The 81st edition of the NBA season kicked off on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with three standout games: Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics, New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. Amidst the preparation of the 30 teams, commentator Pedro Maia pointed out the main candidates for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, the favorites for the most valuable player (MVP) award and the main roster moves for 2026/2027.
According to the commentator, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks emerge as the main title contenders. The Knicks begin defending the championship won last season after beating the Spurs 4 to 1 in the finals. In the West, Spurs and OKC promise to maintain their rivalry and prominence, driven by young rosters and reinforcements such as Spaniard Aday Mara, who recently arrived at the Thunder. On the other hand, franchises like the Philadelphia 76ers arrive with the status of strong contenders by investing in the formation of a star-studded roster that now features LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
In the individual race for the 2026/2027 MVP award, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is seeking his third consecutive trophy, but faces stiff competition. Victor Wembanyama, at 22 years old, emerges as one of the top favorites for the award due to his defensive impact and the expectation of offensive evolution. The list of contenders also includes Luka Doncic, who takes on absolute prominence at the Los Angeles Lakers, and Nikola Jokic, a constant standout for the Denver Nuggets.