ESPN has released their [predictions for the 2026-27 NBA season](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49641350/nba-predictions-2026-27-forecast-knicks-76ers-heat-thunder-spurs-lakers-east-west-standings). The Portland Trail Blazers are in a “glass half-full” position, ranked 7th in the NBA’s Western Conference. The four-letter network forecasts the Blazers with 43 wins, just ahead of the 8th-place Phoenix Suns with 42. That position would put the Blazers in the Play-In Tournament for the 2027 NBA Playoffs.
ESPN’s analysts predict that the San Antonio Spurs will win the conference this season with a total of 62 wins, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder (60), Denver Nuggets (51), Houston Rockets (51), and Minnesota Timberwolves (50). The Los Angeles Lakers are also ranked ahead of the Blazers with 45 wins.
The Miami Heat are in an analogous position to the Blazers in the Eastern Conference, predicted to finish 7th. The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons are ranked at the top of the conference.
How would you feel about 43 wins and a 7th-place finish? Is that above or below your expectations? Share in the comments section!