Column outlines bold forecasts for the 2026-27 NBA season

The Ringer’s annual "Increasingly Bold Predictions" column offers a slate of 26 forecasts for the 2026-27 NBA season. Among the top picks, the author expects the San Antonio Spurs to capture the championship and Victor Wembanyama to earn the league’s MVP award, provided he stays healthy for most of the regular season and the playoffs. The piece also projects the Boston Celtics will lead the league in offensive rating, with a fully healthy Jayson Tatum and the addition of Paul George bolstering their firepower.

Other notable predictions include the Indiana Pacers avoiding the luxury tax, the Sacramento Kings posting the league’s worst defensive rating, and Cooper Flagg making an All-NBA team. The author foresees Nikola Jokic leading the NBA in points, rebounds and assists, while Rudy Gobert could set a new record for field-goal percentage. Additional team forecasts range from the Miami Heat’s performance hinging on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s minutes to the Toronto Raptors reaching the Finals.

The column also speculates on several trades and roster moves, such as the Charlotte Hornets acquiring a new point guard, the Utah Jazz adding a center, and the Detroit Pistons seeking a veteran forward. Coaching changes are hinted at, including a possible move for Ty Lue to the Philadelphia 76ers. The author concludes with a tongue-in-cheek note that Victor Wembanyama will not win Defensive Player of the Year, only to retract the statement as a joke.