Predicting the 2026-27 NBA Standings: Which Teams Will Rise, Fall and Surprise?

Key Points:

• Sports Illustrated's NBA team predicts the San Antonio Spurs will secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the 2026–27 season, citing the presence of star player Victor Wembanyama and key additions like Tobias Harris.
• The Western Conference playoff bubble is expected to be competitive, with Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers among the teams most likely to miss the postseason despite offseason moves.
• In the Eastern Conference, predictions vary with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks all considered strong contenders for the No. 1 seed, reflecting a highly competitive landscape.
• The Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic are identified as the most likely Eastern Conference playoff teams from last year to miss the postseason, due to roster challenges and stiff competition.
• Teams expected to make a postseason leap include the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks in the West, and the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat in the East, with key player returns and coaching strategies influencing these forecasts.