As the 2025-26 NBA season kicks off, the Oklahoma City Thunder are positioned as the frontrunners to claim the championship, aiming to become the first team to repeat since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. According to ESPN’s annual preseason survey of league insiders, the Thunder are widely regarded as the most formidable team in the Western Conference, following their successful title run last season.
The optimism surrounding Oklahoma City stems from their unique blend of youthful talent and championship experience. With only two players on the roster over the age of 27, the Thunder’s core is not only young but also battle-tested, suggesting that their success could be sustainable. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted that the Thunder received overwhelming support in the survey, with the Denver Nuggets being the only other team to garner significant attention as a potential challenger.
Denver Nuggets: The Primary Rival
While some analysts point to Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets as a rising threat, the consensus is that the Denver Nuggets are the Thunder’s chief rivals for the title. The Nuggets are banking on the exceptional skills of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, alongside a series of strategic roster moves aimed at enhancing their depth and overall balance.
This offseason, Denver made key adjustments by replacing starting forward Michael Porter Jr. with Cameron Johnson, acquiring veteran center Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their frontcourt, and adding perimeter players Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. These changes are intended to improve both scoring and defensive capabilities while maintaining the core group that won the championship in 2023.
The contrasting approaches of the Thunder and Nuggets highlight a broader narrative within the Western Conference. Oklahoma City enters the season as the youngest reigning champion in recent memory, while Denver relies on experience and continuity, supported by Jokic’s consistent dominance.
MVP Race: Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
The preseason survey also sparked discussions about individual accolades, particularly the ongoing rivalry between Jokic and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander, who claimed the MVP title last season, received substantial backing to repeat his success. However, when asked to identify the league’s best overall player, Jokic emerged as the near-unanimous choice, falling just one vote shy of being the first unanimous selection in the survey’s history. Luka Doncic received the only other recognition in this category, while Gilgeous-Alexander, despite his MVP status, was not included in the discussion for the league’s top player.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, who is entering his prime at 27, the survey results reflect both respect for his recent accomplishments and the understanding that Jokic remains the benchmark for excellence in the NBA. The anticipated competition for the MVP award underscores the pivotal roles both players will play in shaping the Western Conference landscape this season.
Western Conference Power Dynamics
Perhaps most revealing from the survey results was the absence of any votes for Eastern Conference teams to win the championship. This reinforces the prevailing sentiment that the balance of power heavily favors the Western Conference. With Oklahoma City and Denver clearly positioned as the frontrunners, and the Houston Rockets identified as a potential outsider, it appears that the path to the 2026 title will once again run through the West.
The Thunder’s combination of youth, depth, and proven success puts them in a rare position of strength as they embark on the new season. Whether they can leverage these advantages to secure back-to-back championships will be one of the most compelling narratives of the upcoming campaign.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Thunder can solidify their status as a dynasty in the making, or if another team will rise to challenge their reign. With the stakes higher than ever, the 2025-26 NBA season promises to be filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.