BetMGM Projections Place Thunder Ahead of Spurs for 2026-27 Western Conference Title
New win-total forecasts from the betting operator suggest a tight race in the West, with the Thunder and Spurs leading the pack ahead of the October season start.
BetMGM has released its win-total projections for the 2026-27 NBA season, forecasting the Oklahoma City Thunder to finish with a 62-20 record. This prediction positions the Thunder to reclaim the Western Conference title from the San Antonio Spurs, who are projected at 61-21 following their appearance in the previous season's NBA Finals.
The 2025-26 season concluded with the Thunder finishing atop the West with a 64-18 record, while the Spurs won the Western Conference. The new projections suggest OKC will surpass BetMGM’s over/under line of 60.5 wins, despite key roster changes including the departure of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.
Other Western Conference teams forecasted include the Denver Nuggets at 53-29, the Minnesota Timberwolves at 50-32, the Houston Rockets at 50-32, and the Los Angeles Lakers at 46-20. The 2026-27 NBA season is scheduled to commence in October.
Minnesota has acquired LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, though this move has raised concerns regarding team depth and frontcourt play following the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are attempting to re-sign restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with potential outcomes including a sign-and-trade deal.
The Houston Rockets have bolstered their backcourt with the return of Fred VanVleet and the acquisition of Marcus Smart, aiming to reduce pressure on Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard. The Los Angeles Lakers have retooled their roster after LeBron James departed, adding Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
