NBA 2026-27 Championship Predictions and Expert Picks

Kelly Iko: New York Knicks. Despite some off-court distractions, this team remains solid and balanced. Other East teams like the Raptors, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Pistons, and Cavaliers face too many uncertainties. The Knicks have no glaring weaknesses in roster or coaching, which is critical.
Dan Devine: New York Knicks. Trusting the Knicks more than anyone else feels surprising, but they have potential. They've played a lot recently, and repeat conference champions are rare these days. Still, their peak level seems higher than the other contenders.
Tom Haberstroh: Philadelphia 76ers. The East is packed with strong teams. With LeBron James and Joel Embiid healthy, the Sixers stand out due to four All-NBA players, an experienced coach, and impressive depth.
Steve Jones: New York Knicks. The Eastern Conference has strong competition: Knicks, Cavs, Pistons, Sixers, Heat, Raptors, Celtics, and Tyrese Haliburton’s return. Although the Sixers are playoff-ready, Jones sticks with the Knicks, confident they'll build on their championship formula.
Nekias Duncan: Boston Celtics. As defending champs losing only one key player, Boston’s structure impresses. Led by MVP candidate Jayson Tatum, they excel in shooting, rebounding, defense, and ball control.

Western Conference Favorites

Nekias Duncan: Oklahoma City Thunder. Even with many injuries, they nearly won 70 games and pushed the Western Conference finals to seven games. Their talent, growth, coaching, and motivation after last season’s finish make them formidable.
Tom Haberstroh: San Antonio Spurs. Despite Jalen Williams’ health benefiting OKC last year, Chet Holmgren's struggles against Victor Wembanyama matter. Haberstroh favors the Spurs, who continue rising.
Steve Jones: San Antonio Spurs. After surprising the league last season, the Spurs will face more attention but also have a strong desire for revenge. Jones predicts a Spurs return to the Finals.
Dan Devine: Oklahoma City Thunder. A Western Conference finals rematch with the Spurs awaits, with Devine betting on the Thunder.
Kelly Iko: San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs see their main rival clearly and will pursue a rematch relentlessly.

Dan Devine: Thunder over Knicks. New York pushes their title defense far but runs out of energy. Oklahoma City claims the league's top spot, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joining an elite group of multiple regular-season and Finals MVP winners.
Nekias Duncan: Thunder over Celtics. Star power from SGA and Tatum, a coaching duel between Mark Daigneault and Joe Mazzulla, and notable role players make this matchup thrilling. Duncan believes the Thunder are the best team and favorites for another title.
Kelly Iko: Spurs over Knicks. After an incredible recent Finals, Iko expects a rematch. With Tobias Harris added, the Spurs can challenge the Knicks’ stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby. He also predicts a Knicks trade before February.
Steve Jones: Spurs over Knicks. A rematch would be exciting, with the Knicks probing Spurs' defense and the Spurs improving their offense. Jones picks the Spurs to win.
Tom Haberstroh: Spurs over Sixers. Victor Wembanyama’s rise follows a historic path: Rookie of the Year, All-Star, top MVP candidate, then champion by year four. Only Bob Pettit and Dave Cowens have done this in over 50 years. Haberstroh believes Wemby will take the crown.