2025-26 NBA Season Preview: Team outlooks, player rankings, predictions and fantasy spin

The 2025-26 NBA season is here. We’re rolling out our team-by-team previews, player rankings and predictions to get you ready for Opening Night on Oct. 21.

Team-by-team previews

(Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

We’re examining the biggest questions, best- and worst-case scenarios, and win projections for all 30 franchises — from the still-rebuilding teams to the true title contenders.

East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards

West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • Los Angeles Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz

Ranking the NBA’s No. 1 options

(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

Let’s rank each team’s starting lineup for a broader look at the talent across the league. How does your team stack up? Ranking No. 1 options

Storylines to watch

(Stefan Milic/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

In superstar trades, the rebuilding team wins the deal more than you think. Here’s why the Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tom Haberstroh

Impact players to watch

(Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

While we should take what we see in preseason with a grain of salt, there’s some excitement building around these players. Impact players to watch