: 7 points
5. Golden State Warriors: 2 points

The Rockets, bolstered by the addition of Kevin Durant, are expected to be a formidable challenger to the Thunder's dominance.

NBA Finals Predictions

The Thunder are also the top pick to win the 2026 NBA Finals, with the Nuggets and Cavaliers seen as their biggest challengers. The Rockets, with their revamped roster, are also in the conversation as potential contenders.

Top Picks for the NBA Finals:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder: 101 points
2. Denver Nuggets: 36 points
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: 27 points
4. Houston Rockets: 21 points
5. New York Knicks: 11 points

Conclusion

The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be a thrilling ride, with the Thunder looking to end the league's streak of seven straight different champions. However, with teams like the Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Rockets in the mix, the road to the Finals will be anything but easy. Stay tuned for what could be one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in NBA history.