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.

Kevin Durant lands in Houston as the marquee offseason splash, topping ESPN’s list of newcomers to watch for 2025-26. His proven closer’s mentality and shot-making immediately elevate the Rockets’ ceiling and give them a true go-to option in crunch time.

Houston’s young core—Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard—and the return of Jalen Green all stand to benefit from Durant’s gravity and playmaking. Myles Turner joins the frontcourt as a veteran presence, while Cooper Flag represents a high-upside rookie piece in DAL’s draft pipeline.