Here are Sports Savvy Magazine’s predictions for the Top five NBA teams of the 2025–26 season: the Thunder, Cavaliers, Knicks, Nuggets, and Timberwolves. We break down why each cut, likely starting fives, key depth pieces, and what has to go right for a title run.

OKC Thunder

Likely starters: S. Gilgeous-Alexander · L. Dort · Jalen Williams · Chet Holmgren · Isaiah Hartenstein.
Rotation notes: Hartenstein gives OKC a true rim-protecting five so Chet can float at the 4; defending champs bring back the core.
Key injury timelines: None central reported entering preseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Likely starters (when healthy): Darius Garland · Donovan Mitchell · De’Andre Hunter · Evan Mobley · Jarrett Allen. (If Garland/Strus aren’t ready, Lonzo Ball and Sam Merrill soak early minutes.)
Rotation notes: Hunter arrived at the deadline to plug SF; Lonzo was added in July for two-guard/lead-guard depth
Key injury timelines: Garland (left turf-toe surgery in June) is expected to miss the start of RS; Max Strus (left foot Jones fracture) is out longer into the early season.

New York Knicks

Likely starters: Jalen Brunson · Mikal Bridges · OG Anunoby · Karl-Anthony Towns · Mitchell Robinson.
Rotation notes: KAT arrived in the Randle deal; Bridges landed via a crosstown blockbuster; Jordan Clarkson added for bench scoring. Mike Brown is the new HC.
Key injury timelines: OG Anunoby has a hand sprain (day-to-day).

Denver Nuggets

Likely starters: Jamal Murray · (SG spot fluid: Christian Braun/Bruce Brown) · Cam Johnson · Aaron Gordon · Nikola Jokić. (Jonas Valančiūnas projects as reserve 5; Tim Hardaway Jr. projects as wing depth.)
Rotation/changes: MPJ was dealt in a summer shake-up; Denver re-added Bruce Brown, brought in Cam Johnson, Valančiūnas, and THJ. David Adelman is HC; Jokić publicly reiterated he plans to be “a Nugget forever.”
Key injury timelines: None major flagged at camp.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Likely starters: Mike Conley · Anthony Edwards · Jaden McDaniels · Julius Randle · Rudy Gobert. (Donte DiVincenzo is the top backcourt reserve and spot starter; Naz Reid is the first big off the bench.)
Rotation notes: The KAT↔Randle blockbuster (with DiVincenzo to MIN) set the template; Randle re-upped (3 yrs/$100M). DiVincenzo has been starting in some preseason looks while vets rest.
Key injury timelines: No new issues noted; DiVincenzo’s toe sprain from January healed—he’s active now.