Most season previews revolve around the same narratives, but these four go against the consensus. These bold takes aren’t wild tickets, and each has a real shot at becoming reality.
Here are four bold predictions for the upcoming season: Anthony Edwards winning the scoring title, the Boston Celtics finishing ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets falling into the play-in and Cooper Flagg leading the Dallas Mavericks into the West’s 5-6 seed.
Let’s begin with Edwards’ prediction. “Antman” has been at his peak volume and efficiency as is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ clear first option. He has also steadily improved his scoring output every season.
Edwards finished 2025-26 with 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 48.9% shooting. If his minutes and usage rate increase in the upcoming campaign and his health holds up with over 75 games played, he can average at least 30 points per game.
Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama are the favorites to win the scoring title, Edwards is on par with them offensively. With the addition of LaMelo Ball, Edwards’ isolation plays will ease up, and he can spot up from three or cut to the basket while the former Charlotte Hornets star finds him.
Next is the Celtics winning more games than the Sixers. The basketball community was stunned by the blockbuster trade between the two teams, but it seems Boston will benefit more than Philadelphia. On paper, the C’s are older and with less depth. However, they could have a better identity with Tatum being the undisputed No. 1 option, along with the shooting and paint presence around him.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are expected to deliver the same consistent 3-and-D for the team, Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson will lock the paint and Paul George will be the second option who won’t demand the ball as much as Jaylen Brown.
Philadelphia’s health is always in question, especially its star big man Joel Embiid. Additionally, its star-studded lineup could create internal chaos with too many egos on the same team.
Boston could still win 50 games, especially with Joe Mazzulla at the helm and his proven system running smoothly with the players he has.
Next is the Denver Nuggets falling into a play-in team. The Western Conference has always been a gauntlet, and in the upcoming season, several other teams have significantly improved their rosters.
Denver didn’t have a massive offseason, and the team essentially retained its lineup from last season when it finished third in the West standings with 58 wins. However, it lost in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Nuggets also lost key player Peyton Watson in a five-team trade in August. Even if Nikola Jokic puts up MVP-level numbers again, one injury to a major player could hurt their chances of replicating their regular-season success.
Lastly, Flagg potentially leading the Mavericks to the playoffs as the No. 5 or 6 seed in the West. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year has proven that he’s one of the league’s future stars in his first season. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 46.8% shooting. The Duke product’s impact on both ends of the floor could be the foundation of the Mavericks’ offense and defense.
As his minutes and usage rate increase, his production should improve. This will help his team elevate, especially the shooters around him who can feast on his downhill drives and kickouts.
The return of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving will also be a massive boost, as Dallas is projected to be a 46-48-win team. This could easily put the Mavericks in the top 5-6 seed in the stacked Western Conference. These predictions may be striking, but if two of these four hit, the 2026-27 season will not look like the one oddsmakers are anticipating before the season commences.
