ESPN just dropped their Summer Forecast for the 2026-27 NBA season, and while it’s got the Oklahoma City Thunder pegged for a killer 60-22 record, that number comes with a serious gut punch for anyone in OKC. Yeah, 60 wins sounds awesome, right? Not so fast, folks. According to the insiders, that stellar record is only good enough for *second place* in the Western Conference. They’re still co-title favorites with their biggest rival, but second place? That’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re gunning for the top spot.
The Spurs Rivalry Is Heating Up, Big Time
The biggest reason for the Thunder’s projected second-place finish is sitting right there in first: the San Antonio Spurs. ESPN has them slated for an insane 62-20 record, making both teams the best overall in the entire league. This isn’t just about a couple of W’s here or there. This rivalry has been simmering for years, but it exploded last season. The Spurs, who are fresh off knocking off the defending champions, actually beat the Thunder eight times in their twelve meetings last season, including the NBA Cup, the regular season, and the playoffs. Think about that for a second: eight out of twelve. That’s a serious edge for the upstart Spurs, and it shows why they’re currently projected to leapfrog OKC, even with the Thunder still expected to be dominant.
Depth Issues Could Be the Achilles’ Heel
So, what’s giving the Spurs the edge, and why aren’t the Thunder grabbing that top seed for a fourth consecutive year, even with an MVP-level trio? It comes down to roster moves. The Thunder lost some serious depth this summer. Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins were all sent packing in cost-cutting trades. Losing guys like that, who bring toughness, shooting, and reliable minutes? That’s not just a footnote, that’s crucial experience and grit walking out the door. And the back of the bench? It’s filled with question marks. Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Aday Mara, and Bennett Stirtz are virtually unknown talents right now. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams are still one of the top trios in the league, with a championship ring already in hand, relying solely on them to carry the load every single night, especially if health issues arise, is a risky game.
The 2026-27 season is setting up to be an absolute brawl in the West. Can Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams carry this squad through a gauntlet of a conference, especially with a renewed Spurs rivalry breathing down their necks and less depth to rely on? The projections are out there, but now it’s up to the Thunder to prove them wrong and reclaim that number one spot. Get ready for some fireworks, because this season is gonna be a battle for Western Conference supremacy from day one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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