Ranking the NBA's top title contenders

The Spurs are the NBA’s dark horse and maybe its most fascinating experiment. Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore season could redefine greatness: a legitimate MVP campaign paired with a likely Defensive Player of the Year award. Surrounding him are Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle — a nucleus that might be the best young core of the 21st century.

7. Dallas Mavericks

Defensively, Dallas will be elite. With Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Max Christie forming a switchable, towering rotation, the Mavs have the tools to contend for the league’s best defense. Their weakness remains shooting, and the absence of a clear number one scorer (yet). Flagg’s impact could rewrite expectations. Hot take: he’ll lead the team in points and assists as a rookie, earning an All-Star berth. And if Kyrie Irving returns from ACL rehab by the playoffs, even at 80%, Dallas instantly becomes a true Western Conference contender.

6. Houston Rockets

Head coach Ime Udoka's defensive-minded system has transformed Houston into one of the league’s most disciplined young teams, built around Alperen Şengün’s rising dominance as a playmaking big with a growing defensive reputation. The addition of Kevin Durant gives this young roster a proven closer. Still, the injury to Fred VanVleet puts enormous pressure on Udoka’s jumbo lineups and second-year guard Reed Sheppard, who must step into a full-time lead role far earlier than expected. 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are one of the deepest teams in the league, boasting size few can match. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland headline the offense, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchor an elite defensive core. But Cleveland won’t truly contend for a championship until Mobley becomes their first offensive option. This shift will require a higher usage rate and an expanded three-point volume. Lonzo Ball gives the Cavs a large, defensive-minded playmaker who can stabilize the offense in second unit and close games.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has arrived as a top-three MVP candidate. The Wolves’ identity shifted after the Karl-Anthony Towns–Julius Randle trade. Randle’s physicality has unlocked a grittier version of this team, complementing Rudy Gobert’s rim protection and freeing Edwards to attack without hesitation. Rob Dillingham should take most of Mike Conley’s minutes and inject tempo into head coach Chris Finch’s offense. 

3. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are still the gold standard of continuity. Nikola Jokić remains basketball's most complete offensive weapon, while Jamal Murray brings clutch shot-making. They finally addressed depth by bringing back Bruce Brown and adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas. And they upgraded by swapping Michael Porter Jr. with Cam Johnson. With Jokić healthy, Denver is never out of title contention.

2. New York Knicks

The Knicks have finally arrived as true contenders. Jalen Brunson’s evolution into an All-NBA leader has transformed New York’s culture. OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges bring two-way relentlessness, while Karl-Anthony Towns provides star firepower. The Knicks’ blend of toughness and chemistry consistency makes them the best team in the East and on a Finals or bust mission. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

No team better represents the NBA’s new era than Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in his prime and firmly among the greatest guards ever. Chet Holmgren’s two-way brilliance elevates both ends of the floor. Jalen Williams continues to blossom and Mark Daigneault’s motion-heavy, unselfish system is perfectly suited for their skill set.