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 RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected] 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.