Championship Favorites: Setting the Pace
1. San Antonio Spurs: Redemption Arc Begins
The sting of losing the championship four months ago still fuels the Spurs. They led every Finals game by at least 12 points, only to fall short due to late-game miscues. With a core of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper all under 23, their championship window is just opening.
Preseason Highlights: While Wembanyama's 3-point shot was off (1-for-12), his focus shifted inside, with 60% of his shots coming in the paint. A new three-guard lineup of Castle, Harper, and De’Aaron Fox showed promising chemistry, outscoring opponents by 27 points in limited minutes.
Week 1 Spotlight: The Possession Battle. Facing the Thunder and Rockets, San Antonio's ability to protect the ball and dominate the glass will be crucial. They host both Western rivals early, setting the tone for a conference-heavy start.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Juggernauts Reload
The Thunder have boasted two of the NBA’s top seven defenses in the last three decades. Despite losing some depth, Jalen Williams returns to bolster their offense. The emergence of rookie Aday Mara could be a significant factor.
Preseason Highlights: Rookie Aday Mara was a revelation, averaging 20.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes on 79% shooting. His defensive impact, including anchoring a 2-3 zone, was eye-opening. However, the team's overall preseason net rating was negative.
Week 1 Spotlight: The Return of Chet Holmgren. Chet Holmgren missed the entire preseason with a quad injury. His availability and performance against the Spurs – a team he struggled against in last season's conference finals – will be a major storyline. Their offense, which scored just 95.8 points per 100 possessions in playoff losses to San Antonio, needs to prove itself immediately.
3. New York Knicks: Defending Their Eastern Crown
The Knicks’ recent championship run felt unexpected, but their young core suggests sustained success. Despite losing Mitchell Robinson, they remain the favorites in the East. The key question is whether they can replicate their 2026 playoff intensity.
Preseason Highlights: New York's preseason was defensively concerning, allowing over 125 points per 100 possessions with starters on the floor. Offensively, Karl-Anthony Towns played exclusively at center, showcasing increased playmaking with a 7.7 assists per 36 minutes average.
Week 1 Spotlight: Bench Defense & Early Gauntlet. With Mitchell Robinson gone, the Knicks' bench defense, which ranked third last season, will be under intense scrutiny. A brutal opening schedule against the 76ers, Celtics, and Pistons will test their mettle immediately.
4. Philadelphia 76ers: The League's Most Fascinating Experiment
The stars have aligned in Philadelphia, making the 76ers the most intriguing team. The combination of Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey promises explosive offense, but health and defensive cohesion are major unknowns.
Preseason Highlights: The starting five played only one game but showed high efficiency. The Sixers led the league with a 76% assist rate and significantly increased their pace and 3-point attempt rate. However, Embiid took only 22% of his shots in the paint, highlighting a jump-shooting tendency.
Week 1 Spotlight: Star Availability & Back-to-Backs. The Sixers have an NBA-high four games this week, including a back-to-back. How they manage the minutes and availability of Embiid and Brown (especially given their history) will be closely watched. Their first 10 games are among the league's toughest.
5. Boston Celtics: A New Era, Same Winning Blueprint
With Jaylen Brown now in Philadelphia, the Celtics enter a new chapter. However, the core structure that has consistently produced a top-five ranking on both ends of the floor remains intact, bolstered by the addition of Mitchell Robinson inside.
Preseason Highlights: Boston maintained its defensive prowess, ranking first in Defensive Rating. Offensively, they struggled to get to the basket or the free-throw line, with Jayson Tatum taking only 31% of his shots in the paint. Derrick White's 3-point shooting dipped to 2-for-7 in preseason, a concern given his volume.
Week 1 Spotlight: Derrick White's Shot & Early East Battles. The Celtics need Derrick White to regain his 38.7% 3-point efficiency from previous seasons. They face two tough Eastern Conference opponents in the Pistons and Knicks early, eager to avoid another 0-3 start like last year.
Playoff Contenders: Eyeing a Deep Run
6. Houston Rockets: Western Dark Horse Rising
The Rockets had the West's third-best point differential last season, indicative of a 56-win team. The additions of Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, plus the return of Steven Adams, address key weaknesses. They could be the team to challenge the Spurs and Thunder.
Preseason Highlights: Houston dramatically increased its pace and 3-point rate, moving away from its previous slow play. VanVleet showcased elite playmaking with 15 assists and only one turnover, significantly improving the team's turnover rate.
Week 1 Spotlight: Clutch Offense & Ending the Opener Drought. The Rockets have struggled with clutch offense in recent years. With VanVleet, Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, they now have multiple options. Can they finally break their eight-year streak of losing season openers against the Mavericks?
7. Cleveland Cavaliers: Potent Offense, Defensive Questions
The Cavaliers sacrificed depth for Peyton Watson, adding much-needed length. A full season with James Harden promises continued offensive firepower, but defensive consistency needs to improve. Their rotation stagger has also been adjusted.
Preseason Highlights: Harden was effective at drawing fouls in his preseason games, but the team's overall offense dipped below one point per possession with him on the floor. The starting lineup saw a significant drop in assist rate, with Harden and Donovan Mitchell often generating their own shots.
Week 1 Spotlight: The One-Big Lineup Experiment. Mario Hezonja's solid preseason performance with a one-big lineup could be key. If he can competently play power forward, it allows for more strategic rest for Peyton Watson and avoids undersized four-guard lineups. Their season starts with a tough game in Philadelphia.
8. Toronto Raptors: Leonard's Arrival Sparks Ambition
Already a team on the rise, the Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard (when healthy) provides the offensive punch they desperately need. If they can crack the top 10 offensively, they could be a force in the East.
Preseason Highlights: The Raptors were plus-36 in Leonard's 39 preseason minutes, though some of that came against weaker lineups. The trio of Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles showed impressive defensive potential, allowing just 76 points per 100 possessions in their time together.
Week 1 Spotlight: Kawhi's Load & Walter's Shooting. With no early back-to-backs, Kawhi Leonard could play all three games this week. However, his minutes will be managed. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter's catch-and-shoot 3-point prowess will be crucial off the bench, as the team looks to establish its offensive identity.
9. Denver Nuggets: Jokić & Murray Still Reign
The Nuggets lost key rotation pieces in Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr., but the perennial brilliance of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, coupled with a healthier Aaron Gordon, could compensate. Their sustained success hinges on Gordon's resurgence and bench production.
Preseason Highlights: A healthy Aaron Gordon was remarkably efficient, shooting 63% and averaging 35.6 points per 36 minutes. The Nuggets also increased their defensive pressure, though their opponent turnover rate remained low. Julian Strawther's injury adds to bench concerns.
Week 1 Spotlight: Bench Resilience. With Strawther out, the Nuggets' bench depth is thin. Marvin Bagley III takes over as Jokić's backup, and DeMar DeRozan provides scoring. Maintaining competitiveness when the three-time MVP rests will be their biggest early test, starting with a tough matchup against the Thunder.
10. Detroit Pistons: Building on a 60-Win Foundation
The Pistons are eager to build on a 60-win season, their best year on both ends of the floor in 18 years. The return of Jalen Duren is vital, but the East has strengthened, and questions about their offensive consistency persist.
Preseason Highlights: Jalen Duren was highly efficient and had the league's second-highest preseason usage rate (among qualified players), even initiating ball screens. The Pistons continued to lead the league in opponent turnover rate but also had the highest opponent free-throw rate, indicating an aggressive, high-foul defense led by Ausar Thompson.
Week 1 Spotlight: The Ultimate Test. The Pistons face arguably the most challenging opening schedule of any team, with games against the Celtics, Heat, and 76ers. Their 18-7 record against Eastern Conference playoff teams last season suggests they can compete, but this week will be a significant indicator of their true contender status.
Play-In Hopefuls: Rising Threats and Development Focus
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: A New Backcourt Dynamic
The Timberwolves have traded big forwards Julius Randle and Naz Reid for point guard LaMelo Ball, hoping to ease Anthony Edwards’ offensive burden. However, whether the move improves the team overall remains uncertain, particularly on defense after a poor preseason showing.
Preseason Highlights: Ball and Edwards are expected to share the floor more often, with head coach Chris Finch aiming to create easier scoring opportunities for Edwards. Jaden McDaniels also impressed, shooting 61%, including 10-of-14 from three-point range, and averaging 25.7 points per 36 minutes. However, Minnesota ranked 28th in defensive rating during the preseason.
Week 1 Spotlight: Defensive Identity. The Timberwolves must prove they can maintain their top-10 defensive standard for a fifth consecutive season. Their opening schedule includes road games against the Heat and Magic, followed by a matchup against the Raptors. The visit to Orlando could be particularly challenging, as Minnesota lost both meetings with the Magic last season by a combined 39 points.
12. Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić Takes Center Stage
The Lakers are moving forward with Luka Dončić as their main focus following LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia. The addition of Walker Kessler signals a major roster change, but the team must find a balance between protecting the rim and defending opposing guards.
Preseason Highlights: Dončić recorded a 42.3% usage rate, the highest among players who logged at least 50 minutes and the highest preseason mark in nine years. However, he committed nearly twice as many turnovers as assists. The Lakers also shifted toward using drop coverage more often, potentially improving their interior defense.
Week 1 Spotlight: Perimeter Defense. Kessler can protect the basket, but Matisse Thybulle and Quentin Grimes will be important in containing opposing guards. The Lakers open against the Warriors and Clippers before visiting the Jazz. Five of their first six games are against teams that finished in the bottom seven in the Western Conference last season, a group they went 22-5 against.
13. Miami Heat: Giannis Leads the Play-In Escape Plan
The Heat have brought in Giannis Antetokounmpo to help them return to the Eastern Conference’s top six after four consecutive seasons in the Play-In. Their defensive track record remains encouraging, but the team still needs enough backcourt scoring to make the most of Giannis’ impact.
Preseason Highlights: Despite Bam Adebayo’s groin issue limiting the pair’s time together, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 14.9 rebounds and 12.9 assists per 36 minutes. Miami also continued to play at a fast pace, leading the preseason in transition frequency and pace.
Week 1 Spotlight: Perimeter Shooting. The Heat’s first three opponents ranked among the top 10 in limiting opponents’ paint scoring. If they restrict Antetokounmpo’s drives, Miami’s other players, including Adebayo, must convert their shots. The Heat begin with home games against the Timberwolves and Pistons, followed by a trip to Charlotte.
14. Indiana Pacers: Haliburton’s Return Offers Hope
The Pacers are counting on Tyrese Haliburton’s return to help them climb back toward contender status. He has already been named the general managers’ favorite to be the league’s most improved team, but Indiana may need time to regain its rhythm.
Preseason Highlights: Haliburton looked sharp, making 8 of 15 three-point attempts and averaging 31.8 points and 9.9 assists per 36 minutes. Indiana also ranked third in preseason rebounding percentage, a notable improvement from its 28th-place finish two seasons ago.
Week 1 Spotlight: Life Without Haliburton. The Pacers lack backcourt depth, especially with T.J. McConnell missing the entire preseason. Andrew Nembhard could cover the backup point guard minutes, but Indiana’s offense may struggle when Haliburton sits. The team opens against the Pelicans, hosts the Mavericks, then visits the Nets.
15. Orlando Magic: Health and Defense Could Define the Season
The Magic are sticking with their core and hoping improved health, along with new head coach Sean Sweeney, can help them take the next step. Orlando has the potential to finish among the East’s top four, but could also slip toward the Play-In places.
Preseason Highlights: Tristan da Silva showed he can provide outside shooting, attempting 15.4 three-pointers per 36 minutes. Orlando also improved its ball movement, ranking third in preseason assist rate. However, Paolo Banchero’s isolation possessions remained inefficient, leaving room for improvement.
Week 1 Spotlight: Restoring Defensive Standards. Orlando does not necessarily need a top-10 offense to contend near the top of the East, but its defense must return to the level it showed two and three seasons ago. The Magic open against the Hawks, whom they went 0-4 against last season, before facing the Timberwolves and Knicks. Their first six games are all against teams that had winning records last season.
Bubble Teams: Battling for Position
16. Atlanta Hawks: Depth Will Be the Difference
The Hawks have added depth to a team that went 20-6 after the All-Star break last season. With several young players still developing, Atlanta has reasons to be optimistic, though replicating its previous success will require more consistent contributions across the roster.
Preseason Highlights: Atlanta’s familiar starting lineup returned for the preseason finale, with Lu Dort coming off the bench. However, Dyson Daniels continued to struggle from three-point range, making just 2 of 12 attempts. The team also needs its new additions to strengthen the bench after its reserves struggled with outside shooting in the playoffs.
Week 1 Spotlight: Bench Production. Dort, Dorian Finney-Smith, Kingston Flemings and Aaron Wiggins could help improve Atlanta’s second unit. The Hawks start with a trip to the Magic, visit the Hornets, then host the Rockets. Their first six games are all against teams that had winning records last season, making the opening stretch a demanding test.
17. Phoenix Suns: Can Last Season’s Surprise Continue?
The Suns exceeded expectations last season by securing a winning record and a playoff berth. Repeating that achievement may be harder now that opponents have had more time to study their approach, although Phoenix continues to compete aggressively for extra possessions.
Preseason Highlights: Phoenix ranked first in offensive rebounding percentage and fifth in opponent turnover rate. Jalen Green started alongside the team’s main group and averaged 23.3 drives per 100 possessions, which would be the highest rate of his career. The Suns also need to manage Dillon Brooks’ aggressive defense, as he committed 6.7 fouls per 36 minutes.
Week 1 Spotlight: Khaman Maluach’s Opportunity. With Mark Williams sidelined after shoulder surgery, Maluach is expected to take on a regular role. The 2025 10th overall pick played only 411 minutes last season, so Phoenix will need him to make the most of his increased opportunities. The Suns open on the road against the Trail Blazers before hosting the Warriors.
18. Utah Jazz: Young Talent Must Start Delivering
After four consecutive seasons near the bottom of the Western Conference, the Jazz are looking to move up the standings. Young prospects Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson have room to grow, while Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are expected to help the team compete now.
Preseason Highlights: Utah experimented with lineups featuring Bailey alongside Markkanen and Jackson, with Jackson spending about one-third of his minutes at center. However, the Jazz ranked 29th in assist rate, raising concerns about the team’s ability to create opportunities through passing. Even Jusuf Nurkić, who played only 11 preseason minutes, recorded more assists than Markkanen or Jackson.
Week 1 Spotlight: Transition Defense. Utah has ranked last in transition points allowed per game in each of the past three seasons. Improving its ability to get back on defense will be essential. The Jazz visit the Grizzlies, host the Pelicans, then welcome the Lakers. With 21 of their first 23 games against Western Conference opponents, their early schedule should offer a clear picture of where they stand.
19. Portland Trail Blazers: Making the Guard Pairing Work
The Trail Blazers have an intriguing backcourt combination in Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, but getting the two guards to work effectively together will be a major challenge for new head coach Micah Nori. Their success may depend on balancing their offensive strengths with defensive stability.
Preseason Highlights: Lillard and Morant started together in two of the three games both were available, but Portland was outscored by three points in their combined 42 minutes. Scoot Henderson led the team in preseason usage rate at 30.6% and made 8 of 20 three-point attempts, showing promise as another offensive option.
Week 1 Spotlight: Protecting the Rim. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III give Portland two potential defensive anchors. NBA opponents shot just 47% inside the paint during the preseason, and maintaining that protection could help cover for perimeter weaknesses. The Blazers host the Suns before visiting Sacramento, then face Phoenix again within the first 15 days of the season.
20. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg’s Next Step
The Mavericks enter the season with Cooper Flagg in Year 2, Dusty May as their new head coach and Kyrie Irving returning from a knee injury. Dallas could be strong enough to contend for a Western Conference Play-In spot, but its defensive performance remains a concern.
Preseason Highlights: Irving played in two preseason games, shooting 7-for-13 from three-point range without committing a turnover in 47 minutes. However, Dallas allowed more than 130 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. The Mavericks also increased their three-point attempt rate and the percentage of field goals assisted, reflecting May’s emphasis on ball movement.
Week 1 Spotlight: Defense and Rebounding. Dallas faces several strong offenses early and will need Max Christie and Daniel Gafford to help keep the starting lineup competitive defensively. Rebounding will also be important when the Mavericks visit the Rockets, before facing the Pacers on the road and hosting the Spurs.
Underdogs: Searching for Consistency
21. Washington Wizards: Veteran Additions Meet Young Potential
The Wizards could be one of the league’s most intriguing teams as they bring Trae Young and Anthony Davis into a young lineup that now includes No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. The veterans should raise the team’s baseline, but the development of its younger players will determine how far Washington can go.
Preseason Highlights: Young struggled with his shooting, making just 7 of 27 attempts, and Washington’s offense was inefficient when he shared the floor with Davis. Meanwhile, Kyshawn George delivered an efficient preseason, posting an 84.6% true shooting percentage while taking on difficult defensive assignments.
Week 1 Spotlight: Dybantsa’s Scoring Range. Before leaving the preseason finale with an ankle sprain, Dybantsa shot 12-for-14 in the restricted area but just 6-for-27 from outside it. Developing his perimeter game will matter, particularly if he plays alongside two big men. Washington hosts the Bucks and Raptors before visiting the Bulls.
22. Charlotte Hornets: Life After LaMelo Ball
The Hornets made major statistical progress last season but then traded LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, leaving the team with a very different offensive outlook. Continued development from Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel offers hope, though injuries could make the transition more difficult.
Preseason Highlights: Knueppel and Coby White missed the entire preseason, while Moussa Diabaté also sat out a game. Miller will need to take on more playmaking responsibility, but averaged only 4.3 assists per 36 minutes. Charlotte also relied heavily on jump shots, taking just 40% of its attempts in the paint.
Week 1 Spotlight: Limiting Turnovers. The Hornets ranked last in preseason turnover rate, recording 23.5 turnovers per 100 possessions. Replacing Ball’s influence on offense will be essential. Charlotte opens against the Nets, then hosts the Hawks and Heat. The matchup with Brooklyn is notable because the Nets have lost their last five season openers.
23. Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey’s Health Is Key
The Grizzlies have a young frontcourt with plenty of potential, especially if Zach Edey can stay healthy. Rookie Cameron Boozer, who was favored in the general managers’ survey to win Rookie of the Year, also gave Memphis an encouraging glimpse of his potential during the preseason.
Preseason Highlights: Boozer drew 24 free-throw attempts alongside 34 field-goal attempts, showing an ability to put pressure on opposing defenses. Memphis also scored more than 130 points per 100 possessions when Boozer played alongside Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward. Defensively, opponents shot just 47% in the paint during Edey’s preseason minutes.
Week 1 Spotlight: Managing Edey’s Minutes. Edey’s rim protection could be crucial, particularly if Isaiah Stewart misses the start of the season with an ankle sprain. However, Edey played only 11 games last season, so Memphis must manage his workload carefully. The Grizzlies host the Jazz before visiting the Warriors and Kings.
24. Golden State Warriors: Curry Needs Support
The Warriors enter Stephen Curry’s 18th season facing several challenges. After winning just 37 games last season, they will also begin the campaign without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis. Curry remains central to their offense, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg offers an encouraging new option.
Preseason Highlights: Lendeborg averaged at least 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per 36 minutes, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cooper Flagg. He also posted the best assist-to-turnover ratio of the three and is expected to start immediately. Golden State’s three-point attempt rate fell from a league-leading 49.7% last season to 45% in the preseason.
Week 1 Spotlight: Curry’s Availability. Curry played in five of the Warriors’ six preseason games but suffered an ankle scare during an open practice. His mobility and availability will be especially important with a back-to-back coming up. Golden State visits the Lakers, hosts the Grizzlies, then travels to Phoenix to face the Suns.
25. LA Clippers: Injuries Put Pressure on Garland
The Clippers begin the season without Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, Jordan Miller and Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, leaving Darius Garland with a heavier workload. Extending their run of 15 consecutive winning seasons will be difficult, although the roster still has defensive pieces that could keep them competitive.
Preseason Highlights: Injuries forced lineup changes, but Garland, Derrick Jones Jr. and Rui Hachimura remained the team’s three constants. Hachimura shot 8-for-13 from three-point range and averaged 31.6 points per 36 minutes. However, the Clippers struggled around the basket, recording the preseason’s worst scoring differential in the restricted area.
Week 1 Spotlight: Rebuilding the Defense. The Clippers will need to rediscover their defensive form after slipping from third in defensive rating two seasons ago. Their opening schedule brings a home game against the Kings, followed by road games against the Lakers and Thunder. The team has also struggled at both Crypto.com Arena since moving out and in Oklahoma City, adding another challenge to its start.
Rebuilding Teams: Building for the Future
26. New Orleans Pelicans: Better Shooting Is Essential
The Pelicans are largely running back last season’s roster despite winning only 26 games. They have added Bennedict Mathurin and expect progress from second-year players Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, but much of the responsibility will still fall on their established players.
Preseason Highlights: Zion Williamson attempted seven three-pointers and made one, while New Orleans continued to take a league-leading share of its shots from the paint. However, the Pelicans remained inefficient inside, shooting just 51.6% in the paint during the preseason. Williamson and Queen also showed some promise together, with the Pelicans outscoring opponents by six points in their combined 30 minutes.
Week 1 Spotlight: Improving Shot Efficiency. New Orleans needs better shooting across the board after ranking near the bottom in several key shooting categories last season. Its opening schedule offers a potential opportunity, with the first five games against teams that ranked among the bottom 10 in defensive rating last season. The Pelicans host the Pacers, then visit the Jazz and Nuggets.
27. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson Brings Fresh Hope
The Bulls have reason for renewed optimism with No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson joining an athletic young roster. If new head coach Tiago Splitter can improve their defense, Chicago could use its speed and athleticism to push the pace and outperform expectations.
Preseason Highlights: Matas Buzelis was highly effective inside the paint, shooting 17-for-20, but made just 8 of 29 attempts from outside it. Leonard Miller also impressed, averaging 30 points and 11.7 rebounds per 36 minutes while recording a 72% effective field-goal percentage. Chicago even experimented with a long, athletic forward lineup featuring Miller, Buzelis and Wilson.
Week 1 Spotlight: Wilson’s First Tests. The rookie will face a major challenge against Scottie Barnes when Chicago opens its season in Toronto. The Bulls then visit the Bucks before hosting the Wizards. Their first nine games are all against Eastern Conference opponents, providing an early opportunity to measure their progress within the conference.
28. Brooklyn Nets: Young Players Get Veteran Support
The Nets are prioritizing the development of their young players while adding veterans, including Julius Randle, to strengthen the roster. After finishing last season with an offense that scored 1.5 fewer points per 100 possessions than any other team, Brooklyn has significant room to improve.
Preseason Highlights: Keon Ellis started all four preseason games alongside Egor Dëmin, and their starting lineup scored 140 points per 100 possessions during its 38 minutes together. Rookie Nolan Traore also showed promise, averaging 26.9 points and 5.8 assists per 36 minutes.
Week 1 Spotlight: Michael Porter Jr.’s Shot Selection. Porter converted 23 preseason baskets, with 18 assisted and 14 of those assists coming from Randle or Day’Ron Sharpe. His 71.8% effective field-goal percentage was excellent, but his shot quality was lower than last season. Brooklyn opens against the Hornets, visits the Cavaliers, then hosts the Pacers.
29. Milwaukee Bucks: A Rebuild Takes Shape
The Bucks are rebuilding after the Antetokounmpo trade, using the return and their No. 10 pick to assemble a younger group. More roster changes could follow before the trade deadline if other teams show interest in Milwaukee’s remaining veterans.
Preseason Highlights: Rookie Brayden Burries struggled from three-point range, making just 2 of 17 attempts, but shot 63% in the paint and showed potential as a drive-and-kick playmaker. Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware also played 26 minutes together, with Milwaukee scoring efficiently during that stretch despite being outrebounded.
Week 1 Spotlight: Early Results. Games against the Wizards and Bulls should offer an initial indication of how competitive Milwaukee can be this season. The Bucks’ starters did not play in their preseason loss to Chicago, so those opening matchups may provide a clearer assessment. The schedule gets tougher afterward, with a trip to Philadelphia on Saturday, when Milwaukee will be at a rest disadvantage.
30. Sacramento Kings: Turning the Page
The Kings are beginning a new chapter with Darius Acuff Jr. as their main focus after parting ways with DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. However, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis remain on the roster, and Sacramento must find a way to make the veteran pairing more effective.
Preseason Highlights: Ben Simmons’ Achilles tear leaves Acuff as the team’s only nominal point guard. Sacramento will need to rely on Sabonis’ playmaking from the high post, while Nique Clifford could take on more ball-handling duties. The Kings also struggled when LaVine and Sabonis shared the floor, being outscored by 33 points in 38 minutes during preseason games against the Lakers and Spurs.
Week 1 Spotlight: Defensive Rebounding. Sacramento’s defensive rebounding percentage dropped from second in 2024-25 to 23rd last season, partly because Sabonis played only 19 games. If he stays healthy, the Kings could improve in that area. Five of their first seven games are against the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Mavericks, offering an early chance to pick up wins against Western Conference rivals.
