The 2025-26 NBA season is underway with a record 15 Australians on NBA rosters on opening night.
Leading the charge is Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey and ahead of the new campaign, NBA 2K went to the simulator to predict the season's results, delivering a positive prediction for the Aussie, who got his season off to a strong start, recording 19 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in Chicago's 115-111 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Let's take a look at the crystal ball and see what's in store for Giddey, along with how the rest of the season will play out.
STREAM BIG: Watch the 2025-26 NBA season on Disney+
NBA 2K26 sim predicts Josh Giddey reaching All-Star level
Giddey (82 OVR), who signed a four-year, $100 million extension in the off-season is tipped to take his game to another level this season with the Bulls, and NBA 2K26 agrees, projecting All-Star level numbers for the Aussie.
In their 82-game season sim, Giddey will put up 19.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, while Boomers teammate Dyson Daniels (83 OVR) delivered 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals.
🏀 @NBA2K’s season sim has Josh Giddey putting up All-Star level numbers! #NBA2K26 pic.twitter.com/n6gMJfQrkZ
— Benyam Kidane (@BenyamKidane) October 23, 2025
NBA 2K26 season predictions: OKC Thunder back at it
NBA 2K's sim leaned in favour of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who got their season off to an impressive start, defeating the Houston Rockets 125-124 in double overtime on opening night.
According to NBA 2K, the Thunder will be crowned champions once again, predicted to be the first team to defend their title since the 2018 Golden State Warriors.
But their opponent may surprise some, with the season sim projecting the New York Knicks breaking through to make their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
STREAM BIG: Aussies in action across the NBA on Disney+
Among their other predictions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to have another dominant season, going back-to-back for regular season MVP and Finals MVP. Here's how the rest of their predictions panned out.
NBA Champions: Oklahoma City Thunder def. New York Knicks
Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
Most Improved Player: Amen Thompson
Did they get it right? As it stands, the Thunder are the overwhelming favourites to repeat, while the Knicks have the fourth-best odds to win it all.