Experts predict San Antonio Spurs to win 2027 NBA championship
Three Sports Illustrated analysts each project the Spurs as the 2027 NBA Finals winner, outlining their playoff brackets and highlighting potential surprise teams and breakout players.
Sports Illustrated analysts have released their preseason forecasts for the 2026-27 NBA playoffs, with all three picking the San Antonio Spurs to capture the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Chris Mannix, Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman each mapped out round-by-round brackets, envisioning the Spurs advancing through the Western Conference and defeating the Eastern Conference champion in the Finals.
Mannix’s bracket has the Spurs beating the Jazz, Thunder, and Nuggets before overcoming the Thunder in the Western Conference finals, then defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in six games. He noted that injuries could dramatically reshape the postseason but believes the talent on the 76ers will not be enough to stop San Antonio, adding that the "Victor Wembanyama Era" will begin against LeBron James in the Finals.
McKeone also projects a Spurs victory, this time over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-game sweep. He praised the Spurs’ motivation and depth, saying the team will “run through the West bracket” and avenge last year’s loss.
Silverman’s forecast mirrors the others, with the Spurs beating the Thunder in the Western finals and then overcoming the Cavaliers in five games. He emphasized that a healthy San Antonio roster, especially Victor Wembanyama, is crucial for the title run.
The analysts also identified potential surprise teams: Mannix highlighted the Orlando Magic, McKeone favored the Los Angeles Lakers, and Silverman pointed to the Boston Celtics. For early-exit risks, Mannix warned the Celtics, McKeone the New York Knicks, and Silverman the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Among players expected to emerge as superstars, Mannix cited Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, McKeone mentioned Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, and Silverman highlighted Houston’s Amen Thompson.
"Wemby’s ability to alter the floor to his liking is unlike anything we’ve ever seen," McKeone said.
"The Spurs are so good and play with so much swagger, I can’t see them being denied," Mannix added.
"As long as San Antonio stays healthy, it’s Wemby’s time," Silverman concluded.