NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins predicts Knicks will lose 2026 NBA Finals
In the 2025 playoffs, the New York Knicks almost got a ticket to the NBA Finals. However, the team lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the conference finals.
The Knicks are one of the favorites to win the Western Conference title after other teams in the Eastern Conference suffered serious injuries. Recently, former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins shared a hot take on the Knicks. He predicts New York will reach the NBA Finals in 2026 but lose to the team that wins the Western Conference title.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins doesn’t believe Knicks can win NBA Finals
During a conference call to preview the season, ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins was asked if he thinks the Knicks can win the championship: “I don’t think, you know I’m a ‘big’ Brunson fan, but I think the championship will stay in the Western Conference. I think all…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 16, 2025
After losing in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau. He is the first head coach of the Knicks in 25 years to help the team enter the ECF. As his replacement, the Knicks hired former Kings head coach Mike Brown. He was fired after playing 31 games in Sacramento during the 2024-25 season. It will take time for New York to adjust to Brown’s more offense-oriented style of play. Compare that to Tom Thibodeau’s defensive approach.
Recently, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on the 2025-26 New York Knicks. He believes the Knicks have the ability to reach the NBA Finals this season. However, Perkins said that the 2026 NBA championship will come from the West. Kendrick Perkins predicts the Knicks will make the 2026 NBA Finals but lose to the Western Conference champions.
Kendrick Perkins no longer believes in Knicks this year 😬
(hour/ton @ianbegley) pic.twitter.com/GW4QXDKrqK
— Fireside Knicks (@FiresideKnicks) October 16, 2025
While Kendrick Perkins has expressed doubts about the Knicks’ 2025-26 roster, the team is confident in its abilities. New York brings back their core this season. These include Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Additionally, New York has plenty of depth this season. They brought in veterans such as Jordan Clarkson and Gershon Yabusele.
ESPN’s studio analysts believe the Knicks will lose to represent the Western Conference. NBA betting sites have the Oklahoma City Thunder as favorites to win the 2026 Finals. They will become the first back-to-back championship team since the 2016-17 and 2017-18 Warriors. Additionally, the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets are strong contenders in the Western Conference ahead of the 2025-26 season. Will Kendrick Perkins’ prediction come true? We have to wait until the NBA Finals in June.
