EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe NBA returns with three high-profile games on Tuesday.The New York Knicks are back to defend their first championship in 53 years with an opener against the new look Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET, NBC). LeBron James and Jaylen Brown headed to Philadelphia this offseason to join forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Co., as the franchise tries to end a title drought of its own.In the West, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs look to build on their run to the Finals last season, while the rival Oklahoma City Thunder hope to regain their conference superiority and head to their second Finals in three seasons. The two teams meet Tuesday night to kick off their seasons (9:30 p.m. ET, NBC).The Thunder will once again be led by Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, who is chasing his third straight MVP award. Gilgeous-Alexander will have his work cut out for him, as Wembanyama continues his ascension in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo hits Miami and Jalen Brunson is fresh off a Finals MVP performance.Before the players hit the court, our NBA insiders cast their ballots for the winners of each conference, the NBA champion and who will be the 2026-27 Most Valuable player.Checkout which teams and players to keep an eye on this season ahead of the action!MORE: 30-team preview | NBA Rank 100-51 | 50-11 | 10-1Eastern Conference championJamal Collier: Indiana PacersBen Golliver: Boston CelticsVincent Goodwill: Philadelphia 76ersDanny Green: New York KnicksZach Kram: Toronto RaptorsTim MacMahon: New York KnicksBobby Marks: New York KnicksDave McMenamin: New York KnicksDean Oliver: Boston CelticsJorge Sedano: Philadelphia 76ersRamona Shelburne: Philadelphia 76ersAnthony Slater: New York KnicksMarc. J Spears: Philadelphia 76ersJeremy Woo: Boston CelticsMichael C. Wright: Philadelphia 76ersFinal tally: Knicks 5, 76ers 5, Celtics 3, Pacers 1, Raptors 1Western Conference championJamal Collier: Oklahoma City ThunderBen Golliver: Oklahoma City ThunderVincent Goodwill: Oklahoma City ThunderDanny Green: San Antonio SpursZach Kram: San Antonio SpursTim MacMahon: Oklahoma City ThunderBobby Marks: Oklahoma City ThunderDave McMenamin: Oklahoma City ThunderDean Oliver: Oklahoma City ThunderJorge Sedano: Oklahoma City ThunderRamona Shelburne: San Antonio SpursAnthony Slater: Oklahoma City ThunderMarc. J Spears: San Antonio SpursJeremy Woo: Oklahoma City ThunderMichael C. Wright: San Antonio SpursFinal tally: Thunder 10, Spurs 5NBA Finals picksJamal Collier: Thunder over PacersBen Golliver: Thunder over CelticsVincent Goodwill: Thunder over 76ersDanny Green: Spurs over KnicksZach Kram: Spurs over RaptorsTim MacMahon: Thunder over KnicksBobby Marks: Thunder over KnicksDave McMenamin: Thunder over KnicksDean Oliver: Thunder over CelticsJorge Sedano: Thunder over KnicksRamona Shelburne: Spurs over 76ersAnthony Slater: Thunder over KnicksMarc. J Spears: Spurs over 76ersJeremy Woo: Thunder over CelticsMichael C. Wright: Spurs over 76ersFinal tally: Thunder 10, Spurs 5Bonus! Most Valuable Player picksJamal Collier: Anthony EdwardsBen Golliver: Victor WembanyamaVincent Goodwill: Victor WembanyamaDanny Green: Victor WembanyamaZach Kram: Victor WembanyamaTim MacMahon: Victor WembanyamaBobby Marks: Jalen BrunsonDave McMenamin: Luka DoncicDean Oliver: Giannis AntetokounmpoJorge Sedano: Victor WembanyamaRamona Shelburne: Luka DoncicAnthony Slater: Luka DoncicMarc. J Spears: Victor WembanyamaJeremy Woo: Victor WembanyamaMichael C. Wright: Victor WembanyamaFinal tally: Wembanyama 9, Doncic 3, Antetokounmpo 1, Brunson 1, Edwards 1
