With about five weeks left in the NBA’s regular season, we have a pretty clear picture of the contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
There have been seven different champions over the last seven seasons.
Will that trend continue and a new team be crowned this season?
Or will the Thunder repeat as champions?
As the regular season winds down, here are the three most likely teams in each conference to reach the mountaintop in June.
Eastern Conference
Knicks
The Knicks shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re seemingly lying in wait to hijack the East when the timing is right. Yes, they’re 0-3 against the Pistons (and 5 ½ games behind them through Friday night). But this team wasn’t expected to reach the Eastern Conference finals last season, and we all saw their spectacular playoff run.
Jalen Brunson is pictured during the Knicks’ win over the Nuggets on March 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Knicks, third in the East (41-23), added Jose Alvarado, who’s as scrappy as they come. And Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart want revenge after what happened last season against the Pacers in the penultimate round.
Cavaliers
Cleveland fell short last postseason, folding in the first round against the Pacers as Donovan Mitchell struggled with an ankle injury. They’ve since traded Darius Garland for James Harden and seem as though they’re champing at the bit to bring Cleveland its first championship since 2016.
The Cavs have the talent. The question is whether they can put it all together and be healthy enough to make a strong postseason run.
Celtics
Remember when this team was expected to tank this season after Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles last May and then they lost Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Luke Kornet during the offseason?
Jayson Tatum attempts a shot during the Celtics’ March 6 game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Well, the joke is on everyone who underestimated Jaylen Brown, who has helped the Celtics become the biggest surprise of the season. They’re in second place in the East (42-21). LeBron James even recently questioned why Brown isn’t getting more consideration for the MVP award. Oh, and guess what, Tatum returned Friday against the Mavericks.
Honorable mention
Pistons
Where did the Pistons come from? Sure, last postseason they took the Knicks to six games in their first-round playoff series, but no one expected them to have the East’s best record this season (45-16) and Cade Cunningham to be an MVP front-runner.
Western Conference
Thunder
Heading into this season, the Thunder were the favorites to win another title. They cemented that narrative by sprinting to a 24-1 start while former All-Star Jalen Williams played in only six games over that period. It seemed as though they weren’t only going to win,