Writers’ NBA 2026-27 predictions: Knicks to repeat, Wembanyama for MVP and a contentious Sixers era
Our writers laid out their forecasts for the NBA’s 2026-27 season as the campaign tips off on Tuesday, offering divergent views from a New York title repeat to debates about LeBron James’s impact in Philadelphia.
They pointed to an extraordinary summer of roster change — including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade to the Heat and Jaylen Brown and LeBron James joining the 76ers — and described the league as having been effectively reset by that movement. Commentators questioned whether newly assembled superteams can cohere quickly, calling the opening week among the most intriguing in years and noting the potential for early chemistry issues and finger-pointing.
Several writers singled out the Philadelphia situation for particular scrutiny, citing Joel Embiid’s remark that he is "against the concept of sacrificing" and warning that five starters with All-Star ambitions could create friction. Tyrese Maxey’s career-high 28.3 points per game last season was noted as a reason why Maxey and VJ Edgecombe stand to lose the most from any unclear hierarchy. Observers also flagged LeBron’s age — described repeatedly as 41 — and reported his frequent helicopter travel between New York and Philadelphia as a factor likely to draw immediate media and fan attention.
Individual breakout and development picks were detailed: Dylan Harper was described as San Antonio’s most consistent player during their finals run as a rookie; Alex Sarr’s field-goal percentage jump from 39.4% to 48.2% was highlighted alongside the view that Trae Young could turn Sarr into a premier lob threat recalling Clint Capela’s 64.6% finishing off Young’s passes in 2020-21. Amen Thompson’s defensive upside, Cade Cunningham’s case as an MVP-level contender if his three-point work pays off, and Cooper Flagg’s high-scoring nights (51, 49, 45 and 42) were also flagged as key storylines, with Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn ACL mentioned as context for Flagg’s sophomore season.
On the MVP question, a majority of contributors backed Victor Wembanyama: CDL, LE, BAG and OL all picked Wembanyama for MVP, citing his two-way impact, finals experience and prior standing in MVP voting, while AL selected Giannis Antetokounmpo based on his health and supporting cast in Miami.
Writers provided differing postseason projections for both conferences: OL’s Eastern forecast was Knicks, 76ers, Celtics, Heat, Pacers, Raptors, Pistons, Cavaliers while CDL listed Knicks, Pacers, Hawks, Heat, 76ers, Pistons, Cavaliers, Raptors and LE offered Knicks, Celtics, Cavaliers, 76ers, Pacers, Pistons, Hawks, Heat. On the West, OL projected Spurs, Thunder, Lakers, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Rockets, Trail Blazers, Warriors; CDL had Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Trail Blazers, Jazz; LE chose Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Timberwolves, Warriors, Mavericks.
Finals predictions varied sharply: OL forecast Spurs 4-3 Knicks, JF picked Knicks 4-2 Timberwolves, LE projected Thunder 4-2 Celtics, BAG had Spurs 4-1 Knicks and AL chose Thunder 4-3 Pacers.
The season tips off on Tuesday, when the early returns on chemistry, health and the various breakout and MVP cases will begin to validate or overturn these forecasts.