Oklahoma City Thunder sit at the top of a strongly contending West in 2026, with Denver, Houston, and Minnesota close behind as the field shapes up. In the East, Cleveland and New York are locks, Orlando is primed for a big leap after bold moves, and Detroit, Atlanta, and the Bucks jockey for position behind them. The Lakers, Clippers, Spurs, and Warriors hover as plausible playoff entrants; the Spurs–Warriors debate sticks the bubble in a tight race. For fantasy, Sengun and Amen Thompson pop as breakout bets in Houston, Durant redefines load in a revamped Rockets roster, and superstars like LeBron and Doncic carry heavy workloads on star-studded teams.

The piece emphasizes risk and opportunity: high-usage stars will bear heavy minutes, rest plans loom for veterans, and rising young cores could flip standings. Desmond Bane’s move, Porzingis’ fit, and the continued evolution of Orlando’s engine around Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs create structural shifts that fantasy managers can exploit, from ceiling plays to reliable floor leaders.

Rockets season-ticket base up 25% ahead of Kevin Durant’s first season, signaling a surge in fan demand as Houston shifts toward title contention. Durant’s arrival amplifies national exposure with 28 national TV games set, including Amazon and NBC slots, and a home opener against Detroit looming after a road tilt at Oklahoma City. Attendance and corporate partnerships are rising as the organization leans into Udoka’s system and Amen Thompson’s emergence, with Durant and his twin brother adding front-office excitement.