Grading all 30 NBA teams' preseason predictions for 2026 season

2025-26 NBA season concludes with mixed results for preseason predictions across all 30 teams.

New York Knicks review The prediction that the Knicks would finish third in the East and reach the Finals was accurate. New York earned the 3-seed despite early struggles under new coach Mike Brown before dominating the playoffs. The team posted the highest statistical efficiency in NBA postseason history and won 11 straight games to reach the Finals. Looking ahead to 2026-27, the Knicks are one win away from their first championship since 1973. With a full season under Brown, they are expected to perform even better in the regular season and remain Eastern Conference favorites regardless of the Finals outcome. ## Atlanta Hawks review Jalen Johnson’s breakout season earned him a spot on the All-NBA third team. The do-it-all forward posted career highs with 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, taking over as Atlanta’s top player after Trae Young. Though Johnson’s playoff averages dropped to 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 11 games, the 24-year-old represents a new direction for the Hawks following Young’s trade. The team remains a fringe contender with Johnson leading the way next season. ## Denver Nuggets review The prediction that two Nuggets would make the All-Star team proved correct. Nikola Jokic was the obvious selection, while Jamal Murray earned his first All-Star nod and All-NBA honor after a strong season averaging 25.4 points and ranking fifth in three-pointers made. Murray’s regular-season success did not carry over to the playoffs, where he shot just 36% from the field in a first-round loss to Minnesota. The Nuggets are reportedly considering major roster changes around Jokic, per reports last month, to surround him with more talent after three straight seasons ending before the conference finals. ## Toronto Raptors review The preseason prediction that the Raptors would finish with a higher floor than other injury-decimated Eastern Conference teams proved accurate. Toronto lost in the first round of the playoffs but still earned the 5-seed and finished with a winning record for the first time in four years. For 2026-27, the Raptors must focus on raising their ceiling despite a solid foundation. The team argues it would have advanced deeper in the playoffs with a healthy Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. ## Milwaukee Bucks review Ryan Rollins established himself as Milwaukee’s best guard by outperforming Kevin Porter Jr. Rollins averaged 17.3 points and 5.6 assists in 74 games with 58% true shooting, while Porter managed 17.4 points and 7.4 assists in 38 games with 57% true shooting. Given Rollins’ durability, he was rated ahead of Porter as the top guard. For 2026-27, Rollins’ role depends on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. If the Bucks retain their MVP, Rollins will be key to contention. If Giannis is traded, Milwaukee may reassess keeping the 23-year-old Rollins or dealing him, as his $4 million cap hit makes him valuable for a contender. ## Dallas Mavericks review P.J. Washington met the prediction of starting at least half of Dallas’ games. He began the season as a starter after the Mavericks prioritized perimeter defense and made 53 starts overall compared to just 11 combined starts for D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson. For 2026-27, Washington fits well next to Cooper Flagg in the frontcourt. The only question is whether Dallas keeps him to compete with Kyrie Irving’s return or trades him for picks or younger players closer in age to Flagg. ## Minnesota Timberwolves review The prediction that Mike Conley would lose his starting spot came true earlier than expected. The 38-year-old had started 97% of his games since joining Minnesota in 2023, including every playoff game, but coach Chris Finch replaced him with Donte DiVincenzo on opening night. Conley still started five playoff games due to guard injuries. For 2026-27, DiVincenzo’s Achilles tear leaves an opening in Minnesota’s backcourt. The Timberwolves may re-sign free agent Ayo Dosunmu as their fifth starter instead of bringing back Conley, who is a free agent this summer. ## Detroit Pistons review Ausar Thompson earned a spot on the All-Defensive first team, finishing tied for 11th in voting while replacing his brother Amen on the squad. Thompson received the most votes among perimeter players in the league. The only issue with the prediction was that Amen did not repeat as an All-NBA defender. For 2026-27, Thompson’s first contract extension could be complex due to his defensive strengths and offensive limitations. He is expected to remain a core player alongside Cade Cunningham for Detroit’s young contender. ## Cleveland Cavaliers review The Cavaliers finished 15th in defensive rating, narrowly avoiding a below-average defense. This marked a decline after four straight top-10 defensive seasons during Evan Mobley’s career. The team received nearly full credit for the prediction despite finishing just above average. For 2026-27, Cleveland faces major team-building questions after a losing playoff record despite making the conference finals. Defensive issues persisted in the postseason, where the Cavaliers ranked 12th in defensive rating among 16 teams. A backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell offers little improvement defensively. ## Orlando Magic review The prediction that Orlando would rank among the bottom three teams in three-point percentage proved close but not exact. The Magic finished 27th at 34.33%, narrowly ahead of Portland at 34.26%, meaning just three fewer made threes across 82 games would have placed them in the bottom three. For 2026-27, Desmond Bane’s addition did not solve Orlando’s shooting woes. New coach Sean Sweeney or a blockbuster trade this summer may be needed to address this persistent weakness and find the right roster balance for modern NBA success. ## Charlotte Hornets review Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner made the All-Rookie Team, with Knueppel as a unanimous first-team selection. Kalkbrenner finished runner-up for the second-team spot with 43 votes, posting 1.5 blocks per game and 75% field-goal shooting. For 2026-27, both players and 2025 draftee Sion James are viewed as long-term building blocks for the Hornets’ rebuilding effort. Knueppel could develop into a star after leading the NBA in three-pointers made, while Kalkbrenner profiles as a strong rotation big despite limited mobility at age 24. ## Brooklyn Nets review The Nets ranked second in the league in turnovers, trailing only the Trail Blazers. No individual player averaged more than 2.3 giveaways per game, but the team’s collective mistakes were costly. For 2026-27, Brooklyn’s young ball handlers will have another year of experience, and the Nets may make major roster moves this summer. With no control over their 2027 first-round pick, the team is incentivized to improve defensively and reduce turnovers while aiming for more wins. ## Indiana Pacers review The prediction that Jay Huff would be the Pacers’ best center held true early in the season. Huff averaged 9.5 points and 1.9 blocks per game with 32% three-point shooting on high volume while playing all 82 games. He held the role until February, when the team traded for Ivica Zubac after realizing Isaiah Jackson was not the long-term answer. For 2026-27, Huff’s $2.7 million contract makes him one of the league’s best backup centers. His presence strengthens Indiana’s bench, which was a key factor in the team’s Finals run last year. ## Philadelphia 76ers review The preseason prediction that the 76ers would finish far from mediocre proved accurate, as they posted a 45-37 record. This was their closest to .500 since 2011-12, though a perfectly even 41-41 record did not materialize. For 2026-27, Joel Embiid’s unpredictable availability remains the biggest factor in forecasting the team’s record. With Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe developing further, the 76ers are expected to post another winning record despite ongoing health concerns. ## Miami Heat review Kel’el Ware’s predicted averages of 15 points and 10 rebounds did not materialize, as he posted 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds in his second season. Ware’s rookie-year numbers were 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. For 2026-27, Ware’s youth and potential make him a prime trade candidate if Miami pursues a star this summer. If he remains, questions persist about his fit alongside Bam Adebayo, as spacing limitations have occasionally hindered offensive efficiency. Coach Erik Spoelstra has rotated Ware in and out of the starting lineup over the past two seasons. ## Chicago Bulls review Josh Giddey flirted with a triple-double but fell short of the predicted averages. He tied for second in total triple-doubles with 13 but managed just 8.3 rebounds per game, down from 8.1 the prior season. His 9.1 assists per game ranked third in the NBA. For 2026-27, Giddey is Chicago’s clear top playmaker after the Bulls traded Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu at the deadline. Depending on Matas Buzelis’ development and the Bulls’ draft plans, Giddey may also become the team’s leading scorer. His individual numbers could rise even with roster changes under new management. ## New Orleans Pelicans review Derik Queen rarely shared the court with Zion Williamson, as lineups with both were outscored by 11.0 points per 100 possessions. This was the worst net rating for any two-man combination on the Pelicans that played at least 400 minutes. Despite these struggles, the duo still shared the court for 711 minutes, more than expected. For 2026-27, new coach Jamahl Mosley faces the challenge of structuring the rotation around Williamson and Queen. Williamson is expected to start while Queen comes off the bench, but this may not justify the franchise’s draft investment in Queen. ## Golden State Warriors review The Warriors did not earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs as predicted. Instead, they finished 37-45, placing 10th in the West. The team was 25-19 and 3.5 games back of the 4-seed when Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January. Golden State never met preseason expectations of being a sneaky contender. For 2026-27, Butler’s partial absence next season means the Warriors need significant roster improvements to stay competitive during Stephen Curry’s post-peak years. Potential options include trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo or LeBron James or pursuing other stars. ## Oklahoma City Thunder review The Thunder narrowly missed the predicted 70-win season after starting 24-1. Injuries and a 1-4 regular-season record against the Spurs derailed their run, leaving them at 68-14 even if they won every game after the All-Star break. For 2026-27, the Thunder face major roster questions due to salary-cap constraints following a conference finals loss. With new draft lottery rules removing tanking incentives, another 70-win season is unlikely. The team is now at a crossroads where shedding contributors may be necessary to maintain competitiveness. ## Portland Trail Blazers review The prediction that Portland would rank in the top five in defense and bottom five in offense did not fully materialize. The Trail Blazers finished 12th in defensive rating and 21st in offensive rating, better defensively than expected but not as lopsided as predicted. For 2026-27, Damian Lillard’s return from an Achilles tear could improve the offense but potentially weaken the defense. The team’s strong defensive core with Donovan Clingan, Jrue Holiday, and Toumani Camara provides a foundation, but the offense may need more from Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson, or another leap to reach league average. ## San Antonio Spurs review The prediction that Victor Wembanyama would record an NBA quadruple-double went unmet. Wembanyama led the league in blocks for a third straight season but never reached double-digit blocks in the regular season, though he posted 12 in a playoff game against Minnesota. His lone 10-assist game featured just one block, leaving him 20 short of the required combined blocks and assists for a quadruple-double without steals. For 2026-27, Wembanyama’s rim protection may hinder quadruple-double attempts, as opponents avoid the basket. Still, his versatility suggests no challenge is insurmountable, and this prediction may resurface in the future. ## Houston Rockets review Alperen Sengun did not improve enough to finish in the top 10 of MVP voting as predicted. His player efficiency rating remained at 21.4, identical to last season, and the Rockets’ fifth-place finish in the West earned him no MVP votes. For 2026-27, Houston faces a pivotal decision. The team could run it back with a healthy Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, Ausar Thompson, and Reed Sheppard to climb the standings. Alternatively, if the core is deemed insufficient, more dramatic changes—including trading Sengun for a better-fitting star—could be considered. ## Utah Jazz review Ace Bailey did not lead all rookies in scoring as predicted, finishing fifth with 13.8 points per game and 11th in usage rate at 21.4%. Bailey was named to the All-Rookie second team. For 2026-27, Bailey aims for individual growth while the Jazz seek his integration into advanced team concepts. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s arrival and the No. 2 draft pick position the team for a major leap forward. Bailey may lose his starting spot to Jackson or rookies AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, but he should remain a key contributor if Utah returns to the postseason. ## Los Angeles Lakers review The Lakers did not fall to the play-in tournament as predicted, finishing 53-29 with a comfortable eight-game cushion. Los Angeles went 10-8 in games Luka Doncic missed and managed absences from Austin Reaves and LeBron James. For 2026-27, this offseason is crucial for the Lakers, who must decide whether to re-sign Reaves, James, and other rotation players. With Doncic on the roster and adequate supporting talent, the Lakers should remain playoff-bound, though catching the Thunder or Spurs presents a challenge. ## LA Clippers review Ivica Zubac did not finish in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting as predicted. He played just 48 games (43 with the Clippers) and was ineligible for postseason awards, though his performance declined from the prior season. The Clippers fell from third to 21st in defensive rating during Zubac’s tenure before his trade. For 2026-27, Zubac’s departure leaves the Clippers with only Isaiah Jackson and Yanic Konan Niederhauser under guaranteed contracts up front. Niederhauser shows promise but is not ready to pair with Kawhi Leonard for immediate contention. In Indiana, Zubac replaces Myles Turner as a defensive upgrade despite fewer blocks. ## Boston Celtics review Boston did not attempt 70 three-pointers in a non-overtime game as predicted, with the high mark at 59. The Celtics ranked fourth in three-point attempt rate this season, down from leading the league in 2024-25 when Jayson Tatum was healthy and they took 60-plus in four games. For 2026-27, the Celtics should remain among the league leaders in three-point attempts under Joe Mazzulla. However, the team appears focused on diversifying its offense, per president of basketball operations Brad Stevens: “One of the things that we've got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim.” ## Memphis Grizzlies review Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did not out-shoot Desmond Bane from three-point range as predicted, continuing a decline. Caldwell-Pope’s three-point accuracy fell from 41% in Orlando (2023-24) to 34% in Memphis this season, while Bane maintained 39% shooting. For 2026-27, Caldwell-Pope is expected to exercise his $21.6 million player option. Based on his recent play, he would not command that salary on the open market. Now 33 years old, he has not averaged double-digit points since leaving Denver. ## Sacramento Kings review The Kings did not make the play-in tournament as predicted, finishing with 60 losses—the second-most in franchise history. Domantas Sabonis played just 19 games and Zach LaVine played 39, crippling the team’s star power. For 2026-27, Sacramento could treat 2025-26 as the start of a rebuild, but lottery reform removes incentives to lose games intentionally. If key players return healthy, the Kings might remain competitive for play-in contention in 2027, though totaling 60 losses again is unlikely. ## Phoenix Suns review Despite losing Kevin Durant, Phoenix improved by nine wins to claim the West’s 7-seed, defying the preseason prediction of a 14th-place finish. For 2026-27, the Suns’ ceiling may still be limited to play-in territory. The team lacks deep talent reserves beyond Devin Booker and has minimal draft capital before 2032. New coach Jordan Ott has established a sturdier floor, so Phoenix should remain in postseason contention next season despite its modest talent base. ## Washington Wizards review Cam Whitmore did not lead the Wizards in scoring as predicted, averaging just 9.2 points in 21 games before a right shoulder injury ended his season. He finished 16th on the team in total points. For 2026-27, the Wizards’ scoring leader will not be Whitmore with Trae Young and Anthony Davis now on the roster and the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. Whitmore’s role and scoring opportunities are expected to diminish significantly next season. ## 2026 NBA draft info The 2026 NBA draft will take place on June 23 and 24. Jeremy Woo’s top 100 rankings, the latest mock draft, and a mock draft simulator are available. The current draft order for Rounds 1 and 2 is also accessible, alongside additional draft coverage. ## NBA team offseason guides Many NBA teams have entered the offseason with pressing priorities. Team-by-team guides outline top draft, trade, and free agency priorities for eliminated franchises. The table below lists teams by elimination stage. Eliminated in play-in: Clippers, Heat, Hornets, Warriors. Eliminated after regular season: Bucks, Bulls, Grizzlies, Jazz, Kings, Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, Pelicans, Wizards. ## NBA Finals schedule The 2026 NBA Finals features the Knicks and Spurs, marking their first Finals meeting since 1999. Game 1 saw the Knicks win 105-95, followed by a 105-104 victory in Game 2. Game 3 went to the Spurs 115-111. Game 4 is scheduled for June 10 at the Knicks’ arena, with Game 5 on June 13 at the Spurs’. Games 6* and 7* (if necessary) follow on June 16 and June 19 at the Knicks’ and Spurs’ arenas, respectively. All games tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET.