NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  On the eve of the 2...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p>On the eve of the 2025-26 campaign, we're looking at how things shape up as the regular season begins. Title odds courtesy of <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/">theScore Bet</a>.</p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">1. Oklahoma City Thunder</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +200</p><p>With the Thunder locking up their core this summer, OKC fans can feel confident about their squad defending its crown. Only a couple of Western Conference teams improved enough to potentially pose a challenge in the playoffs, and a weaker Eastern Conference will make them heavy favorites in any Finals matchup.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">2. Denver Nuggets</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +650</p><p>Denver has the ingredients for another title run. Jonas Valanciunas gives the Nuggets a dependable backup center, while Cameron Johnson and Tim Hardaway Jr. provide some much-needed floor spacing. Bruce Brown's also back for another stint and should be an asset on both ends.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">3. New York Knicks</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +1000</p><p>A season ago, the Knicks' starting lineup played 940 minutes together - 226 more than any other lineup in the league. They've helped address the issue by bolstering the bench with free-agent acquisitions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">4. Cleveland Cavaliers</a></h3><p><em>Title odds: </em>+650</p><p>De'Andre Hunter's expected shift to the starting five may be the subtle tweak that finally returns the Cavs to the conference finals after a disappointing 2025 postseason. Once his foot heals from surgery, Max Strus should also be a better fit on an overhauled second unit.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">5. Houston Rockets</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/cropped_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806130/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240675033.jpg?ts=1760812541 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mercedes Oliver / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds: </em>+1500</p><p>Fred VanVleet's injury is a major loss, but the emergence of Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun plus the addition of Kevin Durant's reliable offensive contributions should give Ime Udoka and Co. credible hopes of bettering last season's finish.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">6. Minnesota Timberwolves</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +1800</p><p>Minnesota's banking on sophomores Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. to fill the bench void left by Nickeil Alexander-Walker's exit. If they're ready, the Timberwolves will have a surprisingly deep rotation that can alleviate the scoring pressure on Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">7. Orlando Magic</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +1800</p><p>It came at a hefty cost, but the Magic hope that Desmond Bane's arrival is the missing piece of the puzzle. With an emerging core led by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, Orlando is looking to upset the power balance in the East.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">8. Golden State Warriors</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +2200</p><p>The Warriors aren't wasting any of Stephen Curry's final seasons. Though both are undersized, 39-year-old Al Horford might be Draymond Green's best frontcourt partner in years. Jonathan Kuminga's short-term deal also gives Golden State a potential trade chip come February.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">9. Los Angeles Clippers</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +1600</p><p>The Kawhi Leonard saga overshadowed a productive offseason. The Clippers added athleticism with the acquisition of John Collins, brought in Bradley Beal on a low-risk deal, and solidified their depth with the signings of Chris Paul and Brook Lopez.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">10. Atlanta Hawks</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/cropped_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806132/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241072459.jpg?ts=1760812715 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Hagy / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds:</em> +2800</p><p>Atlanta could return to the East finals for the second time in the Trae Young era. Newcomers Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Alexander-Walker should bolster its 3-point shooting. The Hawks will also benefit from Porzingis' pick-and-roll game and defensive presence.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">11. Los Angeles Lakers</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +1500</p><p>Luka Doncic is looking chiseled and LeBron James is still LeBron James (despite the troublesome sciatica issue), though the Lakers are short on reliable role players. Could Deandre Ayton be a difference-maker? Chances of that are slimmer than Doncic.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">12. San Antonio Spurs</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +5000</p><p>Victor Wembanyama's conspicuous preseason confidence should put the rest of the NBA on notice. If No. 2 pick Dylan Harper acclimates quickly alongside De'Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, the playoffs are a realistic goal for Mitch Johnson's youngsters.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">13. Dallas Mavericks</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +3300</p><p>Dallas locked up P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to solidify the frontcourt around Anthony Davis and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, D'Angelo Russell is a solid stopgap option at the point with Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL tear.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">14. Detroit Pistons</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +4000</p><p>Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson not only give the Pistons some needed floor spacing, but the vets will help Cade Cunningham build upon his sensational 2024-25 season. Jaden Ivey's minor knee setback shouldn't keep Detroit from shaking up the East.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">15. Memphis Grizzlies</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/cropped_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806133/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241717944.jpg?ts=1760812863 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tomas Diniz Santos / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds:</em> +10000</p><p>Injury-stricken Memphis is already facing an uphill battle in a stacked Western Conference with starters Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey sidelined. The Grizzlies also lost four of their top five 3-point shooters over the offseason, including Desmond Bane.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">16. Miami Heat</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +12500</p><p>Norman Powell's shot-creation will help a mediocre Heat offense, especially with Tyler Herro sidelined to start the campaign. Nikola Jovic was rewarded with an extension and is poised for a breakout year starting alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">17. Boston Celtics</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +3000</p><p>Jaylen Brown's preseason hamstring scare was a stark reminder of just how tenuous and threadbare this Celtics roster is. Even if Jayson Tatum's recovery from an Achilles tear is miraculous, it may not be enough to save what feels doomed to be a gap year in Boston.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">18. Milwaukee Bucks</a></h3><p><em>Title odds: </em>+6000</p><p>Under no circumstances do Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Kevin Porter Jr. make for a more dependable supporting cast than Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard, and Pat Connaughton, though the Bucks' missing link, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, has returned from a one-season sojourn. Rack 'em.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">19. Indiana Pacers</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +8000</p><p>The Pacers are all but eyeing a lost season, having made the thrifty decision to let Myles Turner walk in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear. Could Indiana be a sneaky pick to tank after reacquiring its 2026 first-round pick?</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">20. Philadelphia 76ers</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/cropped_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806136/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241300210.jpg?ts=1760813106 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds:</em> +3300</p><p>Are people sleeping on the 76ers in a depleted East? What if they're actually good, and both Joel Embiid and Paul George remain healthy, and Tyrese Maxey takes the next step toward superstardom? What if none of this happens?</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">21. Sacramento Kings</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +50000</p><p>The Kings are running it back with a core of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk, but the ceiling is low for a team that will almost certainly move at least one of the aforementioned group before the deadline.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">22. Chicago Bulls</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em><em> </em>+50000</p><p>Chicago is finally prioritizing its youth after languishing in self-imposed purgatory for years. With Josh Giddey now locked in, the Bulls are hoping for a major breakthrough from another young player. It could be Matas Buzelis' time to shine.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">23. Phoenix Suns</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +50000</p><p>Kevin Durant, general manager James Jones, and head coach Mike Budenholzer were the key departures amid an offseason of wholesale changes for a Suns franchise that admitted it needed a massive reset after prior malpractice. Expectations are incredibly low.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">24. New Orleans Pelicans</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +50000</p><p>Dejounte Murray's likely out through December, yet New Orleans relinquished its 2026 first-rounder to trade up for Derik Queen. While making the playoffs was already far from guaranteed, the franchise is in for a self-inflicted nightmare if it falls short again.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">25. Portland Trail Blazers</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/cropped_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806137/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241292473.jpg?ts=1760813183 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cameron Browne / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds:</em> +30000</p><p>Portland's still thinking long term, which is why it brought back Damian Lillard. Though he likely won't play this year, his presence should be valuable for Scoot Henderson, who hopes to validate the team's trust in him after a shaky start to his career.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">26. Toronto Raptors</a></h3><p><em>Title odds: </em>+15000</p><p>Toronto has some talented pieces on its roster, but can Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes all co-exist? There are also questions about spacing, as some of the Raptors' best lineups feature multiple non-shooting threats.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">27. Charlotte Hornets</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +100000</p><p>Expectations remain low, though LaMelo Ball needs to stay healthy for the Hornets to have any chance at being competitive. Brandon Miller was making strides in his second year before suffering a season-ending wrist injury.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">28. Washington Wizards</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em><em> </em>+100000</p><p>Washington should improve upon last season's 18-win mark with veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton in the starting five. The Wizards also snagged sharpshooter Tre Johnson in this year's draft and took a flyer on Cam Whitmore.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">29. Brooklyn Nets</a></h3><p><em>Title odds:</em> +100000</p><p>"We have one (first-round) pick in 2026, and we hope to get a good pick," Nets owner Joe Tsai said. "So, you can predict what kind of strategy we will use for this season." Not hard to read between the lines here.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">30. Utah Jazz</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/cropped_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806138/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240034951.jpg?ts=1760813287 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Title odds:</em> +100000</p><p>Although knee soreness cut his preseason short, Ace Bailey lived up to the hype in his first two appearances. The Jazz will be bad, but another "worst season in franchise history" probably isn't in the cards. Probably.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32910002/related

Power Rankings: Thunder set sights on title defense

The Oklahoma City Thunder will start their title defensive Tuesday against the Houston Rockets to...

<p><em>The Oklahoma City Thunder will start their title defensive Tuesday against the Houston Rockets to kick off the 2025-26 NBA season, and theScore has you covered with everything you need to get ready for the new campaign.</em></p><h3>Looking ahead 🔮</h3><p><strong>Securing the bag: 6 NBA players vying for big free-agent deals</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/cropped_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/w220xh124_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/w320xh180_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/w640xh360_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/w768xh432_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803035/w1080xh607_Players_seeking_big-money_deals-R2.jpg?ts=1758913059 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Miami Heat newcomer Norman Powell and Brooklyn Nets heat-check merchant Cam Thomas are among six players looking to attain massive paydays with standout play during the upcoming campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3331593" href="https://thescore.com/news/3331593">Read more ...</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Milestones watch: 8 players who could make history in 2025-26</strong></p><p>LeBron James and Nikola Jokic are among eight of the league's most celebrated stars looking to vault themselves up some historic lists featuring all-time greats. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3331581" href="https://thescore.com/news/3331581">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>7 breakout candidates for 2025-26</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/cropped_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/w220xh124_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/w320xh180_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/w640xh360_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/w768xh432_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804926/w1080xh607_BreakoutPlayers.jpg?ts=1760039031 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt Cohen / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and Detroit Pistons defensive savant Ausar Thompson are two of seven players primed for breakout campaigns in 2025-26. Here's why. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347760" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347760">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Predicting the next NBA champion and major award winners</strong></p><p>Will the Thunder repeat as champs? Is Victor Wembanyama a lock for DPOY? Who will come out of the depleted East? Our editors make their best guesses at answering these questions and many more. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3331564" href="https://thescore.com/news/3331564">Read more ...</a></p><h3>Featured analysis ✍️</h3><p><strong>Offseason grades: Eastern Conference</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/cropped_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/w220xh124_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/w320xh180_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/w640xh360_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/w768xh432_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802838/w1080xh607_NBA_offseason_grades_for_Eastern.jpg?ts=1758809574 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>An offseason that included the draft and a free-agent frenzy saw several teams in the East upgrade in hopes of capitalizing on key absences and departures from conference powers Boston and Indiana. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3332158" href="https://thescore.com/news/3332158">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Offseason grades: Western Conference</strong></p><p>An arms race out West saw former champs, established squads, and emerging groups make additions with an eye on unseating the Thunder come playoff time. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3332207" href="https://thescore.com/news/3332207">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>NBA watchability rankings: The bottom 15</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/cropped_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/w220xh124_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/w320xh180_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/w640xh360_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/w768xh432_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804924/w1080xh607_Watchability_Draft_02.jpg?ts=1760038973 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Marcus Stanois / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Not all of the league's 30 teams are easy on the eyes. Whether the result of a sluggish pace of play, inefficiencies at both ends, or the pitfalls and perils of rebuilding rosters, these are the NBA's least watchable teams. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3348051" href="https://thescore.com/news/3348051">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>NBA watchability rankings: The top 15</strong></p><p>Unlike the first installment, Part 2 celebrates the league's most watchable teams that will have fans circling particular matchups on the calendar months in advance. Did your favorite team make the top 15? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3348052" href="https://thescore.com/news/3348052">Read more ... </a></p><p><strong>12 key storylines to follow during season</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/cropped_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/w220xh124_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/w320xh180_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/w640xh360_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/w768xh432_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805549/w1080xh607_NBA_storylines_to_watch.jpg?ts=1760456083 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Giannis’ future in Milwaukee, Kawhi’s tree-planting side gig, a last dance for the elderly Warriors, and the approaching Wembymania are among 12 of the biggest stories to watch in the NBA this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347756" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347756">Read more ...</a> </p><p><strong>Preseason overreactions: How real are these 7 NBA trends?</strong></p><p>Alperun Sengun's transformation into Baby Jokic has helped fill the playmaking void left by Fred VanVleet. The Utah Jazz have the worst defense ever. How real are these preseason developments? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3363133" href="https://thescore.com/news/3363133">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Power Rankings: Thunder set sights on title defense</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/cropped_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/w220xh124_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/w320xh180_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/w640xh360_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/w768xh432_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805395/w1080xh607_NBAPR2026.1.jpg?ts=1760327548 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>On the eve of the 2025-26 campaign, we're determining the league's pecking order following another busy offseason highlighted by major moves and key additions. Are the Thunder still the team to beat? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3331570" href="https://thescore.com/news/3331570">Read more ...</a> </p><h3>Betting 💵</h3><p><strong>Win total bets: 11 teams to target before season tips off</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/cropped_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/w220xh124_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/w320xh180_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/w640xh360_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/w768xh432_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805562/w1080xh607_win_totals.jpg?ts=1760458051 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Win totals are a valuable tool for evaluating expectations. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs are among 11 teams whose over-under win totals we've assessed here. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3362465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3362465">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Preseason Rookie of the Year rankings</strong></p><p>Cooper Flagg leads a capable group of first-year players looking to establish themselves at the next level. Is the Dallas Mavericks phenom a lock for Rookie of the Year, or could there be stiff competition elsewhere? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347908" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347908">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>NBA championship bets: Finals, conference title winners</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/cropped_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/w220xh124_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/w320xh180_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/w640xh360_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/w768xh432_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806417/w1080xh607_Nuggets__2_.jpg?ts=1760983661 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Even in this parity-driven era of the NBA, the eventual champion is predictable. Nine of the last 10 champions entered the season with top-five odds to win the title. Will this trend continue? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373602" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373602">Read more ...</a></p><p><strong>Preseason Most Valuable Player rankings</strong></p><p>Defending winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and three-time honoree Nikola Jokic are the favorites to take home the NBA's most coveted individual award. How do the other marquee stars stack up? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347915" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347915">Read more ...</a></p>

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NBA cheat sheet: Everything you need to know for 2025-26 season

The Atlanta Hawks and guard Dyson Daniels agreed to a four-year, $100-million rookie contract ext...

<p>The Atlanta Hawks and guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a> agreed to a four-year, $100-million rookie contract extension, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980350316911685907">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The reigning Most Improved Player averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals in 76 games. The Australian's 229 steals last season were the most since Gary Payton had 231 in 1995-96.</p><p>Daniels, 22, was also named to the All-Defensive first team.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Hawks acquired him in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans last offseason, shipping out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a> in exchange for a package that included Daniels and two future first-round picks. The Pelicans drafted Daniels eighth overall in 2022.</p><p>The Hawks finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 40-42 record and were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.</p><p>Atlanta's had a busy summer, landing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that included the Brooklyn Nets. The Hawks also acquired guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60881" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60881">Nickeil Alexander-Walker</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44933" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44933">Luke Kennard</a> in free agency. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37601" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37601">Clint Capela</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11516" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11516">Larry Nance Jr.</a> were among those to depart the team this offseason.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 15: Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up the floor during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on April 15, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

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Hawks sign Dyson Daniels to 4-year, $100M rookie extension

The Denver Nuggets and guard Christian Braun agreed to a five-year, $125-million rookie extension...

<p>The Denver Nuggets and guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102793" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102793">Christian Braun</a> agreed to a five-year, $125-million rookie extension, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1980340833766559889">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals this past season, his first as a starter. He started in 77 of his 79 appearances, a significant increase from 10 across his first two NBA campaigns.</p><p>The Kansas product set career highs with 33.9 minutes per game, a 58% field-goal percentage, and a 39.7% 3-point shooting rate.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Braun, 24, has played in 45 career playoff games and was part of the Nuggets' 2023 championship as a rookie. He averaged 12.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals this postseason.</p><p>Denver finished fourth in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record before being eliminated in the second round in seven games by the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 18: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Nuggets sign Braun to 5-year, $125M rookie extension

With the 2025-26 NBA season tipping off Oct. 21, theScore's Joseph Casciaro, Michael Chandler, Ch...

<p><em>With the 2025-26 NBA season tipping off Oct. 21, theScore's Joseph Casciaro, Michael Chandler, Chicco Nacion, Sam Oshtry, and Jonathan Soveta boldly predict which teams will be left standing and who'll be in line for individual hardware after the campaign.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZM4WT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZM4WT/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Significant injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton have turned a watered-down East into a free-for-all. The New York Knicks could benefit most, with the additions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele boosting a bench that struggled under Tom Thibodeau. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are still liabilities on defense, but Mike Brown's roster is more balanced than his predecessor's.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-F0PZJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F0PZJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Nikola Jokic's continued brilliance, the addition of Cam Johnson, and an overhauled bench unit anchored by Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. have convinced three of our editors to pick the Denver Nuggets. Two others have opted for the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who return the entirety of a 68-win roster. There's also a sneaky pick for the Houston Rockets.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA Finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4D7AY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4D7AY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Eight of the last 12 champs have come from the West, and during that span, only one title-winner finished worse than third in its conference. We expect that trend to continue, and the Thunder and Nuggets are unsurprisingly the favorites to outclass whoever triumphs in a threadbare East. The Knicks winning it all could trigger an apocalypse, assuming an end-of-days scenario isn't already underway.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="15-seeds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-foA8I" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/foA8I/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Despite the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks winning the last two draft lotteries with just 1.8% and 3% chances, respectively, the prospect of landing the likes of AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson will continue to motivate rebuilding franchises like the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz to consider tanking. The one outlier here is a pick for the Washington Wizards, who should be both undeniably bad and immensely fun to watch.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uG6P5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uG6P5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Cooper Flagg is both the bookmakers' favorite and our in-house pick to win Rookie of the Year, especially with an opportunity to flex his ball-handling and playmaking chops during Kyrie Irving's extended absence. Tre Johnson, who slid to the Wizards at No. 6 in the 2025 draft, could emerge as Washington's primary scorer following Jordan Poole's trade to New Orleans and the expected deadline departures of CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Coach of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KKOPP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KKOPP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>A first-time winner will take home the honor for top coach this season, according to our editors. Quin Snyder landed on 60% of our ballots ahead of what's expected to be a strong campaign from the restocked and healthy Atlanta Hawks. Ime Udoka, who finished third in voting last year, and Jamahl Mosley, who was runner-up to Mark Daigneault in 2023-24, are also considered among the league's best bench bosses due for recognition.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Executive of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-q9LaG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/q9LaG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Behind every great team and coaching staff is an executive who's well-versed in both pencil pushing and Xs and Os. Executive of the Year typically recognizes the backroom business operator who has made the biggest improvement, and recent roster additions for the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Hawks, and Knicks shaped our selections. Executives from the league's 30 teams vote on the award. Boring stuff.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Most Improved Player" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UlNj4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UlNj4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="330" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Amen Thompson was already among the top picks for this honor prior to VanVleet's injury, and his odds have only improved following a standout sophomore campaign in which the Rockets forward earned a spot on the All-Defensive first team. Andrew Nembhard's expected to assume a larger backcourt role amid Haliburton's absence. He was instrumental in the Indiana Pacers' run to the Finals, shooting 46.5% from deep in the playoffs.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Defensive Player of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QEbwT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QEbwT/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Victor Wembanyama was the consensus favorite to win the Spurs' fifth-ever Defensive Player of the Year distinction in 2024-25 before San Antonio shut the wiry Frenchman down on Feb. 20 due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Despite appearing in only 46 games (19 short of the required 65 games for awards consideration), Wembanyama still recorded a league-leading 176 blocks, which was 28 more than the next closest player. This is an easy pick.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Sixth Man of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IihHP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IihHP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Some bookmakers have tabbed Celtics guard Payton Pritchard to become the first repeat winner since Lou Williams in 2018-19. But this overlooks a recent trend in how the award is being evaluated, with voters increasingly favoring players contributing to team success over sheer scoring acumen. Each of the last five Sixth Man of the Year honorees came from clubs that recorded 52-plus wins, which may be a tall task for the shorthanded Celtics.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Most Valuable Player" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4x7Jd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4x7Jd/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="332" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Will Jokic become one of six to win four or more MVP awards, or will newly slim Luka Doncic collect his first? Voter fatigue has seemingly been an issue in the past for Jokic, who suffered decisive defeats in 2022-23 and last season despite posting historic numbers. Could the reverse favor him this year? None of this takes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into account. The reigning MVP remains on an upward trajectory on a team that should challenge for the best record.</p>

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<p>The Sacramento Kings rewarded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a> with a five-year, $140-million rookie extension contract, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1978603785200046421">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Murray averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 2024-25. His scoring took a dip from his 15.2 points per game on career-best 45.4% shooting in 2023-24.</p><p>The 25-year-old has started in 231 of his 233 appearances across three NBA campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Murray particularly shined in his first year out of Iowa, averaging 12.2 points and shooting a personal-best 41.1% from three. His efforts earned him All-Rookie first-team honors, and he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.</p><p>He's displayed flashes of brilliance during his Kings tenure, highlighted by a 47-point performance in December 2023 against the Utah Jazz.</p><p>Sacramento's one playoff appearance in the past 19 seasons came in Murray's rookie campaign, a first-round exit to the Golden State Warriors.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on April 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dmj-t22tF74?si=fk5Z4XNelx1pNJkm" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Aidan Thakkar, Levi Smith, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz have some hot-to-scorching takes to share one week into the NHL season:</p><ul>
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<p><em>With veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Steve Smith in the twilight of their iconic careers, cricket fans are on the lookout for the next generation of stars to take the torch. There's no shortage of exciting young talent ready to step up. Here are five teenage cricketers destined to shine for years to come.</em></p><h3>Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/cropped_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805438/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221579434.jpg?ts=1760385280 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MB Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Age</strong>: 14<br><strong>Role</strong>: Top-order batter</p><p>Just how high are the expectations around Suryavanshi? Some people have already compared the 14-year-old phenom to Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary former India captain and one of the greatest cricketers the sport has ever seen. No pressure, kid. Mentioning anyone in the same breath as the "God of Cricket" is probably unfair, but Suryavanshi is already showing that he's destined for a brilliant career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>At 13, he became the youngest player to ever land an IPL deal, and he continued racking up records from there. Suryavanshi is the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket, accomplishing the feat in just 35 balls for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. It's no wonder there are already calls to fast-track Suryavanshi to India's senior team.</p><h3>Kwena Maphaka (South Africa)</h3><p><strong>Age</strong>: 19<br><strong>Role</strong>: Bowler</p><p>Currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, fans of the Proteas are eagerly awaiting the return of the pace sensation. Though Maphaka did appear in the IPL before featuring for South Africa, he truly announced himself at last year's Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The left-handed quick's 21 wickets were just one shy of the all-time tournament record, and he became the first player to collect a trio of five-wicket hauls at a single U19 World Cup.</p><p>Maphaka's dominant showing earned him Player of the Tournament honors. If recent history is any indication, he's in outstanding company - the previous three winners of the award were compatriot Dewald Brevis and Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.</p><h3>Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/cropped_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/w220xh124_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/w320xh180_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/w640xh360_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/w768xh432_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792275/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1990046647.jpg?ts=1751119399 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Davidson-ICC / ICC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Age</strong>: 19<br><strong>Role</strong>: Wicketkeeper-batter</p><p>Pretorius' sturdy build and obvious power have led to immediate comparisons with former South Africa captain Graeme Smith. Those are lofty heights to reach, but the left-handed opening batter, a star of his country's elite school system, has all the tools to continue his ascension.</p><p>Pretorius is the youngest South African to ever score a Test century, making a sensational 153 on his debut against Zimbabwe earlier this year. That dazzling performance, which the teenager <a href="https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/13389796/south-africas-lhuan-dre-pretorius-becomes-youngest-man-to-score-150-in-a-test-match-eclipsing-javed-miandad">called</a> a "dream come true," also made Pretorius the youngest man to hit 150 in a Test match, eclipsing a record that stood since 1976. Together with Dewald Brevis, another special young batter who is only 22 himself, South Africa has a potentially dominant one-two punch for years to come.</p><h3>Jewel Andrew (West Indies)</h3><p><strong>Age</strong>: 18<br><strong>Role</strong>: Wicketkeeper-batter</p><p>A precocious right-handed batter, Andrew has enjoyed a rapid rise since turning heads at last year's Under-19 World Cup, where he scored 130 runs from 96 balls against South Africa. The Antiguan teen, whose maturity belies his youth, <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/teen-star-jewel-andrew-on-his-west-indies-ambitions-and-learning-from-shai-hope-1467342">aims</a> to emulate Shai Hope by "playing for West Indies for a long time and hopefully (averaging) 50." He's on the right path.</p><p>Tabbed as a future star by pundits thanks to his ability to hit every shot in the book, Andrew made his One Day International (ODI) debut in October 2024, becoming the first 17-year-old to represent the men's team in any format since legendary all-rounder Garry Sobers back in 1954.</p><h3>Farhan Ahmed (England)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/cropped_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/w220xh124_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/w320xh180_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/w640xh360_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/w768xh432_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805440/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2228825246.jpg?ts=1760385484 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Prior / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Age</strong>: 17<br><strong>Role</strong>: Bowler</p><p>Prodigious cricketers run in the Ahmed family. Farhan is the younger brother of leg-spinner Rehan, the now-21-year-old who's the youngest male player to be capped in all three formats for England. Farhan, a finger-spinning phenom from Nottingham, dreams of playing alongside his elder sibling, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c784pmmydg5o">admitting</a> that their different styles were part of a long-term plan tailored to hopefully allow them to suit up together for England. "If we were both finger-spinners, we would find it hard to be in the same team," he explained to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c784pmmydg5o">BBC's Andrew Aloia</a>.</p><p>Farhan, who was named to England's U19 World Cup team when he was only 15, is the youngest player to appear for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship. Following a T20 Blast hat-trick, Nottinghamshire head coach and former England bench boss Peter Moores said the bowler is capable of doing "exceptional" things because he already exhibits excellent decision-making skills reminiscent of someone who is "26 or 27."</p><p><em><strong>Honorable mentions</strong>: Ubaid Shah (Pakistan), Thomas Rew (England), Callum Vidler (Australia), Ali Raza (Pakistan), Ayush Mhatre (India)</em></p>

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<p><em>Artificial intelligence (AI) is already playing an increasingly significant role in the sports world, shaping how leagues, teams, and players operate within their respective realms. However, in such a rapidly evolving field, the focus is always on the future. What's next? Here's how major sports and leagues could utilize AI to transform in the years to come.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to</strong>: <a href="#nba">NBA</a> | <a href="#mlb">MLB</a> | <a href="#nfl">NFL</a> | <a href="#nhl">NHL</a> | <a href="#soccer">SOCCER</a></p><h3><a id="nba" name="nba">Powering next generation of NBA stats 🏀</a></h3><p>Long ahead of the curve when it comes to technology in sports, the NBA's next chapter in AI will help inform fans better than ever before. There are surely AI-related developments in the works at the front office, player performance, and medical level, but the scope of statistical intel that fans and media are about to have access to is fascinating.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Just last week, the NBA and Amazon Web Services announced a new multi-year partnership aimed at elevating the fan and broadcast experience through advanced analytics. Included in the collaboration is the launch of "NBA Inside the Game powered by AWS," a platform with access to statistics compiled from billions of data points. Although the NBA has long used player tracking data to provide a wealth of information, the inclusion of Amazon Web Services' AI technology will accelerate that process by translating complex analytics into immediate insights.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/cropped_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780994/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201741136.jpg?ts=1744857306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>That information will be shared on broadcasts and readily available through the league's website and app.</p><p>For the basketball nerds among us, perhaps the most exciting development will be how this data can help us better understand defensive contributions, which have long been considered unquantifiable, even by advanced metrics. The new tools will be able to evaluate how players and teams pressure the ball, perform double-teams, and execute defensive switches. There will also be new offensive metrics to measure shot difficulty and the gravity players generate on and off the ball.</p><p>If this is the kind of AI-powered information that'll be available to fans, just imagine what NBA executives must have at their fingertips. - <em>Joseph Casciaro</em></p><h3><a id="mlb" name="mlb">MLB goes full automated strike zone ⚾️</a></h3><p>MLB is already heavily involved in AI, whether it be in-game strategy, projection systems, or with pitching biomechanics. But we'll get a taste of arguably the most influential change next season when the league implements the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system.</p><p>The ABS system (robot umpires) utilizes TrackMan technology, which measures the movement of the baseball using cameras and radar. The strike zone is adjusted based on the batter's size to perfect accuracy.</p><p>MLB has tested the ABS system in the minor leagues in recent years and is introducing a modified version to the majors.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/cropped_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/w220xh124_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/w320xh180_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/w640xh360_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/w768xh432_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749635/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2164692265.jpg?ts=1728772972 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Umpires will still call balls and strikes in 2026, but the ABS system will be running in the background. If a pitcher, catcher, or batter disagrees with an umpire's call, they can challenge it - two per team per game, which they keep if correct. The umpire is informed of the decision through an earpiece, while the TrackMan decision is displayed on the main video board for fans to see.</p><p>It'll be interesting to see how players receive the challenge system and if it eventually leads to a fully automated strike zone, where umpires behind the plate are no longer making their own calls at all. -<em> Brandon Wile</em></p><h3><a id="nfl" name="nfl">How far can NFL take VR? 🏈</a></h3><p>You've probably heard about Jayden Daniels' innovative training methods by now. The Washington Commanders star has been using a virtual reality system, designed by German company Cognilize, dating back to his final season at LSU. Essentially, the quarterback version of a flight simulator, this unique technology replicates everything he'd see on the field with incredible levels of realism. And when he runs his simulations at higher speeds, the real thing doesn't seem nearly as fast on Sundays.</p><p>Considering Daniels' success at the professional level - immediately becoming one of the NFL's most promising young players - it may only be a matter of time before this kind of technology becomes the standard for quarterback development league-wide. But why stop at one position?</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/cropped_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801920/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235799618.jpg?ts=1758298954 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ask any veteran coach about new-age limitations on offseason work and practice schedules, and you'll hear the same gripes: Players don't get the same amount of live reps they once did. It makes sense from a safety perspective, but it's easy to see how the changes can ramp up the difficulty when it comes to developing young talent. Enter the technological revolution.</p><p>What if every offensive lineman could supplement their practice reps with a team-customized VR system that allowed them to master the ins and outs of their blocking scheme away from the field? A defensive back can pick up an opponent's route combinations and tendencies from a bird's-eye view in film study, but a program that allows them to see pre-scouted concepts take shape from their vantage point on the field could drive their recognition skills to new heights. The possibilities are endless.</p><p>Teams that are serious about winning should take note of Daniels' success and find ways to push things a step further, leveraging AI as a development tool for everyone on the roster. - <em>Dan Wilkins</em></p><h3><a id="nhl" name="nhl">Helping players level up hockey IQ 🏒</a></h3><p>Sense Arena, a sports technology company specializing in virtual reality products, is using AI to create customized game-like scenarios for hockey players of all ages to interact with. The goal is to improve players' hockey IQ.</p><p>For instance, a teenage defenseman with dreams of making it to the NHL can toss on the VR headset and practice defensive-zone puck retrievals - one of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295503" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295503">most difficult yet valuable</a> skills - in the comfort of his own home. On the ice, every single retrieval is slightly different because there are so many variables to account for. What's the speed of the first forechecker? Is the puck on the boards or in open ice? Is it flat or wobbling? Is a teammate ready for a breakout pass? Is he left-handed or right-handed? And so on.</p><p>Sense Arena tries to replicate the unpredictability through VR drills.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/cropped_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783048/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211040739.jpg?ts=1759849499 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"You can make a lot of money just by making a breakout pass," Sense hockey development director and former NHL defenseman Andrew Alberts said. "If you can figure out the tricks to retrievals by going through different scenarios over and over and over, you'll improve your hockey IQ and start seeing results on the ice. And that's the beauty of our platform - there's an AI integration. So, you're never going to have the same situation. It's always a different look, a different stick position, a different opposing player."</p><p>Sense Arena broke into hockey in 2018 with VR training for goalies and counts NHLers Joey Daccord, Devon Levi, and Joel Hofer as spokespeople.</p><p>The company's latest release is a mixed reality training and gaming feature called DanglePro. A forward or defenseman can use their own stick and puck to physically move around virtual objects to sharpen stickhandling skills and also earn points to move up and down leaderboards. The company wants to develop smart-glass programming around Meta and Google products. In the future, skaters could be shooting on virtual goalies on the ice and accessing stats and holograms off the ice. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><h3><a id="soccer" name="soccer">Revolutionizing soccer scouting ⚽️</a></h3><p>Soccer has been notoriously slow to adopt and accept technology and analytics in comparison to the other sports already mentioned. Even relatively simple concepts involving advanced data, such as expected goals, faced plenty of pushback from traditionalists who argued that the "Beautiful Game" is too fluid and organic to be governed by anything other than the humans on the field.</p><p>But artificial intelligence is already making an imprint on the sport in several ways, from officiating to training. The most glaring area where soccer could utilize AI, however, is scouting and talent acquisition.</p><p>In the world's most global game, it's logistically impossible for human scouts to be everywhere and see every promising young prospect. For an already stratified sport, where the sizable gap between the wealthy elite and everyone else is growing all the time, AI presents an opportunity for clubs with more modest budgets and personnel to beat perennial heavyweights for talented young players. It could be especially valuable in uncovering prospects in underrepresented areas of the world who might otherwise go undiscovered.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/cropped_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/w220xh124_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/w320xh180_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/w640xh360_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/w768xh432_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804608/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2232905282.jpg?ts=1759853494 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Darren Walsh / Chelsea FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Can't go see the next great midfielder in person? AI can help. Which teenage left-back is better suited to fit your coach's tactical demands? How will someone's specific skill set translate in a new league? Virtual reality can transform statistics and spreadsheets into tangible and highly valuable insights.</p><p>Of course, the same principles apply to the wealthiest teams, and that has the potential to upend club soccer's longstanding ecosystem. Many smaller sides rely on their ability to unearth prospects and flip them for enormous transfer fees as a means of financial survival. What happens if the bigger fish use AI to cut out the middleman? The potential gains, both on the pitch and the balance sheet, are huge. - <em>Gianluca Nesci</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32728262/related

Future of AI in Sports: How tech will transform leagues, teams

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the hottest topics and contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/efBzLFZvKdI?si=j9Lyie7EY2PB5rz-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Aidan Thakkar, Levi Smith, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz dissect Monday's stunning news - Connor McDavid's two-year, $25-million extension.</p><ul>
<li>In-the-moment reactions to McDavid news (00:00)</li>
<li>New standard set for "I want to win" contracts (3:20)</li>
<li>Recalibrating our salary expectations in 2025 (5:50)</li>
<li>Countdown for McDavid in Edmonton now on (9:20)</li>
<li>Ripple effect on future free-agent negotiations (14:23)</li>
<li>Difference between Cup winners, non-winners (19:54)</li>
<li>Over/under: 2026 UFAs vs. McDavid's AAV (21:45)</li>
</ul>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32723284/related

Top Shelf: Breaking down every angle of McDavid stunner

With the NHL season beginning Tuesday, theScore's Kyle Cushman, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman sha...

<p><em>With the NHL season beginning Tuesday, theScore's Kyle Cushman, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman share their insight on some pressing topics before the games get started.</em></p><h3>Which 2026 UFA has the best chance to usurp Kaprizov's $17M AAV?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/cropped_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800099/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209565263.jpg?ts=1757079477 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Graessle / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Editor's note: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3363632" href="https://thescore.com/news/3363632">Kyle Connor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3363861" href="https://thescore.com/news/3363861">Jack Eichel</a> signed long-term extensions Wednesday after this story was published.</em></p><p><strong>Kyle Connor:</strong> Kaprizov is on the short list of top left-wingers in the NHL, and Connor isn't far behind. Over the past three seasons, the Jets' speedster has 11 more points than Kaprizov and 20 more at even strength (albeit in 46 extra games). Connor has provided remarkable value for Winnipeg during his current contract, averaging 36 goals per season over the last six years while making only $7.142 million per season. It's Connor's turn to cash in as a 2026 free agent, and Kaprizov is fairly comparable based on production. Connor's also notched 33 points in his last 31 playoff games, which will only help if his goal is to rake in as much money is possible. -<em> O'Leary</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Martin Necas:</strong> Jack Eichel would realistically have the best chance to do so if he leaves Vegas, but I anticipate he'll stay with the Golden Knights on a relatively team-friendly deal. Necas is admittedly a huge long shot, but I wouldn't be totally shocked if he racks up 100 points playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon for a full season. That type of contract year could lead to some lucrative offers if he decides to test free agency, especially since he'd be just 27 years old when he hits the open market. A $17-million AAV is still probably out of reach, but with several teams lush with cap space and eager to spend, anything is possible. <em>- Wegman</em></p><p><strong>Artemi Panarin: </strong>The Russian star is just one season removed from a 49-goal, 120-point campaign. If Panarin regains that form and finishes well inside the top 10 in league scoring, a team with a bunch of cap space could offer a huge AAV to try to pry him out of New York. Is there a team - say, Utah or Detroit - that would do a massive two-year, $35-million deal to boost its immediate chances without hampering its long-term outlook? After all, Panarin's agent is Paul Theofanous, the man who just completed Kaprizov's megadeal. <em>- Cushman</em></p><h3>Who will be the 1st coach fired this season?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/cropped_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/w220xh124_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/w320xh180_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/w640xh360_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/w768xh432_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738783/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2159736442.jpg?ts=1722267068 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Lindy Ruff:</strong> Buffalo's head coach has to be on a short leash this season, even if it's only his second campaign at the helm. The Sabres regressed in the standings under Ruff's guidance to extend their playoff drought to 14 years. If they have an uninspiring start or slump into a losing streak early in the schedule, general manager Kevyn Adams may have no choice but to bring in a new voice behind the bench. Adams' future in Buffalo could also hinge on a postseason berth. - <em>O'Leary</em></p><p><strong>Patrick Roy: </strong>His fiery persona makes him an inspiring coach when things are going well, but when they're not, Roy has the potential to be a bit of a loose cannon. New GM Mathieu Darche will likely want to bring in his own head coach at some point, and that could become a reality sooner than later if the Islanders falter - a very real possibility after trading away their No. 1 defenseman, Noah Dobson. <em>- Wegman</em></p><p><strong>Andrew Brunette: </strong>Last season was disastrous for Nashville after a splashy summer. GM Barry Trotz will feel pressure if the Predators start slow again, and canning Brunette would be an easy change to try to spark a turnaround. Nashville hired Luke Richardson as an associate coach in June, and AHL bench boss Karl Taylor is ready for an NHL opportunity, providing two in-house options if the Predators move on from Brunette. <em>- Cushman</em></p><h3>Which player are you most excited to watch with his new team?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/cropped_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803460/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236802409.jpg?ts=1759149608 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jonathan Toews:</strong> The three-time Cup winner is back in the NHL after two full years away from the game, and the Jets could be the perfect fit. Not only is Toews a Winnipeg native, but the Jets <em>need</em> him to be an effective player to remain the Central Division juggernaut they were in 2024-25. The team's center depth is a big concern, especially with captain Adam Lowry out to start the season. It will be fascinating to see if and when Toews can elevate his game like he always used to and if his playoff experience will help Winnipeg following several postseason disappointments. - <em>O'Leary</em></p><p><strong>Brent Burns: </strong>At 40 years old, Burns is no longer suited for the top-pairing duty he tackled in Carolina. He won't be asked to play such a prominent role with the Avalanche, but he could excel against third and fourth lines while anchoring a third D pairing. Burns is an intriguing fit within Colorado's high-octane offensive attack, and it would be a great story if he finally won a Stanley Cup in what might be his last NHL season, not unlike Ray Bourque in 2001. <em>- Wegman</em></p><p><strong>Nikolaj Ehlers:</strong> The Dane averaged under 16 minutes the last three seasons in Winnipeg and now moves to a Hurricanes team that will lean on him as a primary offensive creator. Watching Ehlers assume a bigger role and possibly take his game to the next level will be a treat. He's scored around a point per game previously but never over an 82-game slate. If he stays healthy, Ehlers could be in for a huge year. <em>- Cushman</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32718817/related

NHL roundtable: Rising AAVs, coaches on hot seat, and more

The 2025-26 National Hockey League season gets underway Tuesday with a tripleheader. The campaign...

<p><em>The 2025-26 National Hockey League season gets underway Tuesday with a tripleheader. The campaign kicks off at 5 p.m. ET with the defending-champion Florida Panthers hosting Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Here's everything you need to know.</em></p><h3>How to watch 📺</h3><p>Check local and regional listings individually throughout the season. Prime-time games in the U.S. will air on ESPN or TNT, while streaming services HBO Max, ESPN+, and Hulu also carry some exclusive rights.</p><p>In Canada, Prime Video will show at least one game every Monday throughout the season, while Sportsnet and TVA Sports maintain broadcast rights.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's how to watch Tuesday's tripleheader.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Game</th>
<th>Start time</th>
<th>🇺🇸</th>
<th>🇨🇦</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CHI @ FLA</td>
<td>5 p.m. ET</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
<td>Sportsnet/TVA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PIT @ NYR</td>
<td>8 p.m. ET</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
<td>Sportsnet/TVA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COL @ LAK</td>
<td>10:30 p.m. ET</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
<td>Sportsnet/TVA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Looking ahead 🔮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/cropped_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/w220xh124_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/w320xh180_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/w640xh360_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/w768xh432_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802442/w1080xh607_NHL_staff_picks.jpg?ts=1758571753 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Which teams will make the playoffs? Who wins the Hart? Or the Vezina? But most importantly, who's winning the Stanley Cup? Our experts know. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3355079" href="https://thescore.com/news/3355079">Read more ...</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/cropped_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/w220xh124_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/w320xh180_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/w640xh360_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/w768xh432_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804105/w1080xh607_NHL-BOLD-PREDICTIONS.jpg?ts=1759520614 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt Cohen / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Senior writer John Matisz offers 26 bold predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347323" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347323">Read more ...</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/cropped_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/w220xh124_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/w320xh180_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/w640xh360_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/w768xh432_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801407/w1080xh607_NHL_people_under_pressure.jpg?ts=1757946333 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Joel Quenneville, Mitch Marner, Elias Pettersson, and Connor Hellebuyck. These are among the 10 people under the most pressure to perform this upcoming season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3343618" href="https://thescore.com/news/3343618">Read more ...</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/cropped_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/w220xh124_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/w320xh180_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/w640xh360_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/w768xh432_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801572/w1080xh607_NHL_breakout_players.jpg?ts=1758049884 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sharks sophomore Macklin Celebrini is poised for a breakout year. Here are nine other players who could see their stocks rise substantially in 2025-26. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347321" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347321">Read more ...</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/cropped_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/w220xh124_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/w320xh180_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/w640xh360_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/w768xh432_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/799330/w1080xh607_Question_marks_for_Canadian_NHL_teams.jpg?ts=1756493891 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>How do the Maple Leafs line up without Mitch Marner? Who will work the wings for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? These were the top questions for Canadian teams entering training camp. Some answers seem clearer now, but other solutions remain cloudy. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3331865" href="https://thescore.com/news/3331865">Read more ...</a></p><h3>Featured analysis 🤓</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/cropped_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/w220xh124_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/w320xh180_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/w640xh360_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/w768xh432_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803710/w1080xh607_Power-Rankings-NHL-NFL-NBA-MLB_2024__1_.jpg?ts=1759290557 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Check out the X-factors for every team heading into the campaign in our first edition of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3357556" href="https://thescore.com/news/3357556">NHL Power Rankings</a>.</p><p>Heading into an Olympic year, here are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347319" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347319">six storylines to monitor</a> before the puck drops.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/cropped_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/w220xh124_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/w320xh180_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/w640xh360_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/w768xh432_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802385/w1080xh607_People_who_will_define_the_NHL_season.jpg?ts=1758553707 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ivan Demidov. The Hughes brothers. Patrick Kane. These are a few of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3343626" href="https://thescore.com/news/3343626">the 11 people who will define the 2025-26 NHL season</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/cropped_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/w220xh124_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/w320xh180_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/w640xh360_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/w768xh432_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801900/w1080xh607_Who_is_the_2nd-best_NHL_player_.jpg?ts=1758291500 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's Connor McDavid's world, and the rest of the league is just playing in it. But <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347322" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347322">who's the NHL's second-best player?</a></p><p>Brady Skjei wants 10-minute overtime periods. Patrick Kane and Travis Sanheim prefer the old playoff format. Here's what else players would change if they were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3347318" href="https://thescore.com/news/3347318">commissioner for a day</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/cropped_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/w220xh124_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/w320xh180_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/w640xh360_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/w768xh432_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800100/w1080xh607_NHL_Inbox__1_.jpg?ts=1757079755 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julian Catalfo / theScore</span></figcaption></figure><p>Got a question for our hockey experts? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3333617" href="https://thescore.com/news/3333617">Matisz's inbox</a> is always open. Send theScore's senior NHL writer an email at <a href="mailto:john.matisz@theScore.com">john.matisz@thescore.com</a> or message him on Twitter/X at <a href="https://x.com/MatiszJohn">@matiszjohn</a>.</p><h3>Betting 💸</h3><p>Who poses the biggest threat to Panthers' three-peat?</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/cropped_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/w220xh124_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/w320xh180_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/w640xh360_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/w768xh432_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803632/w1080xh607_PanthersCup.jpg?ts=1759257888 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Hurricanes</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avalanche</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oilers</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golden Knights</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stars</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3357115" href="https://thescore.com/news/3357115">Check out our favorite season-long prop bets.</a></p><h3>Fantasy 🎯</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802386/Fantasy_Rankings25_26.jpg?ts=1758553788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><ul><li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3341069" href="https://thescore.com/news/3341069">Top 200 (hits + blocks) 📜</a></li></ul><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Forwards</th>
<th>Defense</th>
<th>Goalies</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Connor McDavid (C)</td>
<td>1. Cale Makar</td>
<td>1. Connor Hellebuyck</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Nathan MacKinnon (C)</td>
<td>2. Evan Bouchard</td>
<td>2. Andrei Vasilevskiy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Leon Draisaitl (C/LW)</td>
<td>3. Zach Werenski</td>
<td>3. Igor Shesterkin</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/802388/NHL-Breakouts_Sleepers.jpg?ts=1758553867 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><ul>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3341077" href="https://thescore.com/news/3341077">Busts to avoid ⚠️</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3341076" href="https://thescore.com/news/3341076">Sleepers to steal 😴</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3341078" href="https://thescore.com/news/3341078">Bounce-back candidates 🪃</a></li>
</ul><div> </div><div> </div>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32657599/related

NHL cheat sheet: Everything you need to know for 2025-26 season

The NHL season gets underway Tuesday, and theScore's staff got together to predict how it will al...

<p><em>The NHL season gets underway Tuesday, and theScore's staff got together to predict how it will all play out. The panel consists of Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, Eric Patterson, Levi Smith, Aidan Thakkar, and Josh Wegman.</em></p><h3>Eastern Conference</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Atlantic Division Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0fv3K" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0fv3K/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="367" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Lightning are the popular pick to win the Atlantic, but the Maple Leafs and defending champion Panthers each got two votes as well. Our experts couldn't agree on much in what should be a very competitive division.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Metropolitan Division Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YcxAI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YcxAI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="361" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>It's a two-horse race in the Metropolitan, where only Smith believes the Rangers could interrupt Hurricanes-Devils supremacy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Eastern Conference playoff picture</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference playoff matchups" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cFnWV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cFnWV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="273" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Hurricanes show up as the top seed in the Eastern Conference four times, followed by the Lightning (twice) and the Panthers (twice) even though the latter won't have captain Aleksander Barkov for the season. Smith is on an island again in tabbing the Red Wings to snap their nine-year playoff drought.</p><h3>Western Conference</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Central Division Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bJvkV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bJvkV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="361" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>We've got another two-horse race in the Central, this one heavily favoring the Stars. Thakkar is the outlier this time, convinced the reigning Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets deserve a bit more respect.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pacific Division Standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jNwP1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jNwP1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="367" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Golden Knights are the popular pick, with Thakkar once again going slightly outside the box and picking the Kings to finish higher than both Vegas and the Oilers. Perhaps the most interesting result here is the wide range of outcomes for the Ducks - they're picked to finish as high as third and as low as seventh.</p><p><strong>Western Conference playoff picture</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference playoff matchups" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4lWam" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4lWam/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Stars are tabbed as the top seed in the Western Conference four times, followed closely by the Golden Knights. Everyone picked the Avalanche to make the playoffs, but only Wegman expects them to earn the cushy first-round path of facing the second wild-card seed. Meanwhile, the Mammoth are a popular pick to squeak into the postseason, and the Ducks also get some dark-horse consideration.</p><h3>Stanley Cup winner</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Stanley Cup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Y3Obs" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Y3Obs/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="328" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Five of us expect the Cup winner will come from the Central Division, with three taking the Avalanche and two giving the Stars the nod. Cushman and Thakkar believe the Lightning can get back to the mountaintop after three straight first-round exits. Three of us see the Panthers getting to a fourth straight Stanley Cup Final, but nobody has enough faith in them to predict a three-peat.</p><h3>Award picks</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Hart Memorial Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fybmV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fybmV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="359" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>McDavid is an unsurprising runaway favorite, but former winners MacKinnon and Matthews also get some love. Smith thinks Kaprizov will have no issue living up to his $136-million megadeal right away.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Vezina Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uucNF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uucNF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>No goalie has won three consecutive Vezina Trophies since Dominik Hasek in the late 1990s, and only Cushman thinks Hellebuyck can pull it off. Many panelists expect a strong showing from Oettinger in the wake of a dramatic playoff exit, while Vasilevskiy is a popular pick to be a finalist for the second consecutive year. Shesterkin is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, but several of our writers believe the Rangers star is about to bounce back.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Norris Memorial Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gSHWI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gSHWI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Makar and Hughes will be the league's top Norris candidates for many years to come, but our panel identified a variety of finalist options beyond the consensus favorites. The Canadiens and Stars have two representatives each, while Dahlin and Fox are popular dark-horse choices.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Calder Memorial Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BqZAR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BqZAR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Wegman is the only one who didn't hop on the Demidov hype train. A team hasn't had back-to-back Calder Trophy winners since the Bruins in 1967 and '68, but seven of our eight experts think Demidov can follow in the footsteps of Lane Hutson.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Art Ross Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-foO2j" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/foO2j/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>McDavid's gone two seasons without a scoring title, and enough is enough, according to our staff. It's no shock that the league's best player - who's as motivated as ever to let his play do the talking in his contract year - is the overwhelming favorite.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rocket Richard Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-f5wwz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/f5wwz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="360" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>McDavid said he wants to score more goals this season, and who are we to doubt him? The Oilers captain appeared on several ballots, but we're expecting a big year from Matthews. The three-time "Rocket" winner only had 33 tallies a year ago but appears healthy heading into the new season. If he's at full force, 50-60 goals is the expectation.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32657331/related

NHL predictions: Stanley Cup winner, award picks, more

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 season.  In this in...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32646040/related

NHL Power Rankings: Each team's X-factor for 2025-26 season

Heading into the 2025 postseason, theScore's Michael Bradburn, Michael Chandler, Alex Chippin, Me...

<p>Heading into the 2025 postseason, theScore's Michael Bradburn, Michael Chandler, Alex Chippin, Meghan Harrison, Bryan Mcwilliam, Chicco Nacion, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, Josh Wegman, and Brandon Wile make their picks for each round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL wild-card round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZCnur" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZCnur/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="531" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees and Red Sox are set to meet in the postseason for the third time since 2004. Despite Boston winning nine of 13 meetings this season - including five of seven in the Bronx - the large majority of our editors are picking New York. The Yankees enter the series having won 11 of their last 12 games to end the regular season. The Tigers, meanwhile, enter their series with the Guardians as heavy underdogs after suffering the biggest divisional collapse in MLB history. Reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal will get the ball in Game 1, but Cleveland beat him twice down the stretch.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL wild-card round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vwKuu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vwKuu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="531" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The Padres head into their series with the Cubs as our favorites. Chicago's pitching is a major question mark, while San Diego seems destined to make a deep postseason run. Still, this series is expected to be close. Although the Dodgers failed to secure a bye, no one on our end is willing to pick a massive upset that would see the reigning World Series champion fall to the Cinderella Reds. Cincinnati has an excellent young pitching staff, but knocking off Los Angeles seems too tough a task.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="ALDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uzfns" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uzfns/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="531" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>An all-AL East showdown has us fairly divided, though the majority believe the Blue Jays will win their first playoff series since 2016. Toronto won the season series against both division rivals en route to an AL East title. Seattle enters the playoffs on fire and will be a heavy favorite against either Cleveland or Detroit. The Mariners are making just their second postseason appearance in 24 years and haven't reached the ALCS since 2001, when Julio Rodríguez was just nine months old. Yeah, it's been a while.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NLDS" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-x4syk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/x4syk/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="566" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>We're expecting the Phillies-Dodgers series to be a heavyweight tilt. Philadelphia will have the advantage of being rested, but it still won't be easy. Only one person believes Milwaukee can shake off its playoff demons and advance to the NLCS. It seems strange to see so little faith in MLB's No. 1 seed, but the Brewers franchise has no shortage of postseason failures.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="LCS winner" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-spKD7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/spKD7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="531" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>We're expecting some fresh blood representing the AL. The Blue Jays haven't reached the World Series since 1993, while the Mariners have never advanced past the ALCS. The Phillies received the most picks to represent the NL in the World Series. They lost in their last two trips to the Fall Classic (2022, 2009).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="World Series winner 🏆" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BOnY1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BOnY1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="519" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>The 2025 postseason is as wide open as ever, and our selections represent that. Our editors believe six different teams have a shot at advancing to the World Series, with three clubs receiving multiple votes to win it all.</p>

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