With the first week of the NBA schedule for the 2025-26 season in the books, now seems like a perfect time for some bold opinions about what the various teams and stars around the league have shown us so far. Here are 10 big-time overreactions after Week 1 of the 2025-26 NBA schedule.
Celtics will be in the lottery next spring
We knew the Boston Celtics were going to have some struggles in the new season. Their top star, Jayson Tatum, will miss most, if not all, of the season. And they had to move on from several veterans, including Jrue Holiday, in the summer due to punishing payroll tax aprons. But with players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White still on the roster, as well as a top-10 coach in Joe Mazzula, most assumed they would still be competitive.
However, they are 0-3 to start the season, and there is no help coming any time soon. At this point, Celtics fans have to wonder if they will be watching a lottery team this season.
Nico Harrison may not make it to Christmas as Mavericks GM
Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison was already on the hot seat after boldly trading Luka Doncic in February. Yet, with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and some good veteran talent, the expectation was they would still be good as they await Kyrie Irving’s return later this year. Well, 1-2 to start the year, and not looking very good. If Dallas doesn’t turn things around soon, Harrison may be looking for work around Christmas time.
Victor Wembanyama begins MVP campaign
It’s only three games, but San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama looks like an absolute monster. After a trio of games, he is averaging 33 points, 13 rebounds, and a stupid six blocks per game. Will those numbers come down a bit? Sure. But even then, they are stats that still put a player in the running for MVP. But if they don’t decline or increase, Wembanyama won’t be the future face of the NBA. he will be the face of the league now.
Pacers’ injury virus could lead to a winless October
It is starting to feel like the Pacers sold their souls for a trip to the NBA Finals, and the receipt continues to come due. They lost top star Tyrese Haliburton in the Finals. Then, Myles Turner in free agency. However, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin have all battled injuries already. Considering what is left on the roster, Indiana may finish October without a win.
Chauncey Billups’s poker scheme arrest is one of NBA’s greatest embarrassments
The NBA was rocked by not one, but two scandals. However, the most embarrassing may have been Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups being involved in a wild poker game rigging scheme. Even if he didn’t know he was part of a plot connected to the mafia, getting himself into that sort of scenario is a position unbecoming of a coach. It is one thing for players to lack the integrity to avoid scandals; it is another when a coach doesn’t know better. Especially one as respected as him. It is an infamous moment in NBA history that may get worse as the case plays out.
76ers don’t need Paul George… or Joel Embiid?
The Philadelphia 76ers seemed to be in a bad spot entering the new season. Their top two players, Joel Embiid and Paul George, are injury-prone and untradable stars. Yet Philly has persevered despite both men being unreliable this year because they may have a pair of young stars on their hands.
We already knew Tyrese Maxey was really good. However, the fast start by rookie VJ Edgecombe is making the Sixers a team to watch in the first half. The NBA newbie is averaging 24 points, six boards, and five assists after two games.
Rockets have a serious point guard problem
Most NBA observers assumed Fred VanVleet’s season-ending injury was a big problem for the Houston Rockets. Yet, the hope was that they had enough talent to overcome the issue and figure things out. But it is starting to look like a huge concern. The lack of a proven floor general has hampered what should be an outstanding offense and is making the addition of Kevin Durant look clunky. After a 0-2 start, Ime Udoka needs to figure things out soon or fall into a massive early-season hole.
Terry Rozier won’t be the only NBA player involved in game-fixing probe
The Terry Rozier game-fixing arrest was overshadowed by the absurdity of a head coach being involved with a mafia-backed poker scheme. But this is the story that could seriously damage the league, as it continues to bring into question the close ties between the game and sports betting. However, this case is far from closed, and it is very likely that the Miami Heat guard won’t be the only player who was involved in the scheme.
Are the Magic not as good as we think?
Coming into the season, many felt that with the addition of Desmond Bane, the Orlando Magic could be a dark-horse team in the East. And after an opening night win over the Heat, that opinion seemed right. However, in their two games since they have been beaten by Hawks and Bulls teams, they are supposed to be better than. If they can’t beat them, why should we expect them to defeat the elites of the East? Maybe they aren’t as good as many thought?
Luka Doncic is making Nico Harrison look like he was right
The whole NBA world feels the Los Angeles Lakers got the far better end of the Luka Doncic trade. However, the young superstar continues to give evidence for Nico Harrison’s belief that he won’t be able to stay healthy in the years ahead. Last season, he played in a career low 50 games. It was revealed this weekend that Doncic could miss at least a week with a knee contusion and finger sprain. LA should get the last laugh in that deal, but, boy, Doncic continues to make Harrison look like he was on to something others ignored.
