WASHINGTON — The NBA’s 80th season tips off on Tuesday, with defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder leading the list of title favourites as superstar trades and major injuries reshape the league.
The Thunder will raise their championship banner when Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets visit Oklahoma City, while the Los Angeles Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in the other opening-night matchup. “It would suck to lose the NBA championship in 2026,” said MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s Finals MVP and scoring leader with 32.7 points per game.
A survey of team executives found 80% predicting Oklahoma City will repeat as NBA champions, with Cleveland and Denver tied for a distant second at 7%. The Thunder’s star guard leads a team built on youth, chemistry, and defensive dominance. Off-season moves have changed the landscape:
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Kevin Durant joined Houston from Phoenix.
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Bradley Beal signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart moved to the Lakers, joining Luka Doncic and a recovering LeBron James, who enters his 23rd season.
“I don’t know when the end is, but it’s sooner rather than later,” said LeBron, sidelined early due to sciatica. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers look to defend their conference crown with Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and newly added Lonzo Ball. “His I.Q. and vision are next level,” Mitchell said of Ball.
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The New York Knicks have a new coach, Mike Brown, while Orlando Magic strengthened with Desmond Bane from Memphis. Several superstars will miss the season due to Achilles tendon injuries:
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Damian Lillard (Portland)
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Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
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Jayson Tatum (Boston)
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Dejounte Murray (New Orleans)
The Boston Celtics, reeling from injuries, sent Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, while Myles Turner joined Milwaukee. With new rivalries, injured icons, and fresh faces, the 2025–26 NBA season promises one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory — but all eyes remain on Oklahoma City to defend their crown.