The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks open the 2026–27 NBA season leading their respective conferences in the league’s preseason Power Rankings, according to NBA.com. Four years after the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors met in four consecutive Finals, the league has entered a period of unprecedented parity, featuring eight different Finals matchups and 13 distinct franchise conference champions over the past eight seasons.
San Antonio Spurs Claim Top Spot in the West
The San Antonio Spurs enter the new campaign at the top of the Western Conference after securing 62 wins last season and defeating the defending champions on the road in Game 7 of the conference finals, as reported by NBA.com. The Spurs open their schedule hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
New York Knicks Defend Eastern Conference Expectations
The New York Knicks hold the top ranking in the Eastern Conference despite finishing the preseason with a 1–4 record and a defensive rating of 120.6 points allowed per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com. Karl-Anthony Towns handled the ball on 18% of the Knicks’ offensive possessions during the preseason, up from 14% last year, while averaging 7.7 assists per 36 minutes playing exclusively at the center position. The Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener, carrying an 11–2 record against Philadelphia dating back to the 2024 playoffs.
Roster Shifts Transform Contenders Across Both Conferences
Major offseason movement reshaped the league hierarchy ahead of Tuesday’s tip-off, with Yahoo Sports reporting that LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joined the Philadelphia 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo moved to the Miami Heat, and Kawhi Leonard returned to the Toronto Raptors. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat paired Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo. In Sacramento, the Kings selected point guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall pick in the draft while adding veteran Ben Simmons, though the team finished the preseason winless.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026–27 NBA Season
When does the 2026–27 NBA regular season begin?
The regular season tips off on Tuesday, featuring matchups such as the Detroit Pistons hosting the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, as detailed by NBA.com.
What major roster change did the Milwaukee Bucks make?
Yahoo Sports reported that the Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and draft capital.
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