Five Takeaways From The NBA Preseason

As the exhibition season comes to an end and teams prepare to tip off the regular season on Oct. 21, the landscape of the league has already started to take shape for 2025–26. While individual preseason stats and win/loss records don’t necessarily count for much, they do sometimes indicate what the 82-game slate may have in store. 

Here are five key takeaways (with a grain of salt) from the preseason that every fan should consider as the NBA heads into opening night. 

Taking a look at the Eastern Conference standings, the top three teams, Orlando, New York, and Milwaukee, come as little surprise. Anyone who thought the Boston Celtics would just roll over will likely be proven wrong by Jaylen Brown and company. Of the bottom five teams, one team clearly does not belong, that being the Cleveland Cavaliers. Finishing their exhibition schedule with a 1–3 record, the heavily favored Cavs pulled out a victory in their final game of their four-game slate. 

Of the top six teams in the Western Conference standings, the Phoenix Suns' 3–1 record comes as a shock considering their offseason makeover. At the other end of the standings, the LA Lakers were one of just three teams (Toronto and Oklahoma City) to play six games, and it looked like they may need more time to figure out the chemistry with some of their new additions. 

For the first time in his illustrious career, LeBron James will sit out the season opener due to sciatica and is expected to miss at least the first three to four weeks. Entering his 23rd season at the age of 40, it didn't come as much of a surprise that James sat out a number of exhibition games. But as the games started to accumulate and the announcement came that he would miss nearly the first month of the season, concerns have intensified around Laker Nation about the team's championship window and their ability to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

One of the biggest positives for the Atlanta Hawks over the past couple of weeks has been the fact that the trainer's room was empty, nobody was in street clothes, and everyone was on the court at some point. After injuries plagued their roster last season and derailed any hopes of a deep playoff run, health has become the Hawks' most valuable asset. With new additions like Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard joining Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels, the Hawks could make a lot of noise in the Eastern Conference this season.

In the four preseason games that Victor Wembanyama suited up for, he took just nine 3-pointers. Considering he took an average of 8.8 shots from downtown last year over the course of 46 games, the Spurs coaching staff may be trying to emphasize his paint touches and work closer to the basket than having their 7’3” big man roam the perimeter at a high volume. Considering that Wemby averaged just 1.8 offensive rebounds last year, it may serve the Spurs better if their tallest player spends a little more time closer to the basket, as they continue to build around their generational talent and make a push for the playoffs. 

Despite facing an NBA investigation centered around Kawhi Leonard and some suspect financial deals, the Clippers and their star appear to be unaffected by the situation. Suiting up for three preseason games, including one in China, Leonard looked to be in midseason form, recording 50 points in limited minutes. Add in quality contributions from newcomers Brook Lopez and John Collins, as well as the seamless return of Chris Paul. If coach Ty Lue can manage minutes for the oldest team in the league, the Clippers could find themselves as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the playoffs.