5 Bold Predictions for the 2025–26 NBA Season: From Celtics Collapse to Edwards’ MVP Rise

The 2025–26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. From powerhouse teams on the brink of collapse to young stars ready to take over the league, there’s no shortage of storylines to watch. Here are five bold predictions that could completely reshape the landscape of the NBA this year — and spark plenty of debate along the way.

1. The Boston Celtics Will Have Their 2020 Warriors Season

The Boston Celtics could be in for a rough year — one that mirrors the Golden State Warriors’ 2019-2020 season when injuries derailed everything, and the team plummeted to the bottom of the standings.

Jayson Tatum, is currently out with a torn Achillies and while he has expressed his desire to return this season, I think he might decide to sit out the year if the team falls out of contention by February or March as there’s little reason for him to risk his long-term health.

The loss of key veterans like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis during the offseason has left the roster vulnerable. That puts immense pressure on Jaylen Brown, who must now prove he can carry a team as its primary option. However, Brown has battled injuries and off-court distractions in recent years. If he misses time again, Boston could easily find itself spiralling down the Eastern Conference standings.

In the long run, this might not be the worst outcome. A down year could net the Celtics a top draft pick, positioning them for a quick rebound once Tatum returns at full strength next season.

2. Kevin Durant and the Rockets Will Be a Play-In Team

The Houston Rockets entered the season as one of Vegas’ top championship favorites after acquiring Kevin Durant, but skepticism is warranted — especially following Fred VanVleet’s injury.

In today’s NBA, it’s nearly impossible to contend without a reliable starting point guard. Durant, despite remaining one of the league’s elite players, is now 37 years old and has struggled to stay healthy through a full regular season.

Without VanVleet’s steadying presence and with ongoing questions about Durant’s durability, Houston might not have enough to remain among the Western Conference’s elite. While the team’s young core shows promise, expect inconsistency over 82 games.

When the dust settles, the Rockets could find themselves fighting for survival in the Play-In Tournament rather than competing for a top playoff seed.

3. One of Zion Williamson or Joel Embiid Will Play 65 Games

Zion Williamson and Joel Embiid have built reputations as two of the NBA’s most dominant — yet injury-prone — stars. This season, one of them will defy the odds and play at least 65 games.

Zion reportedly entered the season in shape and healthy, but fans have heard that before. Embiid, meanwhile, seems determined to silence critics after a disappointing 2024–25 campaign. In a revealing ESPN interview over the summer, Embiid made it clear that he’s fueled by revenge and eager to reclaim his status among the league’s best.

Given the NBA’s new award eligibility rules requiring players to appear in at least 65 games, expect one of these two to rise to the challenge — even if both don’t.

4. Anthony Edwards Wins MVP

After a rocky start last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves found their rhythm following a major trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. By the playoffs, they were surging, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.

Now, with improved chemistry and high expectations, Minnesota is ready to take another leap. Edwards, the face of the franchise and a rising American-born superstar you know the media wants to vote for, could be the player who brings home the MVP trophy. If the Timberwolves secure a top-two seed in the West, I think Edwards wins the award for the first time in his career.

5. This Will Be Ja Morant's Final Year in Memphis

This could be the end of the Ja Morant era in Memphis.

If Morant’s health issues persist or the Grizzlies fail to make progress this season, both sides may decide it’s time to move on. Ever since the off-court controversies in 2022 — particularly the viral gun-related incidents — Morant’s relationship with the franchise has seemed increasingly strained.

The 2024–25 season showed further cracks, with the Grizzlies’ momentum stalling and the team losing its competitive edge. If those struggles continue, expect Memphis to explore trade options and officially close the chapter on their once-promising partnership with Morant.