Thunder, Spurs Split 5 Writer NBA Title Picks as Knicks Lead East Forecasts
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 20
Thunder, Spurs Split 5 Writer NBA Title Picks as Knicks Lead East Forecasts
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 20
Summary
Five Yahoo Sports writers split their 2026-27 NBA champion picks between Oklahoma City and San Antonio, with the Thunder taking 2 votes and the Spurs 3.
Three writers picked the Knicks to win the East, citing roster continuity and a lack of obvious holes, while other contenders such as the 76ers, Celtics and Cavaliers drew more skepticism.
The West forecast was tighter: Oklahoma City earned 2 votes after last season's injury-hit 70-win push, while San Antonio drew 3 behind Victor Wembanyama's rise and revenge motivation.
Projected Finals matchups centered on rematches, with Knicks-Spurs chosen by 3 writers; one writer had Thunder over Knicks and another Thunder over Celtics.
The picks frame the new season around two questions: whether the Knicks can convert stability into an East title, and whether the Thunder or Spurs now own the league's highest ceiling.