Thunder Favored to Repeat in 2025-26

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter 2025-26 as favorites to repeat, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, breakout Jalen Williams and defensively elite Chet Holmgren, with roster continuity and minimal offseason change positioning them as the team to beat while they must guard against injuries and complacency. Preseason betting markets and projection models, including BetMGM lines, generally place OKC among teams likely to exceed expectations while flagging the Knicks as potentially over-projected. League training-camp storylines to watch include teams scheming for OKC, shifting Lakers dynamics as LeBron and Luka Dončić’s roles evolve, and the Kawhi Leonard situation in Los Angeles. The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have regressed amid Ja Morant’s off‑court issues, injuries and questionable roster moves, raising doubts about their competitiveness. Continuity, health and defense will chiefly determine who can chase the Thunder, but preseason lines remain fragile because of injuries and other variables.