Each NBA season brings its share of unexpected turns, and the 2025-26 season is no different. In just two weeks, what everyone thought they knew has already been challenged, highlighting an even greater level of competition across the league. While the Oklahoma City Thunder are living up to expectations, there’s been a flurry of surprises so far.
Looking back at my preseason rankings, I had the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls placed at 22nd and 23rd, and here we are with them leading the Eastern Conference despite those predictions. The Minnesota Timberwolves, whom I thought would be finalists, are sitting at 3-3. And then there’s the San Antonio Spurs—can’t believe what’s happening there.
Sixers excel without a fully healthy Joel Embiid
This season, the Sixers appeared to hinge entirely on Joel Embiid’s health—a risky gamble. The last impactful performance from Embiid was back in January 2024, right before injuries derailed his season. Philadelphia struggled significantly when Embiid was out last year, leading to a disappointing 24-58 record. Fortunately, they had a stroke of luck in the draft, climbing to the No. 3 pick, which they used to select VJ Edgecomb from Baylor—a move that’s reshaped their fortunes.
Edgecomb has quickly risen as the standout rookie, averaging 20.3 points, five rebounds, and five assists, with impressive shooting stats. His athleticism is already turning heads. Add to that Tyrese Maxey’s All-NBA-level play and the impact players like Kelly Oubre and Adem Bona are making, and it’s clear the Sixers are thriving—even before Embiid gets back to form. If he can regain his rhythm and Paul George joins the lineup, they could shake things up in the East.
Rockets dominate with rebounding-centric offense
This week, the Rockets boast the league’s top offense, scoring an impressive 126.5 points per 100 possessions. If they keep up this kind of pace, they could break the previous record from the Celtics. To be fair, it’s probably unrealistic for them to maintain this, especially since they weren’t even a top offense last season. However, their performance has improved significantly, particularly in 3-point shooting, which has jumped to 45.4 percent this season. The addition of Kevin Durant and increased contributions from players like Alperen Sengun and Tali Eason have been game-changers. The Rockets’ rebounding efforts, particularly on the offensive glass, are what truly stand out, with a rate that would surpass any from the last decade.
Steven Adams shines as an offensive rebounder, and he adds depth to their lineup as coach Ime Udoka looks to finalize the starting roster. With players like Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. stepping up, it’s surprising to see Houston could potentially become a top-five offense, especially given last year’s struggles.
Josh Guidy shines like an All-Star
The Bulls had a solid run before losing to the Knicks, leading the East as the last undefeated team. Their success can be attributed to a strong bench, fast pace, and some luck, especially in 3-point shooting. At the center of this is Josh Guidy, who is showcasing his best basketball yet, building off of last season’s late surge. He’s become more efficient in shooting and keeps getting to the free-throw line, which has made a tangible difference. Guidy’s height at 6’8″ gives him a unique advantage, and he’s starting to finish more against smaller defenders. It’s quite impressive, really. If he maintains his shooting momentum, he could very well earn an All-Star spot—making last season’s trade of Alex Caruso look prudent.
Bucks look revitalized as East contenders
While the Knicks and Cavaliers were favorites heading into the season, it’s premature to call them the definite frontrunners based on such a short stretch of games. The Bucks are showing signs of becoming a strong contender. With one of the best offenses in the league and stellar shooting numbers, Milwaukee is making a case. The revamped role for Giannis Antetokounmpo is paying off, as he has an impressive assist rate, contributing to a more balanced offense. Players like Ryan Rollins and Kyle Kuzma have stepped up, revitalizing their game. If the Bucks can sustain this momentum, they could very well secure a top spot in the East.
Spurs impress even without De’Aaron Fox
The Spurs started strong but faced a setback against the Suns. They managed to limit Victor Wembanyama’s scoring significantly, showing some strategic defensive work. Even with De’Aaron Fox on the sidelines, the team’s supporting players have stepped up remarkably. Stephon Castle has shown immense potential with his effective scoring, while other rookies and veterans add depth. It makes you wonder how formidable the Spurs could be with Fox back in action pushing the tempo and adding more scoring options. They have already proven capable of competing this season, and with some lucky shooting, they might even surprise in the playoffs.
Austin Reaves shines as a scoring leader
Starting the season strong, Reaves is putting up numbers that are hard to ignore: 31.1 points per game and a shooting percentage that’s really impressive. With LeBron James out due to injury, Reaves has stepped up as a key offensive option, effectively leading the team in critical moments. His scoring capabilities have become increasingly more robust each year, and if he keeps it up, he could be a major factor for the Lakers moving forward, even as they navigate injuries among their star players.
