The NBA returns! Expert picks for the East, West and NBA champs

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  ESPN staffOct 19, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

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The NBA returns with three high-profile games on Tuesday.

The New York Knicks are back to defend their first championship in 53 years with an opener against the new look Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET, NBC). LeBron James and Jaylen Brown headed to Philadelphia this offseason to join forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Co., as the franchise tries to end a title drought of its own.

In the West, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs look to build on their run to the Finals last season, while the rival Oklahoma City Thunder hope to regain their conference superiority and head to their second Finals in three seasons. The two teams meet Tuesday night to kick off their seasons (9:30 p.m. ET, NBC).

The Thunder will once again be led by Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, who is chasing his third straight MVP award. Gilgeous-Alexander will have his work cut out for him, as Wembanyama continues his ascension in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo hits Miami and Jalen Brunson is fresh off a Finals MVP performance.

Before the players hit the court, our NBA insiders cast their ballots for the winners of each conference, the NBA champion and who will be the 2026-27 Most Valuable player.

Checkout which teams and players to keep an eye on this season ahead of the action!

MORE: 30-team preview | NBA Rank 100-51 | 50-11 | 10-1

Eastern Conference champion

Jamal Collier: Indiana Pacers
Ben Golliver: Boston Celtics
Vincent Goodwill: Philadelphia 76ers
Danny Green: New York Knicks
Zach Kram: Toronto Raptors
Tim MacMahon: New York Knicks
Bobby Marks: New York Knicks
Dave McMenamin: New York Knicks
Dean Oliver: Boston Celtics
Jorge Sedano: Philadelphia 76ers
Ramona Shelburne: Philadelphia 76ers
Anthony Slater: New York Knicks
Marc. J Spears: Philadelphia 76ers
Jeremy Woo: Boston Celtics
Michael C. Wright: Philadelphia 76ers

Final tally: Knicks 5, 76ers 5, Celtics 3, Pacers 1, Raptors 1

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Western Conference champion

Jamal Collier: Oklahoma City Thunder
Ben Golliver: Oklahoma City Thunder
Vincent Goodwill: Oklahoma City Thunder
Danny Green: San Antonio Spurs
Zach Kram: San Antonio Spurs
Tim MacMahon: Oklahoma City Thunder
Bobby Marks: Oklahoma City Thunder
Dave McMenamin: Oklahoma City Thunder
Dean Oliver: Oklahoma City Thunder
Jorge Sedano: Oklahoma City Thunder
Ramona Shelburne: San Antonio Spurs
Anthony Slater: Oklahoma City Thunder
Marc. J Spears: San Antonio Spurs
Jeremy Woo: Oklahoma City Thunder
Michael C. Wright: San Antonio Spurs

Final tally: Thunder 10, Spurs 5

NBA Finals picks

Jamal Collier: Thunder over Pacers
Ben Golliver: Thunder over Celtics
Vincent Goodwill: Thunder over 76ers
Danny Green: Spurs over Knicks
Zach Kram: Spurs over Raptors
Tim MacMahon: Thunder over Knicks
Bobby Marks: Thunder over Knicks
Dave McMenamin: Thunder over Knicks
Dean Oliver: Thunder over Celtics
Jorge Sedano: Thunder over Knicks
Ramona Shelburne: Spurs over 76ers
Anthony Slater: Thunder over Knicks
Marc. J Spears: Spurs over 76ers
Jeremy Woo: Thunder over Celtics
Michael C. Wright: Spurs over 76ers

Final tally: Thunder 10, Spurs 5

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Bonus! Most Valuable Player picks

Jamal Collier: Anthony Edwards
Ben Golliver: Victor Wembanyama
Vincent Goodwill: Victor Wembanyama
Danny Green: Victor Wembanyama
Zach Kram: Victor Wembanyama
Tim MacMahon: Victor Wembanyama
Bobby Marks: Jalen Brunson
Dave McMenamin: Luka Doncic
Dean Oliver: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jorge Sedano: Victor Wembanyama
Ramona Shelburne: Luka Doncic
Anthony Slater: Luka Doncic
Marc. J Spears: Victor Wembanyama
Jeremy Woo: Victor Wembanyama
Michael C. Wright: Victor Wembanyama

Final tally: Wembanyama 9, Doncic 3, Antetokounmpo 1, Brunson 1, Edwards 1