Rival NBA assistant coaches are picking the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2027 NBA championship with Victor Wembanyama claiming his first MVP award. The Spurs are riding a wave of momentum, having just defeated the Golden State Warriors 127-113 on April 2, 2026, to cap a perfect five-game winning run.
Two anonymous assistant coaches from other teams see the Spurs as the clear favorite. One pointed to last season's NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks as a powerful motivator. "The only reason they didn't was their lack of experience," the coach said. "So that failure will drive them over the edge this year." He even predicted a potential three-peat for San Antonio, a feat not accomplished since the early 2000s Lakers, contingent on health.
The second coach highlighted the team's young core gaining valuable experience. He noted that players like Stephon Castle and Dyylan Harper are expected to make significant leaps. "They all have younger players who now have that full year under their belt with playoff experience," he explained. This depth means the Spurs won't rely solely on De'Aaron Fox having a great night to secure wins.
Both coaches identified the Oklahoma City Thunder as the primary obstacle. The Thunder are expected to be healthy and motivated after their own playoff exit. "They'll be a tough out," the second coach admitted. He specifically mentioned the continued growth of Chet Holmgren alongside stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. A potential playoff rematch between the Spurs and Thunder is forecasted as a thrilling seven-game series, but the coaches' money remains on San Antonio.
The Eastern Conference is viewed as more unpredictable. The reigning champion Knicks have an edge, but the conference is seen as a "crap shoot" with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic all capable of deep runs. Consistency was a major issue for Eastern teams last season.
The Spurs' recent play provides a tangible foundation for this lofty optimism. Key victories include a 127-95 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks on March 28 and a 136-111 win over the Miami Heat on March 23. Their last loss was over two weeks ago, a sign of a team hitting its stride at the right time.
This blistering form has stays as a powerhouse. Victor Wembanyama's staggering numbers are a constant, but the improved play of Castle, Harper, and others is what makes this Spurs team so dangerous. If they maintain this health and momentum, those bold coaching predictions could become reality very soon.
