With the 2025–26 NBA season tipping off tomorrow, NBA 2K26 released results from its annual season simulation. The virtual run-through predicts the Oklahoma City Thunder will defend their title and repeat as NBA Champions.
According to the simulation, Thunder guard and NBA 2K26 cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take home both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards.
Rookie forward Cooper Flagg is projected to earn Rookie of the Year honors. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama is forecast as Defensive Player of the Year, while Houston’s Amen Thompson is expected to claim the Most Improved Player award.
The game’s simulated playoffs feature the New York Knicks defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to win the Eastern Conference. In the West, Oklahoma City is projected to outlast the Denver Nuggets in a seven-game series.
If the simulation holds true, the Thunder could become the first team to win back-to-back NBA titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
NBA 2K26 2025-26 Season Simulation Results
- Champions: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Finals MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Rookie of the Year: Cooper Flagg
- Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
- Most Improved Player: Amen Thompson
- MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks over Cavaliers in six games
- Western Conference Finals: Thunder over Nuggets in seven games
