With the 2026 NBA Preseason set to tip off on Oct. 3, it’s a good time to take a look at NBA prediction markets as we prep for the 2026-27 NBA season. This gives you an opportunity to secure value before market sentiment shifts, which can affect pricing.
While NBA Champion is the highest volume market at Kalshi right now, we’re going to also dive into four other markets to buy into, providing a recommendation for each one.
With over $30 million in volume, NBA Champion is the go-to market for early bird traders. The Thunder and Spurs are co-favorites at 22 cents, while the 76ers have been major market movers throughout the offseason, now at 11 cents. This is because they traded for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James.
But I’m looking at one trade that is a screaming value right now.
I’m buying into the Raptors at three cents. With Kawhi Leonard back, Toronto is going to be a tough team to beat. They have a ton of length and athleticism, with Kawhi to go along with Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. That’s not to say that I think the Raptors will actually win it all, just that they’re undervalued right now. Buy some shares before the market catches on, and then exit your position after they get off to a hot start.
With over $1.4 million in volume, NBA MVP Winner doesn’t have as much action as NBA Champion, but it’s still a market worth targeting right now. That’s because Victor Wembanyama is a massive favorite at 30 cents, giving us an opportunity to find value further down the board.
I’m buying into Cade Cunningham at three cents. The Eastern Conference got a lot stronger. The Heat, 76ers, and Raptors each made major additions, while the Pacers should bounce back with Tyrese Haliburton’s return. Everyone is overlooking the Pistons, who were the No.1 seed last year. If Cade can carry them again, he’ll shoot up this board, giving you a chance to leave your position early for a profit.
There is only $595,000 in volume on NBA Rookie of the Year Winner at the time of this article, but that doesn’t mean we can’t check in here. It’s a wide-open field with Cameron Boozer (21 cents), Caleb Wilson (21 cents), and AJ Dybantsa (19 cents) leading the way.
I like going with Yaxel Lendeborg here at eight cents. He was phenomenal in Summer League, winning MVP. There’s a chance that the Warriors found themselves a stud at 11th overall here. With a hot first half, Lendeborg is another chance for you to secure a profit with an early exit.
In addition to futures trades, you can also get in early on the first matchups of the season on October 20th, starting with the Celtics vs. Pistons, which has about $41K in volume right now. It’s a good opportunity to capitalize before the line moves.
The Celtics will have to adjust to life without Jaylen Brown and with Paul George, so I lean towards the Pistons due to their continuity. You can buy them at 52 cents right now. That’s a reasonable cost on last year’s No. 1 seed in a home game.
Another interesting opening matchup sees the new-look 76ers taking on the defending champion Knicks. LeBron James will be making his debut in Philly, playing alongside recent acquisition Jaylen Brown.
We can get fantastic value on the Sixers to spoil the party as the Knicks raise the banner on their 2025-26 NBA Championship. It’s a matchup of new additions vs. continuity. I’ll buy into the Sixers at 38 cents because that’s a great price considering their talent on paper. There is already $62.5K in volume on this game, so it’s one of the most intriguing on the opening slate.
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