NBA Predictions 2026-27: Who will be champs? Our experts make their picks

With the 2026-27 NBA season here, it’s time to make our championship predictions. Who will win it all? Our writers make their picks.

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Who will win the East?

Kelly Iko: New York Knicks. I have a gut feeling that some of New York’s very public, very unfortunate and very off-court stuff could be a distraction, but this team hasn’t changed too much and still has the wherewithal to go the distance. The other challengers — Raptors, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Pistons, Cavs — have too many questions in one department or the other. There’s not a true hole on this Knicks roster or coaching staff, which is always the key. 

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Dan Devine: New York Knicks. I can’t believe we’ve arrived at a place where I trust the Knicks more than any other team in the field, but we have. Yes, they’ve logged a ton of miles over the past two seasons, and yes, we’re in an era where conference champions don’t tend to repeat. But while I’m only guessing at the ceilings of the other Eastern contending hopefuls, I know how high a level the Knicks can hit. For now, that’s enough.

(Ethan Palowitz/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

Tom Haberstroh: Philadelphia 76ers. You can probably talk me into something like six different teams here. The East is absolutely loaded. So far, LeBron James and Joel Embiid are healthy. Until I hear otherwise on that health front, I’ll go with the team with four All-NBA guys, a championship-winning head coach and sneaky depth.

Steve Jones: New York Knicks. The East will finally get respect this season. The competition will be stacked: The Knicks, Cavs and Pistons have continuity, the Sixers, Heat and Raptors made moves, the Celtics never leave, and Tyrese Haliburton is back! I believe the Sixers are absolutely built for the playoffs and am curious where their regular season adventure lands them, but I had the Knicks last year, changed the pick at the last minute to Cleveland (that got funny), and will not be doing that this year. Give me the Knicks building on their championship formula. 

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Nekias Duncan: Boston Celtics. There are…

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Author : Yahoo Sports Staff

Publish date : 2026-10-20 03:17:00

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