Predicting the Top 10 Defenses for the 2025-26 NBA Season

Wes Goldberg attempts to predict the top 10 defenses in the league for the upcoming season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder setting the pace as the NBA's no. 1 defense again. Where will teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Magic and Clippers finish? Will a team surprise and crack the top 10? Can Victor Wembanyama lift the Spurs into the top tier?

00:00 – Intro & Overview of NBA Defense Predictions

04:00 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Identity & Strategy

10:30 – Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson’s Breakout Year

17:45 – LA Clippers: Kawhi, Zubac & Ty Lue’s Defensive Core

22:00 – Orlando Magic: Depth, Health & Defensive Consistency

27:30 – Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis & Derek Lively Combo

33:10 – Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo’s Versatility & Coaching

39:45 – Minnesota Timberwolves: Gobert & McDaniels’ Impact

44:30 – Golden State Warriors: Veteran IQ & Depth

50:10 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Mobley, Allen & Lonzo’s Role

54:00 – Detroit Pistons: Young Defensive Potential

59:00 – Honorable Mentions

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