Ten burning questions in the 2025/26 season

The 2025/26 NBA season begins the following night, when the Thunder host the Rockets (1:30 a.m.), followed by the Lakers vs. the Warriors (4:00). Close-up on ten burning issues of this campaign!

Will the Thunder score a double?

The Thunder will start the season with a rare consistency for the reigning champion. There are no significant changes to the team, and even if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP, Oklahoma City’s strength lies in its collective, coherence and suffocation. Enough to have confidence in the chances of a double.

However, recent history shows that achieving a “repeat” in the NBA is increasingly difficult: no franchise has achieved it since 2018. Jalen Williams’ health will need to be monitored until he is fit to continue. GM Sam Presti has all the makings of a dynasty, but, in today’s NBA, many have envisioned it before him without making it a reality…

Is this the last campaign for LeBron James?

The arrival of Luka Doncic to the Lakers changed a lot of things for the “King”. From now on, he is no longer a priority for Los Angeles, and he will start the season in the infirmary, for the first time in his career.

Unleveraged, he didn’t get a contract extension in the summer, so he decided to activate his “player option” to be a free agent next summer. At nearly 41, the question of his retirement is therefore becoming more pressing, even if he doesn’t want to announce a Kobe Bryant-style farewell tour.

But despite his heralded effects and the opportunity to meet his other son, Bryce, in the NBA, his possible retirement will depend primarily on his physical condition. And this sciatica that could destroy his life.

Playoffs… and a trophy for Victor Vembanyama?

Victor Wembanyama doesn’t hide it: he and Spurs are aiming for direct qualification for the playoffs or a place in the top 6 of the Western Conference.

The goal implies clear progress, but possible, provided that De’Aaron Fox returns to the floor quickly and “Wemby” dominates. After a deep vein thrombosis, Alien is hungry for basketball and the court. More powerful than ever, he has all the weapons to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year trophy.

Some, like Carmelo Anthony, think he can aim for the MVP title this season. It still seems a little premature, because it implies an excellent individual as well as collective season. If Victor Wembanyama is selected as DPOI and the Spurs make the playoffs, that will already be very, very solid.

What to expect from Cooper Flagg?

The first pick in the 2025 draft is in a stunning configuration. So he comes to a fairly competitive team, one that can hope to play in the playoffs and even aim high if Kyrie Irving comes back fast and strong…

Under these conditions, the former Duke gem is in an ideal position to shine and show that his game is perfect for today’s NBA. With his foreign Swiss army knife and constant energy, he should in any case delight the fans of Jason Kidd and the Mavericks, who are still digesting the departure of Luka Doncic.

And for the United States, which expects dominant players over foreign players to take over the NBA, the arrival of the aptly named Cooper Flagg could also be a blessing.

Did the Nuggets surround Nikola Jokic well enough?

We have never seen Nikola Jokić as tense as he was last season. Clearly, something is wrong with the Nuggets, shaky defensively and mired in a battle of egos between GM and coach…

Is this ancient history? We will not jump to conclusions, but the fact is that Denver clarified the situation. Youth development is no longer a priority strategy because it was first of all necessary to recover players who speak the same basketball as “Joker”. With Bruce Brown, Cameron Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Nuggets did everything they could to best surround their Serbian star.

This is the strategy to follow to regain the title, after the last frustrating campaign. And that is undoubtedly the best strategy to convince Nikola Jokić to stay, while he can test the market in 2027.

Who will emerge from the East?

Funny situation in the East, where the Pacers will have to digest a serious injury to Tyrese Haliburton and the departure of Myles Turner, while the Celtics have lost weight … after the injury to Jayson Tatum.

Clearly, the latter is hoping for a comeback this season, but it probably won’t be enough for Boston, who will experience a season of transition. Therefore, there is room for others, especially the Cavaliers and Knicks, the two teams that seem best equipped to climb the conference throne.

Unless the Magic surprise everyone with an imposing defense, and an offense that makes big strides, following the arrival of Desmond Bain. Either way, the balance of power is likely to be fascinating to watch!

How far can Luka Doncic take the Lakers… and Stephen Curry the Warriors?

It can still be very hot in the West. Los Angeles is hoping that Luka Doncic will be at his best after a summer of physical work and will strengthen the lineup lined up alongside him.

If he can tap into Deandre Ayton’s full potential and the shooters do their job, the Lakers can hope for big things, even if LeBron James’ health is what will undoubtedly be the X-factor of their season.

For their part, the Warriors are hoping to have one last shot. If Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green stay fit, and the young players in the team give them the necessary support, Steve Kerr’s group still has a good chance to play. Especially with Al Horford looking like a perfect fit for their game.

But for the Warriors as for the Lakers, the margin for error is slim, and watch out for even the tiniest grain of sand…

Has Kevin Durant found the perfect situation?

Kevin Durant and the Rockets, it felt like it had been written for months. His ties to Ime Udoka, as well as his respect for the young Rockets and their development, made his arrival in Texas obvious.

Back on the land of his academic exploits, will “KD” come full circle in peace? The wing, among the greatest offensive talents in history, has what it takes to improve the rest of Houston’s roster and free up room for Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and more Jabari Smith Jr.…

For the two-time Finals MVP, whose career has taken a strange trajectory since his departure from Oklahoma City, meeting his end on the Houston side would undoubtedly be great revenge. And undoubtedly a form of appeasement.

Who will be the Pacers this campaign?

It’s always one of the most exciting elements of the NBA season. Who will be the surprises of the campaign, these teams that will defy predictions and find unexpected alchemy to surprise?

Last year we were able to see the Pistons make their way while it was hard to see them coming off the bottom of the league. We also got to see Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers pick their heads up after a very complicated start to the season only to finish on top, and fall 48 minutes (or injury?) away from the ultimate title…

Which teams will raise the white flag first?

The top 3 in the 2026 draft promises to be very interesting, with guard Darrin Peterson, wing AJ Dibants and even power forward Cameron Boozer. So which teams will quickly raise the white flag and focus on the next draft, instead of trying to play for a hypothetical playoff spot?

A few names come to mind like the Jazz, Pelicans, Wizards and even the Hornets. But the most obvious answer is the Nets, especially since Joe Tsai, their owner, doesn’t even hide his strategy…

“We have a (first round) pick in 2026 and we’re hoping for a good pick. So you can guess what strategy we’re going to adopt for this season.” he recently stated.

When asked about this ridiculous statement, coach Jordi Fernandez preferred to shoot to the touch, but with their extremely young and extremely unbalanced team, the Nets have a nice cap in the NBA.