✨ As a new NBA season begins, every team starts with renewed hope and a clean slate. However, for a select group of teams that didn’t reach the postseason last year, the upcoming 2025-26 season brings the added pressure—and exciting potential—to prove themselves and break back into the playoff picture. While some teams face a long road to contention, others are on the verge of turning things around. We’ve identified four promising teams that, after missing out last season, are strong candidates to make a significant push for the playoffs this year. Their combination of returning stars, emerging talent, and strategic additions could see them climbing the standings.
🦅 Atlanta Hawks: Soaring High with New Talent
The Hawks experienced a dramatic high this decade, making the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, but have since struggled to replicate that success. Despite this, the current roster, built around star guard Trae Young, looks incredibly promising. A major reason for optimism is the expected full return of Jalen Johnson, who was on the brink of a breakout season last year before an injury limited him to just 36 games. His strong per-game averages hint at his potential to be the co-star Trae Young needs. Adding to their depth, Dyson Daniels was a revelation last season, earning the Kia Most Improved Player award and finishing second in Kia Defensive Player of the Year voting. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker also joining, the Hawks now boast a formidable defensive backcourt, addressing a key area of improvement. With Trae Young’s exceptional passing creating opportunities for new talents like Kristaps Porziņģis and Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks are certainly heading in the right direction. If Young can improve his shooting efficiency with more offensive weapons around him, a playoff spot seems well within reach.
🤠 Dallas Mavericks: A New Era with Star Power
Last season’s playoff miss was tough for the Dallas Mavericks, especially after the Luka Dončić trade. However, that setback also brought unexpected fortune: securing the No. 1 overall pick and drafting Cooper Flagg, widely considered a generational talent. The Mavericks are entering this season with a surge of positive energy. The team is looking forward to the healthy return of Anthony Davis, alongside Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from surgery and aiming for a spring comeback. In the meantime, players like D’Angelo Russell are expected to lead the point guard position, focusing on facilitating for teammates like Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington, while creating open shots for Klay Thompson. Anthony Davis will likely be driven to prove his elite status to Dallas fans, showcasing the value brought by the Dončić trade. With a rare No. 1 pick joining an already playoff-caliber roster, a healthy Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis could almost guarantee a postseason berth for the Mavericks.
🔔 Philadelphia 76ers: Betting on Health and MVPs
After a challenging 2024-25 season that saw them win only 24 games, the Philadelphia 76ers have faced criticism. Concerns grew after Joel Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA in 2024 led to injuries, and Paul George’s recent knee surgery placed his immediate future in doubt. However, it’s crucial to consider the Sixers’ potential if their stars are healthy. Should Embiid, the 2022-23 Kia MVP, and Paul George, a superb two-way player, each play 50-plus games, Philadelphia immediately becomes a top contender in the Eastern Conference. The East might be less competitive this year, without key players like Jayson Tatum or Tyrese Haliburton, potentially opening a path for the Sixers. With a solid supporting cast including Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, Jared McCain (who was a strong Kia Rookie of the Year candidate before injury), and rookie VJ Edgecombe, a healthy Embiid and a refreshed George could easily propel the 76ers back into the playoffs after a one-year absence.
🐎 San Antonio Spurs: Wemby’s Era Begins Now
Everyone anticipates the San Antonio Spurs will soon embark on a consistent run of playoff appearances, and all signs point to that streak beginning this season. The mere presence of Victor Wembanyama for a full season should significantly boost their playoff chances. At just 21, Wembanyama is already an impactful player on both ends of the court, and he’s only just begun to tap into his immense potential. Beyond Wembanyama, the Spurs’ ambitions for a prime Western Conference spot are bolstered by their promising backcourt of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, with Castle poised for an even larger role. Many other players, such as Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson, are expected to take significant steps forward. With Dylan Harper hoping to follow Wembanyama and Castle, the Spurs could potentially have three straight Kia Rookie of the Year winners. While the team still has some growing pains and lacks extensive playoff experience (apart from Harrison Barnes and a few others) in a highly competitive Western Conference, Victor Wembanyama provides them with a distinct advantage that could secure their spot among the playoff contenders.
