The NBA playoffs are always filled with excitement, rivalries and unexpected wins. Last year’s playoffs were no different. The Knicks overcame multiple double-digit deficits to win their first championship since 1973. Many had them coming out of the Eastern Conference, but few had them winning.
NBA fans and analysts rarely predict the champion, but they usually can identify the contenders. Here’s each team’s biggest issue that could prevent them from bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
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New York Knicks
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with his teammates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Knicks are looking to repeat last season’s success and become the first team to go back-to-back since the 2017-18 Warriors. The league has become more competitive, making a repeat less likely.
New York has one of the best starting fives in the league but lacks depth at almost every position. They lost Mitchell Robinson and replaced him with Andre Drummond, a downgrade. Karl-Anthony Towns was inconsistent in the Finals, making Robinson’s impact even more important. A lack of a reliable backup center and depth could stand in New York’s way.
Oklahoma City Thunder
May 26, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) calls a play against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the third quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jalen Williams struggled to stay healthy.
This team is built to win. They have a Big Three, including the best player in the NBA, plus good depth. The only thing standing in their way is health. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have dealt with injury problems in previous years. If they stay healthy, the Thunder should be able to make another NBA Finals run.
San Antonio Spurs
Feb 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
San Antonio made a Finals appearance last season, ahead of schedule.
Like the Thunder, the Spurs have great depth and one of the league’s best players. They brought in Tobias Harris through free agency and added centers through the draft, improving their roster. The biggest question is the play of De’Aaron Fox. It was clear Dylan Harper should have been starting over Fox, but because of Fox’s contract, San Antonio continued to play him.
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Philadelphia 76ers
Jan 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) controls the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia has been the talk of the town this offseason, revamping its roster. A starting five of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid is second to none. They are likely favorites.
The 76ers’ biggest issue is depth. They have good guard depth, bringing in Anfernee Simons and Labaron Philon Jr., but the frontcourt is a concern. Their backups for James and Embiid are Dean Wade and Adem Bona. With Embiid’s injury history and James entering Year 24, Philadelphia needs more depth there.
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