By Early parts of the season have seen some impressive performances, surprises and tactical nuance. Team that fans are accustomed to seeing lead the pack will be out to prove themselves once again, while others are staking their claim though impressive defensive work. While still others have provided a showcase of efficiency with the ball and a hint of what depth brings to the table.
Of the contenders, Memphis has been one of the NBA’s standout teams, despite suffering its first defeat against New Orleans on November 2. Teams such as Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Houston and Cleveland are also giving their fans and the rest of the league reason to pay attention.
Each of these teams is showcasing something different that could lead to success. However, the real test will come when they face off against the more experienced and physically imposing teams in the league.
Memphis Grizzlies: Early Success Highlights Growing Depth
Memphis made one of the NBA’s strongest opening statements, winning its first six games before suffering a narrow 135–134 defeat against New Orleans on November 2. The loss ended the Grizzlies’ unbeaten run but did little to diminish the promise of their early performances.
Through their first seven games, the Grizzlies have averaged 123.0 points and 49.7 rebounds per game while shooting 42.1% from three-point range. Those numbers highlight an impressive balance between offensive efficiency and physicality, even after their narrow defeat against New Orleans.
Ty Jerome has emerged as an influential scorer and perimeter defender, providing consistent contributions across possessions. Rookie Cam Boozer has also exceeded expectations, recording a triple-double in just his fifth appearance. Their performances suggest Memphis possesses considerably more attacking variety than initially anticipated.
Zach Edey’s return has strengthened the interior defense, while Isaiah Stewart supplies valuable toughness and scoring from the bench. These contributions allow Memphis to maintain intensity throughout rotations. Fans following FanDuel NBA game lines will recognize how this collective improvement has changed expectations surrounding the Grizzlies.
However, four victories came against Sacramento and Utah, whose combined record stood at 1-11. The Grizzlies’ impressive opening stretch has raised expectations, but sustained success against stronger opposition will provide a clearer measure of their potential.
Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić Sets an Extraordinary Standard
Los Angeles Lakers started the season off with a 3-0 record. Luka Dončić had an incredible performance in the game against Utah, recording 52 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.
Dončić was 17 for 30 from the field and hit three three-pointers during a 14–5 run in the fourth. The Lakers’ star also became the fastest player in franchise history to score 3,000 points for Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves put up 29 points for the Lakers against Utah as secondary scoring to highlight a very good night for the team. Coach JJ Redick has been going with a style of play that allows Luka to play to his full ability and try to dictate the pace of the game and look for special moments to try and exploit a defender from time to time.
While the Lakers came from behind to win the game, they can ill afford to lag by as much as 18 points in future games against defensive oriented teams. Although the Lakers’ early offensive performances have been impressive, their long-term success will depend on defensive improvement and contributions from supporting players.
Their flair still makes them one of the biggest NBA franchises to watch. This years team is hungry to carry on the tradition of championship contention.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Excellence Makes an Early Statement
Oklahoma City held Denver to just 84 points in a 96–84 victory, limiting Nikola Jokić to 13 points on 5-for-19 shooting. Big man Chet Holmgren, reserve big Isaiah Hartenstein, and rookie Aday Mara give OKC a formidable interior defense. They can challenge shots and disrupt ball movement, which their perimeter defenders, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, use to harass opposing players on the edge of the paint.
Through two games, the Thunder are playing defense at a 92.1 defensive rating and are also scoring well at an acceptable level even when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t having his typical scoring night. Jalen Williams contributed 21 points against Denver, helping Oklahoma City compensate for an unusually difficult shooting night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
They still have defense to their name, with the core group adhering to the same structure of play and, importantly, displaying the same level of discipline. Though there have been notable departures in the form of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, it’s reassuring to note that the 20 points Jared McCain put up against the San Antonio Spurs at home showed he could step up a notch in the offense when needed.
Houston Rockets: Offensive Efficiency Meets a Defensive Challenge
Houston has established itself among the Western Conference’s early contenders, opening with five victories from six games, combining effective scoring with strong ball movement.
The Rockets have also shown encouraging defensive qualities, although their transition defense remains an area requiring attention. Their offensive efficiency gives them opportunities to establish leads, but maintaining defensive discipline will be essential to protecting those advantages.
A 116–111 defeat against Dallas exposed weaknesses in the Rocket’s approach. The Mavericks generated 28 fast-break points, while Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving combined for 68. Houston struggled to recover defensively, allowing Dallas to exploit gaps before the Rockets could establish their preferred positioning.
Houston’s defensive shortcomings were evident in Dallas’s transition scoring and decisive fourth-quarter performance. The setback doesn’t erase an impressive opening stretch, but it identifies an important area for improvement. NBA analytics points out that stronger transition discipline and more consistent fourth-quarter execution could help Houston convert its early offensive promise into sustained results against demanding opponents.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Depth and Chemistry Create New Opportunities
Cleveland’s 4–2 start through October offered encouraging signs of improved depth, even if the Cavaliers were not generating the same early attention as Memphis and Houston. Rather than relying on a few established stars to carry the bulk of the minutes for Cleveland, Kenny Atkinson has received solid play from a variety of players.
Mario Hezonja has provided a surprise boost to the Cavs, averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.8 minutes of action. Hezonja has attacked defensive mismatches and brought a physical presence off the bench in key situations, including when Donovan Mitchell is being harassed on the isolation.
The Cavaliers are also gaining some much needed chemistry. Hezonja has also spoken positively about Jaylon Tyson, highlighting the developing relationships within Cleveland’s rotation. Sam Merrill and the Cavs’ outside shooting, as well as Tyson’s playmaking, will be important to monitor.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson continues to mix and match his 10-man rotation in an attempt to maintain the level of play without overplaying his starters. While they may not pile up the same kind of early-season numbers as the impressive starts by Memphis and Houston, Cleveland’s contributions up and down the roster will become more and more important as the Eastern Conference moves into its thick of things.
Early Momentum Is Only the Beginning
These five teams have made compelling early impressions through contrasting strengths. Memphis combines exceptional shooting with depth, while Los Angeles relies on Dončić’s offensive brilliance. Oklahoma City’s defensive intensity remains formidable, Houston has demonstrated impressive scoring efficiency, and Cleveland is benefiting from developing chemistry.
Although many teams are off to a flying start, there are challenges waiting in the wings. Tougher opponents, the ever-present threat of injuries and necessary tactical adjustments will test each team. Their ability to maintain encouraging performances will determine which early standouts become genuine championship contenders.
Content reflects information available as of 2026/11/02; subject to change.
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