The 2024-25 NBA season is barely underway, and already the league is turning preseason expectations upside down. While powerhouse teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are off to promising starts, each securing six wins, other Eastern Conference squads like the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons are climbing up in a competitive field. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves, achieving their hottest start since the historic 2015-16 Golden State Warriors season.
In the West, it’s a different story. Ten teams currently hold records of .500 or better, with the Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Warriors showing early promise. However, injuries could disrupt their momentum. Key players like Kevin Durant (calf strain) and Chet Holmgren (pelvic fracture) are sidelined, forcing these teams to adapt quickly.
With injuries stacking up and preseason forecasts challenged, let’s dive into which teams have exceeded or fallen short of expectations. Here’s a breakdown of surprising performances, teams working to recover from slow starts, and insights on who may be able to climb out of early deficits.
Which Teams Are Outperforming Expectations?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Tim MacMahon notes the Cavaliers’ remarkable start, with Cleveland currently on the longest unbeaten run to kick off a season since the 73-win Warriors. New coach Kenny Atkinson has made an impact, aligning star players Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen for a dynamic lineup. Their chemistry has paid off, evident in their impressive plus-7.9 net rating when all four share the court.
Golden State Warriors
Tim Bontemps expected the Warriors to perform well but is pleasantly surprised by their defense, now ranked among the top three in the league. With Stephen Curry thriving and the team channeling its iconic “strength in numbers” approach, Golden State has emerged as a serious Western Conference threat.
Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Pelton highlights the Nets’ unexpectedly strong start, despite being in the middle of a rebuilding phase. Led by veterans like Dennis Schroder, Brooklyn has held its own against top teams, including close games with the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics. This early-season surge might boost their chances of attracting valuable trade assets by the deadline.
LA Clippers
The Clippers, under Tyronn Lue, have climbed back into the play-in race after losing Paul George in free agency and facing Kawhi Leonard’s recent knee injury. Guard Norman Powell’s career-best scoring and James Harden’s near triple-double averages have helped keep the team competitive.
Detroit Pistons
Jamal Collier calls the Pistons’ 5-8 start a pleasant surprise, showcasing a determined team led by Cade Cunningham. Detroit has the potential to push for a play-in spot in the East, which would mark significant progress for a team that struggled to secure even a few wins this early last season.
Which Teams Are Underperforming?
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s slow start has left many fans puzzled. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s near career-best numbers, the Bucks are struggling. The addition of Damian Lillard was expected to bolster the roster, but so far, it hasn’t delivered the anticipated results.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers’ early games have been disappointing, especially in contests against less competitive teams. With key players like Joel Embiid still working to return to peak form, Philadelphia may face a tough climb in a competitive Eastern Conference.
New York Knicks
Dave McMenamin highlights the Knicks’ shaky 5-6 start, despite offseason acquisitions like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. With the East underperforming as a whole, New York is still positioned near the top but will need to improve its depth and defensive efforts to compete for a title.
Which Injured Teams Could Still Make the Playoffs?
Philadelphia 76ers
Despite a rough start, the Sixers’ playoff hopes remain alive, given the East’s weaker standings. If Embiid and George can stay healthy and find chemistry with their teammates, Philadelphia has a good chance of reaching the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are managing to stay afloat despite injuries to star players like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. With contributions from emerging players, Memphis could be a serious contender if they get healthy over the season.
Which Top-6 Team Might Miss the Playoffs?
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers face an uphill battle in a competitive Western Conference. Although Anthony Davis’s incredible start is promising, his injury concerns are already apparent. Tim Bontemps notes that if Davis misses more games, Los Angeles could struggle to maintain a playoff spot.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are off to a solid start, but the extended absence of Paolo Banchero complicates their path. They’ll need to play consistently to stay in playoff contention, especially with Eastern Conference teams like Philadelphia and Milwaukee eager to secure spots.
Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 Season
Nikola Jokic to Win MVP
Tim MacMahon believes Jokic could secure another MVP with his exceptional performance this season. Jokic is leading Denver with career-best stats, making him a formidable candidate.
New Orleans Pelicans Miss the Play-In
The Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries, losing Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Tim Bontemps argues that their struggles may be too significant to overcome in the challenging Western Conference.
Detroit Pistons to Win a Play-In Game
Jamal Collier sees Detroit’s defensive improvements and emerging talent as reasons for optimism. With Cade Cunningham stepping up, the Pistons could surprise the East by winning a play-in game.
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