Training camps haven’t even opened, but that’s never stopped anyone from making bold predictions. Here are the ten biggest questions shaping expectations for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Can Philadelphia Handle Championship Pressure?
Adding LeBron James alongside Joel Embiid raises the ceiling, but also the stakes. Health, more than talent, will determine whether the Sixers live up to preseason hype.
Does Portland’s Gamble Pay Off?
The Ja Morant trade could accelerate the Trail Blazers’ timeline dramatically — or become a distraction if off-court issues resurface.
Other Key Storylines to Watch
- Which bargain veteran signing — Klay Thompson in Miami, DeMar DeRozan in Denver, or Bradley Beal with the Clippers — provides the best return on investment?
- Can Golden State’s retooled core, anchored by Draymond Green’s return, stay competitive in a deep Western Conference?
- Which team without a marquee offseason addition quietly outperforms expectations through internal development?
- How does Washington’s frontcourt, bolstered by the Ayton trade, affect the Wizards’ rebuild timeline?
MVP and Award Buzz
Early award conversations always favor players on winning teams with clean statistical profiles, but injuries and role changes routinely scramble the picture by midseason. Don’t lock anything in before Thanksgiving.
Rookies to Track
For a deeper look at which first-year players could shake up the awards race, see our Rookie Ladder preview.
Coaching Seats to Monitor
Roster overhauls this dramatic tend to raise the pressure on head coaches just as much as players. Expect a handful of benches to face scrutiny by midseason if title-contending rosters underperform relative to their star-studded expectations.
Bottom Line
Preseason predictions are made to be wrong, but that’s exactly what makes them fun. Check back in December to see how many of these actually held up.