NBA Playoffs 2026 begin

As the NBA's second season gets underway, parity has become the defining theme of a league that has seen seven different champions in seven years.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the top-seeded Thunder are the favorites to repeat, but they face stiff competition from a resurgent Boston Celtics and a San Antonio Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama.

Injuries to stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have already created early-round uncertainty for the Lakers.

Fans are also closely watching the potential final playoff run of LeBron James, who has hinted at retirement.