NBA 2026-27 Season Preview: Spurs and Thunder Lead Early Championship Talk

Analysts are already highlighting the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder as the first teams to shape the 2026-27 NBA championship picture. The Spurs, propelled by Victor Wembanyama’s two‑way impact, posted a 62‑win season and reached the Western Conference Finals, positioning them as legitimate contenders with a balanced roster that can still improve. The Thunder, anchored by Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, recorded 64 wins and boast depth across the lineup, giving them resilience against injuries and a strong platform for a title run.

Off‑season moves are also reshaping expectations. Notably, the Philadelphia franchise added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, a blockbuster acquisition that could shift the odds for other contenders. These roster changes, along with coaching and cap flexibility adjustments, are influencing futures markets and setting the tone for the upcoming season.