NBA Season 25/26: Preview, Prediction & Analysis

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Tyler Smith

An enthusiastic sports writer with a passion for Football, American Sports and Formula 1, bringing sharp insight and informed betting analysis to every weekend.

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NBA Season Preview

The NBA enters 2025-26 with expectations higher than perhaps ever: the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, return nearly intact after a title-winning season and are being picked by sportsbooks to dominate once more. Their win total is forecasted around 62.5, a level usually reserved for dynastic teams. But in a league this competitive, even a juggernaut must fend off challengers—and many believe there are plenty hungry and capable enough to challenge OKC’s crown.

Meanwhile, the Western Conference feels like a minefield. The Denver Nuggets have made tweaks in their roster, including adding valuable depth, and should benefit from shored up frontcourt options to support Nikola Jokić. Up North, Minnesota contend with roster changes and shifts in offensive roles, while in the Southwest, teams like the Rockets and Mavericks are rolling the dice on trades, health, and player development. In the East, the Cavaliers remain a constant threat with a well-balanced core, but clubs like the Hawks are banking big on key offseason additions—most notably Kristaps Porziņģis—and expect him to be a difference-maker next to Trae Young.

Individual narratives are also taking center stage. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off a legendary MVP & Finals campaign, has become the face of this new era. Meanwhile, legacy and longevity are being tested: LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Kyle Lowry all enter another season, pushing 20+ years in the league, as the landscape shifts around them. Players like Anthony Edwards are expected to take big steps; some pundits believe he might lead the league in scoring this season, especially considering his role in Minnesota’s offense. And then there’s Zion Williamson, whose ability to stay healthy and carry the Pelicans’ hopes looms large over New Orleans’ season trajectory.

Finally, new and expanded formats, along with shifting power dynamics, give this season a fresh feel. The NBA Cup returns, embedding extra competitive stakes early in the season and giving teams something more to play for before traditional regular-season narratives kick into full gear. Coaching changes, trade deadline whispers, and teams’ ability to manage load and injuries may ultimately decide who remains standing when Spring arrives. As fans, bettors, and fantasy players, we’re in for a season that demands attention to both macro storylines and subtle, week-to-week shifts. The margin between contender and pretender is thinner than ever.

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New York Knicks - NBA Champions @ 9/1
9/1

The New York Knicks enter the 2025–26 NBA season as one of the league’s most complete and cohesive contenders, armed with elite defensive depth, a proven system, and a core that has grown together through deep playoff runs. After pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink in last year’s postseason, New York has emerged from a promising underdog to a legitimate title threat. Jalen Brunson remains the heartbeat of this team — a masterful floor general whose blend of shot creation, toughness, and leadership has turned him into one of the NBA’s top guards. Around him, the Knicks have surrounded their star with an enviable mix of two-way wings and high-IQ role players. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges alongside OG Anunoby gives New York arguably the best defensive perimeter pairing in the league, while Josh Hart provides energy, shooting, and chemistry that perfectly fit Mike Browns philosophy. Karl Anthony Towns will also be key to the season and provides not only that interior presence from Centre, but also the ability to stretch out and hit 3's when the system dictates.

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The NBA Season Broken Down:
Last Seasons Champions - Oklahoma City Thunder

🏀 Season Summary & Milestones

The Thunder closed out the 2024–25 season with a 68–14 record — the best in the NBA — and entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference.  Oklahoma City became champions after a hard-fought 7-game Finals over the Indiana Pacers. In Game 7, they won 103–91 at home, clinching their first championship since relocating (and their second title in franchise history, the other being as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979).

  • In that decisive game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honours.

  • Beyond the Finals, OKC’s postseason run included overcoming the top-tier Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference and then pushing past Minnesota to reach the Finals.

This championship run was underpinned by a season of consistency, team balance, depth, and defensive toughness. Let’s break down how each area contributed.


🔑 Keys to Their Success

1. Core Continuity and Smart Roster Construction

The Thunder entered the season with their core intact. Key players—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and supporting pieces—returned and had gelled chemistry from prior years. Management also made targeted additions (e.g. bolstering frontcourt depth) without overhauling a system that was working.  Because of this stability, they were able to spend energy on execution and in-game strategies rather than constant rebuilds.

2. Elite Performances from Shai and Co-stars

Gilgeous-Alexander was the centerpiece. He won MVP, led the league in scoring, and then became Finals MVP. But he was far from alone.

  • Chet Holmgren, after overcoming injury earlier in the season, provided length, shot-blocking, switchability, rim protection, and scoring. In Game 7 of the Finals, he posted 18 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks, including a record-setting fifth block in a Game 7.

  • Jalen Williams added consistent two-way play, capable scoring bursts, playmaking, and defensive assignments.

  • The Thunder also got meaningful contributions from veterans and role players, especially in crunch moments on defense, transition offense, and second-unit minutes.

3. Defense, Turnovers & Game Control

OKC’s defense was a backbone of their success. In the Finals, for instance, they forced 23 Pacers turnovers, converting those into 32 points.  In Game 7, they outscored Indiana in the third quarter decisively (34–20). Their ability to control the tempo, apply pressure, and punish mistakes allowed them to swing momentum. Also, their depth and defensive versatility made them hard to exploit.

4. Resilience, Adjustments & Closing Out Big Games

OKC showed resolve: they survived adversity (e.g. Game 4 comeback in the Finals) and made effective tactical adjustments. In Game 7, for example, coach Mark Daigneault substituted Alex Caruso in for the second half, and Caruso (10 pts, 3 steals) helped shift momentum. They also pulled away with a 9–0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to seal it. Their consistency in big moments and ability to close games was a huge differentiator.


📊 Statistical Highlights & Historical Context

    • Their regular season +12.9 point differential per game was one of the best in league history.

    • They became one of the youngest NBA champion teams. At around 25.6 years average age, they were the second-youngest ever to win it.

    • OKC is the first team to reach both the NBA Cup competition and the NBA Finals in the same season (depending on format) in their era.

    • The Finals was notable in that the Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury early in Game 7, significantly affecting Indiana’s chance.

    • Their Game 1 win over Memphis in the playoffs was a blowout 131–80 — among the largest margins in a postseason opener.

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The Eastern Conference: A breakdown of each team:

Boston Celtics
Coming off another strong season, the Celtics return much of their core with high expectations. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remain among the top duos in the league, and their defensive identity is solid. Their challenge will be to maintain health, generate more reliable bench scoring, and close out tight playoff series. With teams like Cleveland and New York looming, Boston can’t afford sluggish stretches.

Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in a period of transition. While they have veteran pieces to make life difficult for opponents, their ceiling is probably tied to internal consistency and how well younger contributors step up. Health, chemistry, and avoiding long losing streaks will dictate if they’re a play-in team or pushing deeper into the postseason.

Charlotte Hornets
Relatively low expectations, but potentially fun upside. With a young roster, growth is the main target. If their key young players improve — especially in defensive toughness and playmaking — they could surprise in a weak part of the East. A lot depends on coaching, player development, and avoiding gutting trades or injuries.

Chicago Bulls
After a split kind of season, the Bulls have ideas of moving up. Players like Coby White, Matas Buzelis, and other young wings are expected to take bigger roles. The trade of Zach LaVine earlier signaled a pivot toward youth and consistency. If their core performs, they could be dark-horses in the play-in conversation, but they need forward cohesion and offensive leadership.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Among the top teams in the East. They had one of the best records in 2024-25. With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen healthy, their offense and defense are both dangerous. One variable: Garland’s recovery (toe surgery) is something to monitor; if he’s delayed, there may be early stumbles. But if everything clicks, they should again be title contenders in the East.

Detroit Pistons
A feel-good story from last season, breaking a long postseason drought and getting their first playoff win in many years. The challenge now is consistency — can they avoid letting down spots? With Cade Cunningham leading, and promising young pieces like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, expectations are that they at least maintain or slightly improve. Player development will be key.

Indiana Pacers
Likely playoff mainstays, with a mix of youth and veteran presence. The Pacers will need to shore up their roster to compete with the top echelon, especially given how deep the East is becoming. Outside shooting, defensive lapses, and how well their stars step up in big moments will be under scrutiny.

Miami Heat
Often punch above their weight, especially in tight games. Their success will again depend on health, mindset, and whether veteran contributors can stay productive. If their core holds together and younger players bring energy, they could make noise in the Play-in or early rounds.

Milwaukee Bucks
With aging stars, the Bucks are likely somewhere between “still dangerous” and “needing to adapt.” They may win fewer games than in their peak years, but their experience gives them an ability to stay relevant. How well they integrate younger players and adjust strategy will determine how far they go.

New York Knicks
Having had a deep playoff run last season, they are a team with momentum. They made minimal changes in the offseason, which suggests belief in continuity. Acquiring bench scoring (e.g. Jordan Clarkson) helps. Coaching under Mike Brown could yield more balanced offense-defense play than in previous seasons. High expectations; some believe they’re the East’s biggest threat outside Cleveland.

Orlando Magic
One of the teams with potential to take a big leap. With solid young forwards like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and improvements around them, they could push toward the upper half of the playoff bracket. They’ll need better defensive consistency and more reliable scoring beyond the stars, but talent and upside are there.

Philadelphia 76ers
Mixed fortunes. If Joel Embiid and Paul George are healthy, they remain dangerous. But injuries, age, and bench depth are concerns. Could be a middle-seed playoff team or risk slipping if conference rivals outperform. Their role in the “turnaround teams” conversation is real: the health and effort of their stars will dictate a lot.

Toronto Raptors
Likely in contention for a Play-in berth, but need cohesion and consistency. Young players are improving, but the team needs to avoid letting close losses pile up. Defensive identity and smart game finishing will be key.

Washington Wizards
Probably towards the bottom half of the East. Some piece-by-piece growth possible, but expectations should be modest. Their development timeline is still ongoing; major upsets over top teams would be highlights but not the standard expectation.

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The Western Conference: A breakdown of each team:

Dallas Mavericks
Roster shakeups in the offseason suggest they’re trying to right the ship. With stars returning (where healthy) plus new additions, expectations are to reach the playoffs rather than rebuild. Their success hinges on health and whether their stars can mesh quickly in high-pressure moments.

Denver Nuggets
After a somewhat disappointing playoff exit, Denver is still dangerous. With their core mostly intact, they could challenge for a top-4 slot in the West. But their margin for error is smaller than before. Defensive lapses and injuries will be more scrutinized; consistency will be needed.

Golden State Warriors
Veteran squad with lots of name recognition, but age and wear are big factors. Some predictive simulations expect them to have a strong regular season, but probably not enough to beat younger, deeper teams in a long playoff run. If their stars stay healthy and they get strong performances from role players, they’ll be in the hunt.

Houston Rockets
They made big moves, including acquisition of Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, and others. That signals serious intent. They’ll be one of OKC’s main challengers in the West. Consistency, defensive toughness, and chemistry will determine how high they can climb.

Los Angeles Clippers
Still a dangerous squad, though ageing stars and injury history loom large. They’ll aim for a deep playoff run but must avoid early exits. Their bench and secondary scoring will be under the magnifying glass.

Los Angeles Lakers
High expectations given their market, fan base, and recent moves. But there’s also risk: balancing veteran pressure, possible injuries, and integrating any new additions. If they get hot midseason and their stars carry them, they could be in contention. If not, they might fade.

Memphis Grizzlies
Lost Desmond Bane, which is a blow, but Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and other core players remain. Coaching changes (new coach) and young pieces may push them into play-in or lower playoff seeds. Health and defensive improvements will be important.

Minnesota Timberwolves
They showed last season they can go deep. Still, they have roster questions (free agents, contract decisions) and matchup issues. But on talent and momentum, they are among the more dangerous teams in the West. If their stars deliver and supporting cast steps up, they could again rival for top seed.

New Orleans Pelicans
Another team with high potential derailed by injuries in 2024-25, especially to Zion Williamson. With new additions (Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey) and returning health, they could rebound. But expectations are tempered: staying healthy will be a big part of their ceiling.

Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champions and favoured in many betting markets. They return almost all of their rotation, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, all with long-term contracts. Their biggest challenge is avoiding complacency and managing the target on their back. With one of the deepest rosters, and strong performance metrics from last season (point differential, defense), they’re expected to compete for another title.

Phoenix Suns
They’re in a weird spot: talent is present, but there are questions about depth, health, and consistency. Likely a mid-seed playoffs or play-in team if things go well; if not, could be headed to a downward spiral unless internal issues are managed well.

Portland Trail Blazers
Rebuilding mode. Young players need minutes, development, and opportunity. Wins may be sporadic, but long-term potential is the goal. Not much pressure this season, more of a year for growth and evaluation.

Sacramento Kings
Solid core and improved consistency in recent years, but for them to take a leap, they’ll need strong bench play and better defense. They may be a bubble team or lower playoff seed depending on how well they stabilize off the bench and manage difficult matchups.

San Antonio Spurs
One of the wild cards. Many expect them to be one of the biggest turnaround teams this season. With young stars like Victor Wembanyama, plus top draft picks (like Dylan Harper) and better coaching, they have real upside. If those young players develop as hoped, the Spurs could re-enter playoff contention.

Where to Watch the NBA in the UK

Watching the NBA in the UK

  • TNT Sports (UK & Ireland)
    TNT Sports holds a multi-year deal to broadcast the NBA in the UK and Ireland. They will show at least nine live games per week, plus marquee events (All-Star, Finals, In-Season Tournament) and playoffs.
    Their schedule and live games are available through the TNT Sports channels and streaming service (often via discovery+ in the UK).

  • Amazon Prime Video (UK & Ireland)
    Starting in the 2025–26 season, Amazon Prime Video has secured rights to show 86 regular-season games in the UK, including key events like the NBA Finals and exclusive coverage of the NBA Cup and Play-In Tournament. 
    Prime membership includes this NBA content, and these games will also have exclusive broadcasts for some international games (e.g. London/Berlin games).

  • NBA League Pass (UK)
    For fans who want near-complete access, the NBA League Pass is available in the UK with live, on-demand, and archived games. 
    Notably, in markets outside the U.S. (including the UK), League Pass typically does not have blackout restrictions on live games. 
    However, games shown on Prime Video or TNT may be unavailable live on League Pass (i.e. blackout or rights overlap), so many fans will use both services to avoid missing any games.


🌍 Watching the NBA Around the World

  • NBA League Pass (International)
    League Pass is the default “go-to” for many international fans. It offers live and on-demand access to almost all games outside the U.S. and Canada. 
    Except for specified blackout conditions in the U.S. and Canada, international subscribers are usually free from blackout restrictions.

  • Amazon / Prime Video (Global Rights)
    As part of the new NBA broadcasting rights deal, Prime Video holds global streaming rights for a package of 66 regular-season games, plus NBA Cup knockout rounds, Play-In Tournament, and select playoff games. 
    In some countries, the number of exclusive games via Prime is higher (e.g. 86 in the UK).

  • National and Regional Broadcasters (per country)
    Many countries still have local TV or streaming partners with NBA broadcasting rights. Examples include:

    • In Europe, ESPN/ABC and local sports networks will carry showings of NBA games as part of the new rights deal.

    • NBC/Peacock in the U.S. will carry a significant slate with Monday night games, “Coast 2 Coast Tuesday,” and others.

    • The new rights split between ESPN/Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon means many national games will be on these networks in various markets.

    • Broadcasters in Australia, Latin America, Asia, Africa, etc., will carry local rights deals, often sublicensing from NBA or regional sports networks.

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Tipmans Selection for NBA Champions - New York Knicks

The New York Knicks enter the 2025–26 NBA season as one of the league’s most complete and cohesive contenders, armed with elite defensive depth, a proven system, and a core that has grown together through deep playoff runs. After pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink in last year’s postseason, New York has emerged from a promising underdog to a legitimate title threat. Jalen Brunson remains the heartbeat of this team — a masterful floor general whose blend of shot creation, toughness, and leadership has turned him into one of the NBA’s top guards. Around him, the Knicks have surrounded their star with an enviable mix of two-way wings and high-IQ role players. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges alongside OG Anunoby gives New York arguably the best defensive perimeter pairing in the league, while Josh Hart provides energy, shooting, and chemistry that perfectly fit Mike Browns philosophy. Karl Anthony Towns will also be key to the season and provides not only that interior presence from Centre, but also the ability to stretch out and hit 3’s when the system dictates.

What makes the Knicks such a strong championship pick is their continuity and balance. Unlike other contenders still figuring out rotations or egos, New York knows exactly who it is — a disciplined, team-first group that wins with defense, rebounding, and relentless effort. Their roster construction gives them flexibility too: Mitchell Robinson anchors the paint. Offensively, the Knicks have become more fluid, spacing the floor better and trusting Brunson’s playmaking to generate high-percentage looks rather than relying on isolation sets. This maturity was evident late last season, where they ranked among the top five in both clutch offensive rating and defensive efficiency.

Beyond the numbers, the Knicks carry an emotional and cultural edge that few franchises can replicate. The Madison Square Garden atmosphere remains electric, and this team embraces that spotlight — they play with a New York grit that travels well in the postseason. Having fallen just short of the Finals last year, their hunger and chemistry make them a dangerous opponent for any contender, particularly now that Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby have had a full offseason to build offensive chemistry. If they can stay healthy and maintain their defensive intensity, this could be the season the Knicks finally turn promise into history — and deliver New York its first NBA title in over 50 years.

Their route to the finals could also be substantially easier than previous years due to a spout of injuries and situations across the league. Tyrese Haliburton is still recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the NBA finals, which means Indiana’s expectations are reduced. The Boston Celtics while still well rounded. will be without star Jason Tatum for a while and even when he does return, we are yet to see how his torn Achilles functions.  The Milwaukee Bucks are significantly weaker this year and there are rumblings of a potential mid season trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo (potentially to the New York Knicks). Cleveland will provide a tough test but with their additions, the Knicks should still be superior and atleast make the NBA finals in which is could be a 24/25 repeat with the OKC Thunder.

New York Knicks - NBA Champions @ 9/1
9/1

The New York Knicks enter the 2025–26 NBA season as one of the league’s most complete and cohesive contenders, armed with elite defensive depth, a proven system, and a core that has grown together through deep playoff runs. After pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink in last year’s postseason, New York has emerged from a promising underdog to a legitimate title threat. Jalen Brunson remains the heartbeat of this team — a masterful floor general whose blend of shot creation, toughness, and leadership has turned him into one of the NBA’s top guards. Around him, the Knicks have surrounded their star with an enviable mix of two-way wings and high-IQ role players. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges alongside OG Anunoby gives New York arguably the best defensive perimeter pairing in the league, while Josh Hart provides energy, shooting, and chemistry that perfectly fit Mike Browns philosophy. Karl Anthony Towns will also be key to the season and provides not only that interior presence from Centre, but also the ability to stretch out and hit 3's when the system dictates.

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