2026-27 NBA Season Preview: Team Outlooks, Power Rankings, and Players to Watch

2026-27 NBA Season Preview

The NBA season kicks off on October 20, 2026. Here's a full rundown of what you need to know, including team previews, power rankings, players to watch, and fantasy basketball insights.

Team-by-Team Previews

From opening night schedules to revamped rosters and potential outcomes, every one of the 30 NBA teams is covered in detail. This includes both the Eastern and Western Conferences:

• Eastern Conference: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
• Western Conference: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

Title Contenders

Nine teams enter this season with odds of 25-to-1 or better to win the NBA Championship. Each contender faces questions that will shape their playoff chances. Experts like Dan Devine explore what makes these teams strong and where challenges lie.

Division Previews

Nekias Duncan examines each division, highlighting what fans should expect and which lineups could surprise. Here are the divisions covered:

• Atlantic
• Central
• Southeast
• Northwest
• Pacific
• Southwest

Fantasy Basketball

Get ready for fantasy hoops with an updated draft kit packed with rankings, strategies, and player analyses to help you excel in your league this season. Yahoo Fantasy Basketball leagues are open for joining or creating.

Rising Stars

Who might break out and make their first All-Star appearance? Twenty-four players are spotlighted, ranging from top prospects to surprising long shots. Contributors like Kevin O'Connor discuss rising sophomores and rookies to keep an eye on.

Storylines to Watch

This season brings several intriguing narratives: notable newcomers, how teams like the Wolves will manage star players, comebacks from veteran athletes, and bold moves such as the Spurs’ adjustments around Victor Wembanyama.

NBA Power Rankings

Kevin O’Connor ranks all 30 teams from worst to best based on their chances to reach the Finals, noting recent changes, strengths, and concerns.

Pressure Rankings

Which teams face the heaviest expectations this year? The NBA Pressure Rankings reveal who is under the spotlight and what’s at stake.