NBA rivalries to watch next season
ESPN ranked 10 NBA rivalries to watch during the 2026-27 season, including potential matchups involving the Lakers and Mavericks and the Pacers and Knicks. The ranking follows a competitive postseason and an offseason that ESPN described as buzzy, factors it said elevated several of the league’s feistiest conflicts.
ESPN published a ranking of the 10 NBA rivalries to watch next season.
The list includes potential rivalries involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, as well as the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. ESPN said a competitive postseason and a buzzy offseason had elevated some of the league’s feistiest conflicts.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What criteria did ESPN use to rank the rivalries?
Which teams or players are absent from the ranking, and why?
How much could offseason changes alter these rivalries before the season begins?
What conditions would cause one of these rivalries to lose its competitive edge?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · AUGUST 2026