As the calendar flips to 2026, the NBA finds itself in one of the most unpredictable stretches in recent memory. We’ve moved past the era of predictable superteams and into a landscape defined by emerging young dynasties, veteran superstars fighting the clock, and a rookie class that is already breaking records.
Here is what to watch for as the NBA enters 2026.
The Championship Chase: New Kings of the Hill
The traditional hierarchy of the league has been upended. As of late December 2025, the standings tell a story of a “youth takeover.”
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The OKC Dynasty-in-Waiting: The Oklahoma City Thunder enter 2026 as the team to beat. Despite a minor December slump, they remain atop the Western Conference. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level and Jalen Williams returning to All-NBA form after a wrist injury, the Thunder are no longer “scary for the future”—they are the present.
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The “New” New York Knicks: Fresh off winning the 2025 NBA Cup in Las Vegas, the Knicks have surged to within a game of the top seed in the East. Under Mike Brown, the Knicks have developed a deep bench (led by rookie sensation Tyler Kolek) that is finally providing the support Jalen Brunson needs to compete for a title.
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The Pistons’ Resurrection: In perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2025-26 season, the Detroit Pistons hold the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as we enter the new year. Cade Cunningham has made the “Superstar Leap,” and Detroit’s young core is finally translating potential into wins.
The Award Races: Historical Greatness vs. The Prodigy
The individual award races are shaping up to be legendary as we head toward the back half of the season.
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The MVP Duel: It is a two-man race at the top between Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokić recently took the lead in the MVP ladder after a historic 56-point Christmas Day performance. If he wins, it would be his fourth MVP, putting him in a stratosphere occupied only by the game’s greatest legends.
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The Cooper Flagg Show: The 2026 Rookie of the Year race is essentially over. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) has lived up to every bit of the hype, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points in a game. He enters 2026 as a heavy -500 favorite for the award, though Kon Knueppel (Hornets) is putting up All-Star caliber numbers in his own right.
The “Hot Stove”: Trade Deadline Drama (Feb 5, 2026)
With the trade deadline just over a month away, several massive names are circling the rumor mill:
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Anthony Davis: Rumors are swirling that the Mavericks are listening to calls on AD to pivot their build around young superstar Cooper Flagg. The Hawks and Warriors are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo: While a mid-season trade is unlikely, the “Giannis Watch” is officially on. If the Bucks continue to struggle in a top-heavy East, the vultures (specifically the Knicks) will be circling by the summer.
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Trae Young: With the Hawks hovering near the Play-In line, many insiders expect Trae to be the “big domino” that falls before February 5th.
Off-Court: The Expansion Determination
Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that 2026 is the year the league will make a final determination on expansion.
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The Frontrunners: Las Vegas and Seattle remain the clear favorites.
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The LeBron Factor: Rumors persist that the league is timing the expansion announcement with LeBron James’ potential retirement, allowing him to transition into an ownership role for a Las Vegas-based franchise.
Injuries to Watch
The “Health Factor” will dictate the first few months of 2026. Keep an eye on:
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Nikola Jokić (Nuggets): Dealing with a knee hyperextension that has him sidelined for part of January.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): Ramping up from an adductor injury; the Bucks’ season depends on his 100% return.
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Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): Though back from a calf injury, the Spurs are carefully managing his minutes to ensure he is peaked for a potential deep playoff run.
