NBA 2026-27 Championship Predictions and Conference Winners

Who Will Dominate the Eastern Conference?

Kelly Iko: Picks the New York Knicks. Despite some off-court distractions, the team remains solid with few weaknesses. Other contenders like the Raptors, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Pistons, and Cavs have notable issues in one area or another. The Knicks' roster and coaching staff look well-rounded.
Dan Devine: Also favors the New York Knicks. He trusts them more than any other team in the East, acknowledging their wear from previous seasons but believes they can reach high levels unmatched by others right now.
Tom Haberstroh: Goes with the Philadelphia 76ers. The East is deep, but with LeBron James and Joel Embiid healthy, plus four All-NBA players and a championship-winning coach, the Sixers have strong depth.
Steve Jones: Backs the New York Knicks. Predicts the East will gain respect with a competitive field including the Knicks, Cavs, Pistons, Sixers, Heat, Raptors, and Celtics. He expects the Knicks to build on their championship formula.
Nekias Duncan: Supports the Boston Celtics. Impressed by their structure and the MVP-level talent of Jayson Tatum. The Celtics excel at shooting, rebounding, defense, and ball control.

Nekias Duncan: Picks the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite injuries last season, they nearly won 70 games and pushed the Western Conference finals to seven games. The team has top-tier talent, good internal growth, strong coaching, and motivation after last year's disappointment.
Tom Haberstroh: Chooses the San Antonio Spurs. While OKC's Jalen Williams had an impact, Chet Holmgren seemed less effective against Wembanyama. Haberstroh believes the Spurs are still rising.
Steve Jones: Supports the San Antonio Spurs. Thinks the Spurs' drive for revenge and league attention will fuel them. Predicts they will return to the Finals.
Dan Devine: Favors the Oklahoma City Thunder. Expects a rematch of the Western Conference finals with the Spurs.
Kelly Iko: Picks the San Antonio Spurs. Believes they are locked on a collision course with their main rival, setting up a rematch.

Dan Devine: Predicts Thunder over Knicks. Sees New York pushing their title defense far but eventually tiring. Oklahoma City establishes itself as the top team with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joining an elite group of multiple regular-season and Finals MVP winners alongside legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Nekias Duncan: Chooses Thunder over Celtics. Excited by star battles between SGA and Jayson Tatum, coaching matchups, and a potential Paul George revenge storyline. Highlights contributions from Derrick White, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Hugo González. Thinks Thunder are the best overall team.
Kelly Iko: Picks Spurs over Knicks. Wants to see another Finals like the thrilling recent one, but thinks San Antonio’s additions and new lineup give them an edge over New York’s stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Also predicts a key Knicks player trade by February.
Steve Jones: Favors Spurs over Knicks. Enjoys the idea of a rematch, with Knicks challenging Spurs’ defense and Spurs improving offensively. Believes Spurs will win.
Tom Haberstroh: Picks Spurs over Sixers. Sees Victor Wembanyama reaching an NBA first: Rookie of the Year, All-Star in Year 2, top MVP contender in Year 3, and champion in Year 4—a feat only Bob Pettit and Dave Cowens have done before.