The NBA Is Back: Can the Thunder repeat as Champions?
The wait is over — the NBA is officially back. When the 2025-26 season tips off on Tuesday night, it’ll bring a mix of familiar faces, fresh talent, and fascinating storylines that could define the year ahead.
At the heart of the opening night schedule are two generations of basketball stars. In San Francisco, 37-year-old Steph Curry and 40-year-old LeBron James continue their timeless rivalry as the Warriors host the Lakers, a matchup that has shaped much of the league’s last decade. In Oklahoma City, the defending champion Thunder will raise their first-ever championship banner before facing off against Porto in their home opener, marking the start of their title defense.
So, as a new season begins, here’s what you need to know.
Can the Thunder Go Back-to-Back?
Repeating as NBA champions has proven nearly impossible lately, the last team to do it was the Golden State Warriors in 2018. But if anyone looks capable of breaking that streak, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The reigning champs return every key piece from last season’s 68-win roster, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s now firmly established among the league’s elite. With Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein both healthy after injury-shortened seasons, the Thunder enter this campaign deeper and more dangerous than ever.
Their biggest Western rivals? The Houston Rockets, who traded for Kevin Durant in June to pair him with Jalen Greenand Alperen Şengün. However, Houston’s momentum has been slowed by Fred VanVleet’s season-long knee injury.
Elsewhere in the West, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, remain contenders after bolstering their depth around the two-time MVP.
The Eastern Conference Picture
The East looks wide open. With Jayson Tatum sidelined after tearing his Achilles in May and Joel Embiid and Paul George still recovering, the conference could be there for the taking.
That leaves the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers as early favorites. The Knicks, under new head coach Mike Brown, are searching for the right lineup balance, while the Cavaliers will look to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit despite their 64-win regular season.
Meanwhile, Detroit, Atlanta, and Orlando are knocking on the door. Orlando’s bold move for Desmond Bane could make them this season’s surprise team. But the league’s biggest subplot might be brewing in Milwaukee, where the Bucks are fighting to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy amid constant speculation about his long-term future.
New Faces, Old Legends
This season will mark a passing of the torch.
In Los Angeles, Luka Doncic begins his first full year with the Lakers, taking the reins from LeBron James, who enters his 23rd season, and his first on an expiring contract. The team’s direction now clearly revolves around Doncic’s prime, not LeBron’s legacy.
Read also: Luka Doncic named FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Ambassador
In Dallas, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, starts his career under enormous expectations. The 18-year-old forward is already being touted as the Mavericks’ next franchise cornerstone while Kyrie Irving recovers from a long-term injury.
And down in San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama is back and healthy after last year’s health scare. The 7’4” phenom will be the centerpiece of new coach Mitch Johnson’s system as the Spurs rebuild around their generational talent.
Off-Court Drama and New Rules
No NBA season would be complete without a bit of controversy.
The league is investigating reports that the Los Angeles Clippers may have used a sponsorship deal with Kawhi Leonard to skirt salary cap rules. If proven, the punishment could be severe, ranging from team fines to potential suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer. The twist? The 2026 All-Star Game will be held at Ballmer’s new arena, Intuit Dome, adding even more intrigue.
Meanwhile, there’s also a small but notable rule change: “heave” shots from beyond 36 feet in the final seconds of a quarter will no longer hurt a player’s shooting percentage — they’ll count only as team attempts.
Global Expansion on the Horizon
The NBA continues to think globally. Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that plans for a European NBA division are moving forward, with potential teams in London, Paris, and Berlin. The league is exploring a model that would include promotion and relegation, similar to European football. Talks with major clubs like Real Madrid, Alba Berlin, and Galatasaray suggest this is no longer just a dream.
How to Watch
This season marks the start of a new 11-year broadcast deal with NBC, ESPN/ABC, and Amazon, changing how fans consume games across TV and streaming platforms. Expect more flexible viewing options and expanded prime-time coverage, especially for marquee matchups like Lakers-Warriors and Thunder-Rockets.
The stage is set: a defending champion looking to repeat, two aging legends defying time, and a new wave of stars ready to take over. The 2025-26 NBA season has all the ingredients to be one of the most unpredictable, and unforgettable — in years.
SportsLigue
