In your best Mugatu voice, say it with me: "Tanking, it's so hot right now!" Take a stroll through NBA X, and there's far more conversation about the teams that aren't trying to win, compared to the teams atop the standings.

The 2026 Detroit Pistons are the best in team history, per some analytics. According to Basketball Reference, the 2026 Pistons' 6.90 SRS, a team rating that takes into account average point differential and strength of schedule, is the best in franchise history.

Will the league get another big upset this year? It’s on the table with how shaky even the top contenders have looked lately. Here are the nine teams that can win the 2026 NBA championship, ranked by who’s most likely to do it.

Lance Stephenson crowns Michael Jordan GOAT, backs A’ja Wilson, Lakers, Rodman, and Phil Jackson in bold SLAM picks.

Which Team Has The Best Roster?

This week, with NBA All-Star Weekend just behind us, we don’t have games to really update races from last week, so we’re going to switch things up a bit and look at who the All-NBA teams might feature.