The NBA season is here, and expectations are skyrocketing. From MVP races and breakout stars to blockbuster trades and new contenders, this year has all the ingredients for one of the most exciting in recent history. The league has never been deeper or more unpredictable, and as the season rolls in, fans are ready for the drama, dominance, and dazzling performances that define the NBA.
Here are 10 things to look out for this NBA season.
1. The Battle for MVP
The MVP race looks as unpredictable as ever. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off an MVP year and now attempts to lead his team back to another NBA championship. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets will aim for his third MVP in four years, while Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to dominate on both ends as he pursues a third MVP title. Younger star guards such as Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Jalen Brunson are entering their prime and ready to take over their respective squads. Victor Wembanyama’s unique blend of skill and size, makes him a dark horse for the award if he leads the San Antonio Spurs to one of the best regular season records.
2. Players on the Rise
Every season brings new breakout players ready to make their mark. This year, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets and Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks are at the top of that list. After a finals run but losing their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ young duo Andrew Nembhard and Benedict Mathurin could emerge with more opportunity in the offense. Shaedon Sharpe, Payton Pritchard, Toumani Camara, and Ausar Thompson could also step into bigger roles in season as they continue to develop. These players represent the league’s next wave of promising talent.
3. Rookie Watch
This rookie class has generated massive hype, and for good reason. First overall pick Cooper Flagg will have all eyes on him for the Dallas Mavericks. He brings terrific all-around ability, a player who can score from anywhere, in addition to his athleticism, length, and defensive capabilities both on the perimeter and the interior. Dylan Harper, V.J. Edgecombe, and Ace Bailey headline an athletic group that blends scoring ability with defensive potential. Kon Knueppel and Tre Johnson add shooting and size to their young teams, rounding out one of the deepest rookie classes in years. Expect instant impact and highlight moments from this next generation of stars.
4. Notable Additions in the East
The Eastern Conference saw several major moves that could shake up the standings.
- Myles Turner brings elite rim protection and 3-point shooting to the Milwaukee Bucks after leaving the Indiana Pacers.
- Desmond Bane joins the Orlando Magic, giving them a top-tier shooter from the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Kristaps Porzingis, now with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Boston Celtics, gives them an experienced big man who can shoot the three.
- Anfernee Simons joins the Celtics after being traded from the Portland Trailblazers, adding a scoring punch.
- Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Denver Nuggets, giving them a dynamic scorer on the wing.
- CJ McCollum joins the Washington Wizards after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans, to provide veteran leadership and consistent scoring to a younger team.
- Norman Powell heads to Miami, hoping to revive the Heat’s offense, after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers.
5. Notable Additions in the West
The Western Conference added just as much star power,
- Kevin Durant joins the Rockets after being traded by the Phoenix Suns, forming a dangerous new contender in Houston.
- Chris Paul returns to the Clippers in his final year, bringing leadership and playoff experience.
- Bradley Beal joins the Clippers, adding more scoring to their team, leaving the Suns after a rough stint.
- The Lakers finally landed an experienced and productive center with Deandre Ayton, after leaving the Trailblazers.
- Jordan Poole joins the Pelicans after leaving Washington, hoping to improve New Orleans’ offense.
- Two-time champion Jrue Holiday was traded to Portland from the Boston Celtics, giving the Trailblazers experience and grit.
6. Injury Impact
Unfortunately, numerous star players across the league will miss a major amount of time this season which will have an impact on their teams. Boston Celtics franchise centerpiece, Jayson Tatum, ruptured his right Achilles tendon in his team’s semifinal playoff loss to the New York Knicks. Tatum is expected to miss most of the season, leaving a large void for players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons to fill.
The most heartbreaking injury came in the biggest game of the season, Game 7 of the NBA Finals. In the Thunder vs Pacers matchup, Tyrese Haliburton tore his right achilles tendon at the beginning of the game. NBA fans were in disbelief of what had happened after his incredible run in the 2025 playoffs, leading the underdog Pacers to their first finals appearance in over 20 years. Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-2026 season, and younger Pacers players will need to step up, such as Andrew Nembhard and Benedict Mathurin, who will embrace larger roles as ball handlers.
Late last season, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL during a game against the Sacramento Kings. With Mavericks fans hardly recovered from the shocking Luka Doncic trade, Kyrie’s injury broke the hearts of Mavs fans even more. 8 months later, Irving eyes his return around January to help revive the Mavericks. The Mavs have high hopes for a championship run with their new squad, including superstar Anthony Davis, 1st overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, and four-time champion Klay Thompson.
7. Teams on the Rise and Fall
Several teams have the potential to surprise fans this season. The Orlando Magic are building on last year’s momentum with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the charge, as well as their new acquired shooter, Desmond Bane. The 76ers look rejuvenated with a blend of star power and youth, led by former MVP Joel Embiid returning from injury. Tyrese Maxey continues to rise as a dynamic backcourt threat and Paul George, Jared McCain, and rookie V.J. Edgecombe give Philadelphia energy and depth. Meanwhile, the Pistons and Spurs each have young cores on the verge of breaking through, with Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanayma emerging as the faces of their franchises. On the flip side, the Celtics may regress due to injuries and chemistry changes, while the Pacers could struggle after losing key pieces Haliburton to injury and Myles Turner leaving to the Milwaukee Bucks. Expect plenty of movement in the standings before the season ends.
8. Trade Watch
As in every season, trade rumors heat up fast, oftentimes shaking up the landscape of the league in the middle of the year. Lauri Markkanen could be a valuable target for contenders looking for shooting and size, given the Utah Jazz’s current lack of urgency to compete for a title. Similarly, Devin Booker might grow frustrated if Phoenix doesn’t compete early and may request a trade from the Suns. The Bulls rebuild is on the way and with Nikola Vucevic being 35 years old they can look to trade him for another young piece or draft picks. Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the most intriguing young assets in the league, showing a lot of potential for the Warriors as well as Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets who is a scoring machine that many teams could use. The league could get mixed up quickly with the trade deadline coming in February.
9. Award Predictions
This year’s award race could go down to the wire with all of the emerging talent in the league. Here are some of the top candidates for each award.
- MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, and Jalen Brunson.
- Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and Ace Bailey.
- Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Chet Holmgren, and Evan Mobley.
- Sixth Man of the Year: De’Andre Hunter, Alex Caruso, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
- Most Improved: Amen Thompson, Matas Buzelis, Andrew Nembhard, and Benedict Mathurin.
- Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley, Ime Udoka, J.B. Bickerstaff, and Quin Snyder.
10. The Championship Chase
This season’s race for the NBA title feels more open than ever. With no clear favorite, several teams across both conferences have legitimate championship hopes, setting up what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
In the West, the reigning champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, look to go back to back with last year’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are improving fast along with OKC’s mix of youth, depth, and chemistry makes them a very dangerous team. The Denver Nuggets remain one of the top teams in the West, with Nikola Jokic continuing to dominate every aspect of the game. With Jamal Murray healthy again, Denver’s chemistry and playoff experience makes them a constant threat to repeat their 2023 title run. The Houston Rockets are a team that could also make that next step, boosted by the addition of Kevin Durant. They could surprise everyone with their blend of veteran experience and young energy.
In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers look to contend strongly with a weaker Eastern Conference. Having Donovan Mitchell’s scoring ability, Darius Garland facilitating the offense, and Evan Mobley anchoring the defense, the Cavs have all the tools to compete with anyone. The New York Knicks have also emerged as a serious contender. Led by Jalen Brunson, who continues to elevate his play every season, and a strong supporting cast featuring Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, the Knicks will have the grit to turn them into a team no one wants to face. Teams like the Magic, Bucks, and 76ers can never be counted out either, if their stars stay healthy, they’ll be right back in the mix.
Given how balanced the league is, this year’s championship race could come down to health, momentum, and which team peaks at the right time. The path to the Finals is wide open, and that’s what makes this season so exciting.
Featuring superstar trades, breakout candidates, and a rookie class full of promise, the 2025-2026 NBA season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Every team has something to prove and every player has a story to tell. Fans are in for nonstop action from opening night to the Finals. Basketball is back, and the season ahead will remind everyone why the NBA is the most exciting show in sports.
