Back-to-back? Brunson’s Knicks begin title defence with Wemby and LeBron waiting

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks begin their quest for an elusive NBA championship repeat amidst a host of rivals as the 2026 season kicks off tomorrow. Brunson, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, advised the team to "turn the page and move on." The Knicks return their starting five from last season's title win, but already, tensions have emerged as center Karl-Anthony Towns expressed disappointment over the team's decision to halt contract extension talks with him and Josh Hart.

No team has won back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors in 2018, and Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs are poised to continue that trend. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are eager to reassert themselves after being eliminated by the Spurs in the Western Conference finals.

Closer to home, the retooled Philadelphia 76ers, now featuring LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, will look to make an early statement against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tomorrow, as part of a three-game slate that kicks off the NBA season.

Adding to the East's competitive landscape, the Miami Heat have bolstered their roster with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who arrived in a blockbuster trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo, who led Milwaukee to the title in 2021, could complement Bam Adebayo's scoring prowess in a potent duo.

However, expectations are highest in San Antonio, where Wembanyama, at just 22 years old, is already a bona fide star. The towering French centre, who won Defensive Player of the Year and was third in MVP voting last season, is determined to bounce back after his 2013 Finals loss to Miami. San Antonio's coach, Mitch Johnson, believes his stellar roster, which includes Dylan Harper and other talented players, is primed to take it all.

The Spurs' path to the summit is clear, as the annual pre-season survey of league general managers ranks them as the favorites to win the title. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder expecting to pose a challenge, Oklahoma City is poised to maintain its offensive efficiency with All-Star big man Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein returning to anchor the league's best defense.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, LaMelo Ball is set to join Anthony Edwards in their challenge to the Spurs and Thunder. In Los Angeles, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves spearhead the Lakers' quest for a new identity following the departure of LeBron James.