Way too Early NBA Standings Predictions

With the 2026-27 NBA season looming, we are in for a major treat. There are many new look teams and new opportunities for contenders. Here are the way too early NBA standings predictions for the 2026-27 season.

Western Conference:

1. San Antonio Spurs - This young squad is coming fresh off a 2 seed and NBA Finals appearance, one they should’ve won. They were up double digits in every game, but their inexperience showed. Now they are looking to mature and make it back this upcoming season. 

2. Oklahoma City Thunder - Although they didn’t make too many offseason moves, this OKC team is still no joke. They have the championship experience that most teams want and they still have a top 3 player in the league in SGA. 

3. Timberwolves - After adding some key offseason additions, this Minnesota team is looking young and hungry to compete. Key acquisitions include LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kumimga. 

4. Nuggets - The power of Nikola Jokic is real, and he will once again propel this Denver team to a good regular season record.

5. Rockets - Houston will look to finish around where they did last year, and this time, they’re actually healthy. 

6. Trail Blazers - Portland is a team that’s very slept on right now. They were the 7th seed last year, and now they have Ja Morant and Damian Lillard. 

7. Suns - Phoenix has always been competitive in recent years, and nothing’s going to change about that this season. 

8. Warriors - Steph Curry and crew know this could be their last dance, and they’re going to take advantage of the opportunity.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. 76ers - With the addition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia is a clear cut contender. The starting lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, James, and Embiid will take the East by storm. 

2. Knicks - They are the reigning champs for a reason. New York isn’t going anywhere in terms of their dominance, and their chemistry is a huge factor. 

3. Celtics - Boston is a team that’s very overlooked right now. They still have a very good team after the Jaylen Brown trade, and people need to recognize that. 

4. Heat - The acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t need to be explained. This move makes Miami a threat to the rest of the Eastern Conference. 

5. Cavaliers - Cleveland will find a way to lose in the playoffs, but they always win a lot of regular season games, and we have to respect that. 

6. Raptors - Getting Kawhi Leonard back automatically puts Toronto back in the mix, and they just became a threat once again. 

7. Pacers - People forget about Indiana, but they will be healthy this year. They want a chance to get back to the Finals after a brutal loss in 2025. 

8. Pistons - Although Detroit’s offseason wasn’t ideal, Cade Cunningham just carried them to a 1 seed last year, and there’s no way they miss the playoffs this year.