NBA final eight teams ranked by 2026 championship chances

8 articles · Updated · SB Nation · May 4

Oklahoma City tops the list as the second round begins, ahead of San Antonio and New York, while the Lakers rank last with Luka Doncic's status uncertain.
The rankings reflect a playoff field hit by injuries, including Jalen Williams' hamstring strain, Anthony Edwards' knee issue and Donte DiVincenzo's torn Achilles.
Philadelphia's upset of Boston and Minnesota's elimination of Denver reshaped the bracket, leaving the Knicks favoured in the East and the Thunder viewed as the team to beat.

What tactical shifts allowed underdogs to topple powerhouses like Boston and Denver?

Will this 'war of attrition' crown a deserving champion or just the last team standing?

Are the Thunder and Spurs, led by young superstars, signaling a new era of NBA dominance?