Full Breakdown
NBA 2025-26 Season Predictions: Pacers, Suns, and Rising Stars
10/9/2025, 4:30:50 PM
Indiana Pacers Face Tough Season Ahead
The Indiana Pacers are entering the 2025-26 NBA season with significant challenges following their surprising run to the NBA Finals in 2025. Despite their success, expectations have shifted dramatically due to the absence of key players. Pundit Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report predicts a disappointing record of 34-48 for the Pacers, attributing this forecast to the losses of their star guard Tyrese Haliburton and center Myles Turner. Hughes emphasized that while head coach Rick Carlisle is among the best in the league, the team will struggle without their primary playmakers, stating, “There’s just no way to gloss over the absences of Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.” The Pacers are determined to avoid a "gap year," but Hughes suggests they may need to rest veteran players like Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith as the season progresses.
Phoenix Suns: Low Expectations Amid Roster Changes
The Phoenix Suns are projected to finish as one of the weaker teams in the Western Conference for the 2025-26 season. After trading away Kevin Durant and releasing Bradley Beal, the Suns are expected to struggle, with ESPN's Kevin Pelton predicting a win total of 34.7, slightly above the over/under of 31.5 wins set by betting sites. Pelton noted that the Suns might outperform expectations due to a bounce-back from last season's underperformance. Despite the roster changes, former NBA guard Patrick Beverley expressed optimism, suggesting that the Suns could be competitive enough to contend for a play-in spot. The team's owner, Mat Ishbia, emphasized the importance of establishing a strong identity and culture this season, even if immediate success is not guaranteed.
Rising Stars: Cade Cunningham and Jalen Williams
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder are poised for breakout seasons. Cunningham, who led the Pistons to a top-six finish in the East last season, is expected to finish in the top five of MVP voting and average a double-double. His leadership and maturity have transformed the Pistons into a competitive team, with hopes of winning their first playoff series since 2008.
Meanwhile, Jalen Williams is emerging as a key player for the Thunder, who are defending their championship title. Williams, who averaged 21.6 points per game last season, is projected to become the NBA's best second option and earn an All-NBA Second Team selection. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted during the playoffs, and his growth is crucial for Oklahoma City's sustained success.
Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty and Potential
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, teams like the Pacers and Suns face significant hurdles, while players like Cunningham and Williams represent the future of their franchises. The season promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities, as teams navigate through roster changes and player development in a highly competitive league.
