These are the 5 teams with real chances of winning the NBA championship ring in 2026

There is still plenty of regular season left, but the close of trades in the NBA has sparked numerous predictions about which franchises stand the best chance of winning the title from this point on. Based on what has been seen and the potential they show for the playoffs, most experts narrow down the contenders to five teams.

It may sound like a short list, and it's no surprise if some may even feel outraged to see some of the top teams of the moment left out. This is the case for the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, whose lack of experience seems to doom them against an upward-trending Cleveland Cavaliers after acquisitions, and a New York Knicks team designed for success with a deep and talented roster.

Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets were expected to be there, both boasting some of the best teams in the league and having all the ingredients to believe that they will elevate their game even further in the postseason. The big question mark was the fifth spot. Lakers, Timberwolves, Rockets, or Sixers could be contenders, but the vast majority lean towards Boston Celtics, highly valuing their style of play, championship team intangibles, and the possibility of Tatum's return in the coming months.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Estos son los 5 equipos con opciones reales de ganar el anillo de la NBA en 2026