Image Source: ESPN
NBA rankings for the 2026-27 season have been revealed, and Oklahoma City sits at the top of a dramatically reshaped league. ESPN’s panel of analysts released its preseason projections ahead of opening night, placing the Thunder first and forecasting another intense championship race.
NBA Rankings Put Thunder and Spurs on Top
Oklahoma City received the highest overall ranking, with a projected 60.7 wins and a 99.9% chance of reaching the playoffs. The Thunder remain loaded around back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams forming one of the league’s most talented supporting duos.
The biggest question for Oklahoma City is whether its defense can remain historically dominant after the offseason departures of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. The Thunder have ranked first defensively over the past two seasons, but ESPN analysts believe Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs could challenge them for the top spot.
San Antonio ranks second with a projected 59.1 wins and a 99.9% playoff probability. Wembanyama remains the central figure, while De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper give the Spurs an intriguing three-guard combination. Their frontcourt depth beyond Wembanyama, Tobias Harris and Luke Kornet remains a concern.
Knicks Face Pressure After Historic Title Run
The New York Knicks rank third after ending a 53-year championship drought. Jalen Brunson’s leadership and late-game reliability are expected to keep New York among the Eastern Conference’s strongest teams, even if the club manages its regular-season workload more carefully.
ESPN projects 51.7 wins for the Knicks, who have a 97.7% chance of making the postseason. Their biggest weakness is frontcourt depth following Mitchell Robinson’s departure to Boston. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond will be asked to provide reliable interior defense and rebounding throughout a long campaign.
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown Make Philadelphia Must-See
The Philadelphia 76ers rank fourth, making them one of the most closely watched teams in the NBA. LeBron James joined Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe to create one of the league’s most star-studded starting groups.
Philadelphia has a projected 47.5 wins and an 88.3% chance of reaching the playoffs. Its greatest advantage is elite talent, but chemistry and health could determine whether the Sixers become a genuine contender. Embiid’s availability is especially important, while nine new players must quickly adapt to coach Nick Nurse’s system.
Brown’s move from Boston also adds a major storyline. The Celtics rank sixth and replaced him with Paul George while adding former Knicks center Robinson. Jayson Tatum is expected to return to All-NBA form after recovering from his Achilles injury.
Western Conference Contenders Bring Different Challenges
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranked fifth after pairing Anthony Edwards with LaMelo Ball, creating one of the league’s most exciting backcourts.
- Denver Nuggets: Ranked eighth behind Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, but with serious concerns about bench depth.
- Houston Rockets: Ranked 10th, with Kevin Durant and the return of Fred VanVleet providing offensive balance.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Ranked 11th as Luka Doncic takes full control of the team following LeBron James’ departure.
- Golden State Warriors: Ranked 19th, with age, injuries and Steph Curry’s health shaping their postseason hopes.
The Minnesota trade involving Ball and the loss of Julius Randle and Naz Reid leave the Timberwolves thinner in the frontcourt. Still, Edwards, Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert give Minnesota enough talent to remain a serious playoff threat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Brings New Energy to Miami
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to the Miami Heat is one of the season’s biggest developments. Miami ranks 14th, with a projected 45.6 wins and a 76.3% chance of making the playoffs. The Heat’s defensive foundation features Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell.
The concern is offensive depth. Miami traded Tyler Herro and lost Norman Powell, placing additional playmaking responsibility on Antetokounmpo and Mitchell. ESPN analysts nevertheless believe the Heat could finish in the top 10 in three-point makes after adding Tim Hardaway Jr., Klay Thompson and Bobby Portis.
Injuries and Rebuilding Plans Shape the Bottom Half
Several teams enter the season with major uncertainty. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is returning from a torn Achilles after 487 days away from regular-season action. Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is expected to miss multiple weeks with an ankle sprain, adding pressure to a young roster.
At the bottom of the rankings, Sacramento is projected to finish 30th with 21.7 wins, while Brooklyn, Milwaukee and New Orleans also face difficult rebuilding seasons. The Los Angeles Clippers rank 27th amid injuries, roster turnover and organizational turmoil.
Dallas ranks 21st despite the star potential of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. ESPN analysts believe Flagg could make the All-NBA third team in his second season, an ambitious prediction that reflects the excitement surrounding the young forward.
With major trades, returning stars and several emerging young players, the 2026-27 NBA season promises a new competitive landscape. Oklahoma City and San Antonio lead the early projections, but Philadelphia, Miami, Minnesota and New York ensure the championship race will be anything but predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team tops the 2026-27 NBA rankings?
Oklahoma City is ranked first, with ESPN projecting 60.7 wins and a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs.
Where do the San Antonio Spurs rank?
The Spurs rank second behind Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
Why are the Philadelphia 76ers receiving so much attention?
Philadelphia added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a lineup that already includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
What is the biggest NBA storyline in Miami?
The Heat must determine whether Giannis Antetokounmpo can lead a thinner roster while maintaining their defensive identity.
Which young player could make the biggest leap?
Cooper Flagg is a leading breakout candidate after a highly productive rookie season alongside Kyrie Irving.
