NBA 2025-26 Preseason Power Rankings and Finals Odds (1-15)

15. Dallas Mavericks

Why They're Here: No.1 overall pick Cooper Flagg joins forces with Anthony Davis; Kyrie Irving's ACL recovery tempers expectations.

Finals Odds: +4000

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1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Why They're Here: Defending champs with an untouched young core (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams) all extended long-term; historic point differential last season and elite defense make them favorites to repeat.

Finals Odds: +210

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Why They're Here: East's top seed last year with 64 wins; Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley lead a balanced squad that added Lonzo Ball for depth; poised for a deep run if defense takes another step forward.

Finals Odds: +650

3. Houston Rockets

Why They're Here: Massive leap with Kevin Durant's addition to the young core (Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson); second in the West last year, now with elite scoring and rebounding to challenge OKC.

Finals Odds: +1600

4. Denver Nuggets

Why They're Here: Nikola Jokic anchors a title contender; offseason additions like Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas boost depth and paint scoring after pushing OKC to seven games in the playoffs.

Finals Odds: +750

5. New York Knicks

Why They're Here: Conference Finals appearance last year; new coach Mike Brown could unlock more offense from Jalen Brunson and company, with additions like Jordan Clarkson adding some punch off the bench.

Finals Odds: +1000

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

Why They're Here: Back-to-back Conference Finals appearances; Anthony Edwards's growth makes them legitimate threats, with strong clutch play and a stable core intact.

Finals Odds: +2000

7. Orlando Magic

Why They're Here: Elite defense (top-three last two years) gets offensive boost from the addition of Desmond Bane; Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner form a rising duo eyeing a top-four East seed.

Finals Odds: +1800

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Why They're Here: Luka Doncic-LeBron James pairing, plus Deandre Ayton addition; 50 wins last year signal contender status if health holds in a reloaded West.

Finals Odds: +1400

9. LA Clippers

Why They're Here: Deepest roster in the league with veterans like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and new adds (Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul); best defense in quite some time, but age is a concern.

Finals Odds: +1900

10. Golden State Warriors

Why They're Here: Stephen Curry-Jimmy Butler-Draymond Green trio shone post-trade; substantial on-off differentials and potential youth steps keep them in the playoff mix.

Finals Odds: +3000

11. Atlanta Hawks

Why They're Here: Trae Young surrounded by length and defense via Kristaps Porzingis, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels; top shot quality last year; upside is high if health cooperates.

Finals Odds: +2700

12. San Antonio Spurs

Why They're Here: Victor Wembanyama enters Year 3 flanked by De'Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle; playoff return expected if depth holds.

Finals Odds: +6000

13. Detroit Pistons

Why They're Here: Cade Cunningham's All-NBA breakout fueled last year's playoff return; young talent like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren point to 50-win potential. 

Finals Odds: +33000

14. Milwaukee Bucks

Why They're Here: Giannis Antetokounmpo-Myles Turner frontcourt fits well; backcourt questions linger, but playoff streak should continue.

Finals Odds: +5000

15. Dallas Mavericks

Why They're Here: No.1 overall pick Cooper Flagg joins forces with Anthony Davis; Kyrie Irving's ACL recovery tempers expectations.

Finals Odds: +4000

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