For Filipino basketball fans, the NBA never really goes away. Even before the first meaningful game of the 2026–27 campaign, conversations are already shifting toward MVP races, NBA standings and, of course, the next NBA championship. This season feels especially difficult to call because the field is loaded with credible contenders rather than one overwhelming favorite.
The New York Knicks enter as the defending champions after winning the 2025–26 title, while San Antonio and Oklahoma City share the shortest prices in the September 28 championship odds snapshot below. The regular season begins October 20 in the United States, or October 21 in Philippine Time, with the Spurs hosting the Thunder in an immediate rematch of the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
2026–27 NBA Championship Contenders
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio has perhaps the most frightening ceiling in basketball. Victor Wembanyama is entering his fourth NBA season, while Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper give the Spurs an exceptionally young perimeter core. San Antonio went 62–20 last season and reached the NBA Finals, so this is no longer simply a promising young team.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The 2025 champions remain one of the most dependable all-around contenders. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams give OKC elite two-way talent, and the Thunder went 64–18 last season. Their defense was historically strong, although replacing several rotation players and staying healthy will matter.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia made the offseason's biggest splash, adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. The talent is undeniable, but the fit and health questions are equally significant. Getting several high-usage stars to share the ball could determine whether this becomes a Finals team or merely an exciting experiment.
New York Knicks
The reigning champions deserve respect. Jalen Brunson and a proven playoff rotation give New York something younger contenders cannot manufacture overnight: experience when every possession matters. Their biggest challenge is avoiding the complacency and physical wear that can follow a title run.
Boston Celtics
Boston lost Jaylen Brown but remains a dangerous Eastern Conference team with a championship foundation. The Celtics may not have the same offensive ceiling as last season, yet their ability to defend, shoot and play disciplined basketball keeps them firmly in the conversation.
Miami Heat
Miami's ceiling changed dramatically after acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pairing him with Bam Adebayo gives Erik Spoelstra an imposing defensive frontcourt, while Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and other veterans add shooting and experience. The bigger question is whether the revamped offense can function consistently in the half court.
The records and roster context above can be checked against NBA.com's Spurs, Thunder, 76ers and Heat season previews, published September 22, 2026. Assessments of team ceilings and championship chances are editorial analysis.
NBA Championship Odds: September 28, 2026 Snapshot
Sports Illustrated's September 28, 2026 championship market report lists San Antonio and Oklahoma City as co-favorites using DraftKings prices. The six-team selection below reproduces that dated snapshot. The source was checked on ; this does not make the quoted prices current. Live prices were not independently verified with the operator.
| Team | American odds (Sept. 28) | Raw implied probability | Championship case (editorial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Spurs | +270 | 27.03% | Wembanyama-led two-way ceiling |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +270 | 27.03% | Elite defense and proven core |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +900 | 10.00% | Star power, with fit and health questions |
| New York Knicks | +900 | 10.00% | Defending champions |
| Boston Celtics | +1300 | 7.14% | Two-way depth and experience |
| Miami Heat | +3000 | 3.23% | Giannis, Adebayo and veteran depth |
How implied probability is calculated: for positive American odds, implied probability (%) = 100 ÷ (odds + 100) × 100. At +270, the calculation is 100 ÷ 370 × 100 = 27.03%. These are raw market-implied percentages, not forecasts or guaranteed chances of winning. Sportsbook prices include margin, and this table shows selected teams rather than the complete market.
For an explanation of the market, see our NBA championship futures odds guide. Before using any quoted price, check its availability, timestamp and settlement rules directly with the operator. Our NBA odds comparison sportsbooks guide explains how to compare the same market across books.
My NBA Championship Prediction
I am picking the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2027 NBA title.
The Thunder have the stronger recent regular-season résumé, but San Antonio has the player who can most radically change a playoff series: Wembanyama. He already combines elite rim protection with an expanding offensive game, and the Spurs' young supporting cast should be better after gaining experience in last season's Finals run.
The dated NBA odds snapshot reflects how close this debate was, with both teams at +270. I prefer San Antonio because of its playoff matchup flexibility. Wembanyama can protect the rim, adapt to different defensive schemes and force opponents to alter their shot selection.
OKC's defense could absolutely win the argument. The Thunder allowed 8.3 fewer points per 100 possessions than the league average last season, one of the best defensive differentials in the available play-by-play era. Still, San Antonio beat Oklahoma City in seven games in the Western Conference Finals, and that experience matters. Both details are covered in the NBA's Thunder season preview.
Prediction: Spurs win the 2027 NBA Finals.
Which Team Will Lead the NBA Regular Season?
For the best regular-season record, I'm taking the Oklahoma City Thunder at 60–22.
That is a different prediction from my champion. OKC's depth, defensive habits and established system make it easier to trust across 82 games. The Thunder were already 64–18 last season, and their core remains young enough to improve rather than decline.
Health is the swing factor. If Jalen Williams stays available and Holmgren takes another step offensively, Oklahoma City should pile up wins against weaker opponents while remaining competitive in difficult Western Conference road games. The schedule includes a demanding closing stretch, but the Thunder have the structure to absorb it. The 60–22 record is an editorial projection, not a sportsbook win total or a confirmed result.
Other Teams Worth Watching
Charlotte is one of the more intriguing developing teams in the East, particularly with Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller and offseason addition Naz Reid. A Hornets vs Nets prediction is unlikely to dominate national playoff conversations yet, but games between young teams such as these can reveal which rebuild is accelerating fastest. Our Brooklyn Nets vs Charlotte Hornets player preview covers the preseason roles and availability questions to watch.
Veteran Contenders Still Matter
The Lakers vs Warriors rivalry remains appointment viewing even as both teams enter another season shaped by veteran stars. Golden State has Stephen Curry, while Los Angeles continues to revolve around Luka Dončić, and their opening-week meeting is on the NBA's national schedule. For preseason context, see our Lakers vs Warriors preseason preview; that article concerns a separate exhibition matchup.
The Eastern Conference Wild Card
The Miami vs Toronto battle could become important in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Miami's Giannis-led transformation gives the Heat a much higher ceiling, while Toronto is another long shot worth watching. Our Miami vs Toronto article provides context from their preseason meeting.
Why Filipino NBA Fans Should Watch Early
For fans in the Philippines, the fun starts before the NBA playoffs. Many games land in the early morning or morning hours in Philippine Time, making the league part of the daily routine for students, office workers and die-hard basketball families. The NBA October 2026 schedule in Philippines time helps distinguish U.S. game dates from local viewing dates.
Christmas Day is another major attraction, with five NBA games scheduled for December 25 in the United States, or December 26 in the Philippines, according to the NBA's official season schedule announcement. Because the Western Conference could be extremely tight, following the NBA standings early will provide a better picture of potential playoff matchups long before the postseason arrives.
For readers following NBA odds betting, early games can add evidence about rotations, health and team fit. They do not turn a preseason forecast into a certainty.
Final Thought
- My 2027 NBA champion pick: San Antonio Spurs.
- Projected best regular-season record: Oklahoma City Thunder, 60–22.
The Thunder are my more dependable choice over 82 games, but I believe the Spurs have the higher playoff ceiling. Wembanyama, Castle and Harper give San Antonio a young core with enormous upside, while last season's Finals experience should make the team better prepared for the pressure of June. The NBA playoffs rarely follow the script, but if forced to make one prediction today, I'm taking San Antonio to finish the job in 2027.
Published October 7, 2026. Sources checked October 7; quoted odds are from the September 28 Sports Illustrated report attributing prices to DraftKings. Predictions are editorial opinions and may change as the season develops.
