ESPN insiders put Knicks at the top of a crowded Eastern Conference
The summer forecast identifies New York as the defending champion to beat while San Antonio and Oklahoma City headline a competitive Western race.
ESPN's NBA insiders are projecting the full Eastern and Western Conference standings for the 2026-27 season. The forecast places the defending champion New York Knicks atop an East field strengthened by major additions and returning stars.
Detroit enters the upper tier after winning 60 games and claiming the East's top seed last season, while Philadelphia added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Cleveland is counting on a full season from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden together.
The projected play-in and lottery races also include several roster changes. Toronto added Kawhi Leonard, Indiana expects Tyrese Haliburton back from an Achilles injury, and Charlotte is reshaping its roster after trading LaMelo Ball. Chicago and Washington are developing the No. 1 and No. 4 picks, Caleb Wilson and AJ Dybantsa.
In the West, San Antonio's rise follows the Spurs reaching the NBA Finals and defeating the defending champion on the way. Oklahoma City remains a contender, with Denver also part of a group featuring five of the past six MVPs and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
The forecast concludes Tuesday with projections for the 2027 conference champions and NBA Finals champion.