2026-27 NBA Championship Predictions: Expert Analysis and Picks

Kelly Iko: The New York Knicks. Despite some off-court distractions, this team remains solid with no glaring weaknesses on their roster or coaching staff. Other Eastern contenders like the Raptors, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Pistons, and Cavs face too many uncertainties.
Dan Devine: Also backing the Knicks. It’s surprising to trust them over others, especially given their heavy workload recently. Yet, their potential ceiling seems higher than the rest of the East contenders.
Tom Haberstroh: Prefers the Philadelphia 76ers. With LeBron James and Joel Embiid healthy, and a squad featuring four All-NBA players alongside an experienced coach, they present formidable depth.
Steve Jones: Sides with the Knicks. The East is stacked: Knicks, Cavaliers, Pistons hold continuity; Sixers, Heat, Raptors made moves; Celtics remain competitive; and Tyrese Haliburton is back. He expects the Knicks to build on their championship formula.
Nekias Duncan: Chooses the Boston Celtics. Boston lost just one key player from their playoff rotation. Their structure, led by Jayson Tatum’s MVP-caliber talent, is balanced in shooting, rebounding, defense, and ball control.

Who Will Top the Western Conference?

Nekias Duncan: Picks the Oklahoma City Thunder. They battled injuries last season yet nearly hit 70 wins and pushed the Western Conference Finals to seven games. The team boasts elite talent, strong internal growth, smart coaching, and motivation after last season’s finish.
Tom Haberstroh: Favors the San Antonio Spurs. Despite OKC’s advantages, Chet Holmgren struggled against top competition. The Spurs are still improving and look ready to make a splash.
Steve Jones: Also supports the Spurs. After surprising the league, increased attention and desire for revenge could fuel their run back to the Finals.
Dan Devine: Goes with the Thunder. He expects a rematch of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs.
Kelly Iko: Picks the Spurs. San Antonio has zeroed in on their biggest rival and looks locked in for another showdown.

Dan Devine:Thunder over Knicks. New York will defend as far as they can but ultimately tire out. Oklahoma City will establish themselves as the league’s best, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joining legendary company as a multiple regular-season and Finals MVP winner alongside Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Larry Bird.
Nekias Duncan:Thunder over Celtics. A clash of stars including SGA and Jayson Tatum, plus coaching battles between Mark Daigneault and Joe Mazzulla. Paul George’s revenge tour, plus contributions from Jalen Williams, Derrick White, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Hugo González add flavor. Duncan thinks the Thunder are the league’s top team and favorite to win again.
Kelly Iko:Spurs over Knicks. After a thrilling recent Finals, the Spurs now have Tobias Harris and a fresh lineup to challenge Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby. Iko also predicts a significant Knicks trade by February.
Steve Jones:Spurs over Knicks. A rematch with the Knicks testing Spurs’ defensive rotations and the Spurs working to sharpen offense would be exciting. Jones believes the Spurs take the title.
Tom Haberstroh:Spurs over Sixers. Wembanyama’s career trajectory – Rookie of the Year, All-Star in year two, top three in MVP voting in year three, and champion in year four – mirrors legends Bob Pettit and Dave Cowens. He sees big things coming for Wemby.