Even with their offseason changes, most expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to remain in the thick of the ***** le race. They enter the 2026-27 season as co-title favorites — alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Now, add ESPN's projections as the latest fan of that theory.
In a poll of NBA insiders, ESPN's Summer Forecast has the Thunder in second place in the 2026-27 Western Conference standings with a 60-22 record. The Spurs are ahead in first place with a 62-20 record. Both also serve as the league's best overall records.
"Just when you thought Oklahoma City might strengthen its hold on the West, Wembanyama and the upstart Spurs embarked on a surprising run to the NBA Finals and knocked off the defending champions along the way," ESPN wrote. "This rivalry has been brewing for years, but it ramped up last season. Including the NBA Cup, the regular season and the playoffs, the Spurs and the Thunder met 12 times last season, with the former seizing eight victories."
I think that's a fair prediction to make. The Thunder lost some of their depth this summer. They sent out Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins in cost-cutting trades. Meanwhile, the back of their bench is filled with question marks. Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz are virtually unknown.
Even if they're not as deep as years before, if the Thunder enjoy better health luck, they'll be in the running for the first seed for a fourth consecutive year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are one of the top trios in the league — with one championship ring already in hand.
#oklahoma #place
In a poll of NBA insiders, ESPN's Summer Forecast has the Thunder in second place in the 2026-27 Western Conference standings with a 60-22 record. The Spurs are ahead in first place with a 62-20 record. Both also serve as the league's best overall records.
"Just when you thought Oklahoma City might strengthen its hold on the West, Wembanyama and the upstart Spurs embarked on a surprising run to the NBA Finals and knocked off the defending champions along the way," ESPN wrote. "This rivalry has been brewing for years, but it ramped up last season. Including the NBA Cup, the regular season and the playoffs, the Spurs and the Thunder met 12 times last season, with the former seizing eight victories."
I think that's a fair prediction to make. The Thunder lost some of their depth this summer. They sent out Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins in cost-cutting trades. Meanwhile, the back of their bench is filled with question marks. Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz are virtually unknown.
Even if they're not as deep as years before, if the Thunder enjoy better health luck, they'll be in the running for the first seed for a fourth consecutive year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are one of the top trios in the league — with one championship ring already in hand.
#oklahoma #place
8 days ago
