US EditionNBA teams ring changes but Thunder still fancied to repeat
A survey of NBA general managers shows 80% predict the Oklahoma City Thunder to repeat as champions despite key injuries and roster changes across the league.
- On Tuesday the NBA's 80th season opens with the Thunder raising their championship banner as a general managers' survey put Oklahoma City as the 80% favorite to repeat.
- Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season after a torn right Achilles, with Jayson Tatum and Dejounte Murray also sidelined by ruptured or torn Achilles tendons.
- Major offseason moves saw Bradley Beal land with the Los Angeles Clippers while Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, who averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Better off-season work has Luka Doncic reporting he's `way less tired`, probably quicker, while LeBron James, four-time NBA MVP , is sidelined to start the Los Angeles Lakers' season.
- Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic keeps Denver in contention while teams like the Spurs and Warriors regroup, with Mobley aiming for further growth after last year's 64-win season.
62 Articles
62 Articles
Will the Thunder become the first NBA champion to defend his title since the 2018 Warriors?
NBA bosses overwhelmingly back Thunder to repeat as league champions
Superstar players on new teams and All-Stars sidelined by severe injuries have jumbled expectations, but Oklahoma City remain favourites to win it all when the NBA’s 80th season begins on Tuesday. The Thunder will raise a championship banner when Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets visit while the Los Angeles Lakers entertain the Golden State Warriors in the other opening-night clash. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said the “new goal” wa…
The Killeen Daily Herald
NBA teams ring changes but Thunder still fancied to repeat
Superstar players on new teams and All-Stars sidelined by severe injuries have jumbled expectations, but Oklahoma City remains a championship favorite when when the NBA's 80th season begins Tuesday.
2025-26 NBA Preview: Northwest Division
The final edition of Ballislife’s division preview series dives into the NBA’s Northwest Division, headlined by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. With OKC’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, and Minnesota’s future MVP in Anthony Edwards, it’s hard to imagine another division in all of sports, much less basketball, than this one. Will the Oklahoma City Thunder become the first team in nearly …
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Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
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