Victor Wembanyama Headlines Bold NBA Predictions

Victor Wembanyama is the pick to flip the MVP script in 2026-27. The bet is that he wins it with defense leading the way while pushing the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA's best record. Other bold calls: Philadelphia's main lineup plays fewer than 20 games together, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg becomes Golden State's most important player, Tyrese Haliburton returns to All-NBA form, and Toronto finishes first in defensive efficiency. Wembanyama topped 25.0 points per game last season, but his defense could be the real separator. Philadelphia will need to manage Joel Embiid and LeBron James carefully. Haliburton looked healthy in an Oct. 13 preseason game against Oklahoma City, about 16 months after his right Achilles tear in the 2025 Finals. Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard and Collin Murray-Boyles give Toronto a real case on that end.