2025-26 Nba Season Preview: Team Outlooks, Player Rankings, Predictions And Fantasy Spin

The 2025-26 NBA season is here. We're rolling out our team-by-team previews, player rankings and predictions to get you ready for Opening Night on Oct. 21.

Team-by-team previews

We're examining the biggest questions, best- and worst-case scenarios, and win projections for all 30 franchises — from the still-rebuilding teams to the true title contenders.

East: Atlanta Hawks • Boston Celtics • Brooklyn Nets • Charlotte Hornets • Chicago Bulls • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Indiana Pacers • Miami Heat • Milwaukee Bucks • New York Knicks • Orlando Magic • Philadelphia 76ers • Toronto Raptors • Washington Wizards

West: Dallas Mavericks • Denver Nuggets • Golden State Warriors • Houston Rockets • Los Angeles Clippers • Los Angeles Lakers • Memphis Grizzlies • Minnesota Timberwolves • New Orleans Pelicans • Oklahoma City Thunder • Phoenix Suns • Portland Trail Blazers • Sacramento Kings • San Antonio Spurs • Utah Jazz

Ranking the NBA's No. 1 options

Let's rank each team's starting lineup for a broader look at the talent across the league. How does your team stack up? Ranking No. 1 options

Storylines to watch

In superstar trades, the rebuilding team wins the deal more than you think. Here's why the Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tom Haberstroh

• Rohrbach: LeBron's injury is more reason for Lakers to focus on Luka

• Iko: Kevin Durant comfortable with Rockets as potential last stop

• Devine: Knicks know expectations are high after big changes 

Impact players to watch

While we should take what we see in preseason with a grain of salt, there’s some excitement building around these players. Impact players to watch

Podcast previews

Our NBA analysts weigh in on the top storylines around the league.

Milestones to watch

What LeBron James can accomplish this season is mind-blowing stuff. Plus, Kevin Durant's pursuit of Michael Jordan. Milestones to watch

Fantasy Hoops!

Our fantasy basketball draft kit is here to help you crush your 2025 drafts and build championship-winning teams! Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit

• High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. Create or join a league

NBA schedule highlights

Let’s take a quick spin through the calendar to highlight some of the most anticipated games on the 2025-26 NBA schedule. Must-see matchups

Predicting the standings

Biggest risers and fallers in the East and West? Our writers take an early stab at predicting how the standings will play out. East | West