We're all pretty confident in how the West is going to play out. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will be at the top. In the playoffs underneath them, in some order, are probably going to be the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
The Conference Finals feel almost preordained. The top six is as close to a lock as we've ever had going into a season. We'd be surprised if there were any surprises.
On the other hand, we won't be surprised by anything that goes on in the Eastern Conference bloodbath. Last year, due to a combination of injuries and circumstances, we assumed the East would be weak. This year, more than half of the conference operated this offseason as though it expects to reach the NBA Finals.
Basically, everyone but the Nets and Bucks either added substantial talent or retained surprisingly successful rosters from a season ago. The teams that make the Play-In Tournament in the West will likely view their seasons as moderate successes. Teams that do so in the East are going to fire people.
So… who are those teams going to be? That's what we're here to find out. Below, the CBS Sports NBA staff predicted the standings for both conferences ahead of the 2026-27 season.
After setting their brackets, each predicted who would reach the Conference Finals, the NBA Finals, and, ultimately, hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy as the 2027 NBA champions. The 2026-27 season is officially at hand. Brad Botkin: It's Wemby time in the West.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
