Los Angeles Clippers

Bold NBA 2025-26 Season Predictions: New Champion, Fresh⁢ Faces in MVP Race and More

As the‌ 2025-26 NBA season approaches, ‌analysts are offering predictions ranging​ from‍ team success to individual accolades. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing forecasts ​for the upcoming year, based on recent reporting and⁢ observations.

Portland Trail⁤ Blazers: Yang Hansen’s Impact

Rookie Yang Hansen,⁢ the 7-foot-1 center drafted 16th⁢ overall ⁣by the Blazers from China, is expected to make an immediate impact. Despite initial ‌skepticism surrounding the pick, Hansen’s unique skillset – combining⁤ deft passing, long-range⁣ shooting, and agile footwork – has already impressed coach Chauncey Billups, who has declared him ⁢a rotation player. While not projected ⁤to outperform top pick Cooper Flagg, Hansen is⁣ anticipated⁢ to be a captivating and effective contributor. As Jason Fast notes, “He will impress – and entertain.”

Sacramento Kings: Russell Westbrook‘s Potential

The Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of Russell Westbrook ​presents a potentially positive scenario. Analyst Sam Amick suggests that Westbrook could thrive in a non-contending⁢ environment, raising‍ the floor for a team with limited ​ceiling. This differs significantly from his recent stints with⁤ high-expectation teams like ‌the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. The success of Westbrook could also impact⁣ the starting point guard position currently held by veteran Dennis Schröder.

San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Push

Victor Wembanyama ‍is poised for ‍a breakout season, with predictions placing him among ⁤the top‍ three contenders ⁤for the MVP award. Jared Weiss observes​ that Wembanyama’s preseason‍ showcased a diverse skillset, hinting at a potentially unprecedented ​stat line. If the Spurs can secure a top-six finish ⁣in the Western Conference while Wembanyama⁣ maintains impressive per-game statistics, he’s expected to challenge the last‌ two MVP winners.

Toronto Raptors: Ingram to Shine,Barnes to Fall Short

The toronto Raptors are ‌projected to improve,and Brandon‍ ingram is expected ⁢to be​ the ​driving force behind that ascent. eric Koreen believes Ingram will be the ‌offensive catalyst and highlights ‍his underrated defensive⁣ value. ‍Ingram’s health will be crucial, but if ⁢he stays⁤ on the court, ⁢he’s ​predicted to become ⁤a ⁢focal point for opposing defenses and earn an All-Star⁣ selection. Conversely,Scottie Barnes is not expected to make the All-Star team.

Utah Jazz: Markkanen on the Move

The Utah Jazz are likely to trade Lauri Markkanen before the trade deadline.⁢ Zach Harper explains that the team’s ​previous ⁤extension prevented them⁤ from ⁣fully embracing a tanking strategy.Now, with the ability to trade Markkanen, ‌the Jazz will seek to acquire additional assets, especially with a loaded ⁢upcoming draft, in their search for a franchise⁣ player.

Washington Wizards: Shared ⁢Scoring, Lower⁣ Totals

The Washington Wizards ⁢are expected to‍ embrace a more egalitarian offensive approach under⁤ Coach Brian‍ Keefe, leading to a surprising​ prediction: the team’s leading scorer will average under⁢ 20.0 ⁣points per game. Josh Robbins points to the presence of veteran players like CJ McCollum‌ and Khris Middleton, known for⁢ their ⁤team-oriented play, and the potential for Cam Whitmore to come off the bench, as factors ⁢contributing to a more distributed scoring load. ​ Kyle Kuzma ​(22.2 PPG​ two seasons ago) and Jordan Poole (20.5 PPG last season) previously led the‍ team in scoring, but ‍a shift in philosophy is anticipated.