An offseason survey conducted by ESPN canvassed 20 NBA coaches, scouts and front-office executives, asking which teams they believe will capture each conference and the league championship next season. The results point to a potential showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, with overwhelming confidence in Oklahoma City to ultimately secure the trophy in June.
Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers — 9 votes
New York Knicks — 7
Atlanta Hawks — 2
Milwaukee Bucks — 1
Orlando Magic — 1
Voters framed the East as a two-team fight between Cleveland’s star power and New York’s depth. Supporters of the Cavaliers highlighted All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley as the duo that provides the highest ceiling. Backers of the Knicks cited the roster’s toughness and playoff experience.
Three voters deviated from the main choices. One selected Orlando, pointing to the Magic’s young core and improved roster balance. Another opted for Atlanta, referencing Trae Young’s postseason résumé. A single executive chose Milwaukee, explaining the pick simply: “I’m betting on Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder — 18 votes
Denver Nuggets — 2
The Thunder, fresh off a championship run and with only two players older than 27, dominated the Western Conference ballot. The two dissenting votes landed with Denver, where belief in Nikola Jokić and an upgraded bench kept the Nuggets in the conversation.
NBA Championship
Oklahoma City Thunder — 18 votes
Denver Nuggets — 2
No respondent selected an Eastern Conference club to win the title, underscoring a perceived gap between the leagues. Overall, insiders project Oklahoma City as the team to beat in 2025-26, with Denver viewed as the lone serious challenger.
Source: Hoops Wire
