It’s still less than a week before the 2025-2026 NBA season kicks off, but we’re already getting a view of what could unfold for the 30 teams next season, thanks to ESPN’s latest simulation. However, the team that actually wins it all is the one everyone least expects.
The Trail Blazers Almost Win the NBA Cup
As surprising as it sounds, the Portland Trail Blazers are having an “okay” season, at least according to the simulation. What’s even more remarkable is how they went on to become the finalists in the NBA In-Season Tournament by December 2025. Although their lucky streak would indeed be by the Boston Celtics, at least Damian Lillard came close to being a champion.
Lakers Struggle All Season Long
Despite having two of the most iconic basketball players today in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, it’s as if the Los Angeles Lakers still can’t catch a break, even in a simulation. This leads us to an issue that could highlight the newly acquired Deandre Ayton and how he fits into JJ Reddick’s system. Are the Lakers going to bomb next season?
Putting the simulation aside, Doncic definitely has high chances of winning his MVP in the 2025-2026 season.
Warriors Achieve Their First 60-Win Season Since 2016-2017
Surprisingly, ESPN’s simulation shows a very different standing compared to what really happened last season. The Lakers’ tragic year put them at the 13th seed, virtually disabling them from participating in the playoffs and not even close to the Play-In tournament. Meanwhile, the stacked Dallas Mavericks are somewhat even worse in the West.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference, but the Detroit Pistons, who were the 6th seeds in the 2024-2025 campaign, dropped to number 12. However, the most out of the blue scenario is when the aging Golden State Warriors achieve a 63-19 record, the best in the league, and their first 60-win season since Kevin Durant joined them in 2016.
Despite the odd conclusion to the season, the jampacked Western Conference standings are pretty spot on. The East, however, just goes to show that without Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Joel Embiid, it’s very wide open.
| Seed | Western Conf. | Win | Loss | Eastern Conf. | Win | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden State Warriors | 63 | 19 | Orlando Magic | 57 | 25 |
| 2 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 58 | 24 | New York Knicks | 50 | 32 |
| 3 | Denver Nuggets | 55 | 27 | Atlanta Hawks | 47 | 35 |
| 4 | Memphis Grizzlies | 51 | 31 | Indiana Pacers | 47 | 35 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Clippers | 48 | 34 | Toronto Raptors | 46 | 36 |
| 6 | Houston Rockets | 44 | 38 | Milwaukee Bucks | 44 | 38 |
| 7 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 44 | 38 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 44 | 38 |
| 8 | Portland Trail Blazers | 43 | 39 | Miami Heat | 42 | 40 |
| 9 | Phoenix Suns | 42 | 40 | Chicago Bulls | 41 | 41 |
| 10 | Sacramento Kings | 38 | 44 | Boston Celtics | 40 | 42 |
| 11 | San Antonio Spurs | 38 | 44 | Philadelphia 76ers | 37 | 45 |
| 12 | Dallas Mavericks | 36 | 46 | Detroit Pistons | 36 | 46 |
| 13 | Los Angeles Lakers | 36 | 46 | Charlotte Hornets | 23 | 59 |
| 14 | New Orleans Pelicans | 34 | 48 | Brooklyn Nets | 13 | 69 |
| 15 | Utah Jazz | 21 | 61 | Washington Wizards | 12 | 70 |
Guess Who Wins the 2026 NBA Championship—ORLANDO MAGIC!
Against all odds, the first-seeded Warriors faced the first-seeded Magic in the NBA Finals, but Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were just too much even for Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford. Who knew that even though the title favorites were likely the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and New York Knicks, the Larry O’Brien trophy would go to the Magic!
Of course, that seems very unlikely, but hey, the Orlando Magic are surely one of the best teams in the NBA right now, and them winning a championship in the future isn’t far-fetched.
