NBA Preseason Insights: What We've Learned About All 30 Teams

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks aim to build on their strong finish last season. Jalen Johnson’s growth stands out, especially his composure in half-court offense and his evolving ability to mix pull-up threes with drives. His scoring consistency, even without defensive help, will be vital. Meanwhile, Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels provide solid defense simultaneously, adding value to the team’s spacing concerns.

Boston Celtics

Trading Jaylen Brown signaled Boston's commitment to faster ball and player movement. A healthy Jayson Tatum looks sharp and decisive, while Paul George’s versatility fits well with the Celtics’ young wings. Their active defense often discourages paint penetration, promising a tough challenge for opponents. Expect unique defensive combinations like Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta to emerge under coach Joe Mazzulla.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets continue emphasizing youth development. Mikel Brown Jr., Nolan Traoré, Egor Dëmin, Noah Clowney, and Day Ron Sharpe have shown promising offensive skills, including 3-point shooting and driving. Julius Randle’s playmaking brings stability in the half-court, and his nine assists in a half suggest he will open opportunities for teammates.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets showcase depth fitting their goal of building on last year. Naz Reid’s ability to drive through switches and Brandon Miller’s assertiveness on drives are promising. Moussa Diabate's activity on both ends remains consistent, but Charlotte must improve offensive creativity to avoid predictability in a competitive league.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls experiment with lineups frequently, sometimes raising questions about their size. Tiago Splitter has influenced their offense by using varied screen angles, creating downhill chances for Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson. Buddy Hield’s movement off baseline screens and Jalen Smith’s spacing at center add new dimensions. Leonard Miller has also impressed during the preseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Peyton Watson’s defensive impact stands out despite limited scoring. His ability to switch and rotate alleviates pressure on the Cavs’ defense. Offensively, there’s more focus on elbow plays involving Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, who interestingly is taking midrange jumpers again. Larger lineups with staggered big men bring a new size element.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons added shooters and emphasize ball and player movement to create space for Cade Cunningham. They work on quick decisions using pindowns, flares, and handoffs. Ausar Thompson shows confidence in attacking preferred spots rather than settling for what defenses allow.

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton’s return revitalizes the Pacers' offense, improving flow and countering defensive pressure. Ivica Zubac’s impact on both ends is noticeable, particularly his screening and passing. Defensive strategies regarding his positioning could shape the team’s success. Consistent rotations may allow the Pacers to gain momentum.

Miami Heat

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence adds a consistent threat drawing defensive attention. Miami blends this with their established drive-and-kick and cutting schemes, enhancing overall offense. Using Giannis as an on-ball screener and rolling him to empty sides creates underrated scoring opportunities, benefiting players like Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Defensive adjustments with switches and zones remain key.

Milwaukee Bucks

Nearly half of the Bucks' shots come from beyond the arc, reflecting today’s game style. The challenge lies in creating offensive pressure and team play. New players like Brayden Burries show aggression, while Nate Ament’s energy before injury was notable. Coach Taylor Jenkins needs to find the best roles for his roster.

New York Knicks

The Knicks focus on reestablishing their foundation on both ends. Their offense revolves around movement and cutting, reading defenses, and transitioning smoothly between actions. Defensively, they stick to principles honed last season. The second unit shows promise, especially with Andre Drummond’s reliable defense and handoff play.

Orlando Magic

The Magic embrace quicker tempo and decision-making, aiming to keep wings clear and maximize Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner’s synergy. Concepts like inverted pick-and-rolls persist, but guards often dive into stack sets to create mismatches. Younger players like Tristan da Silva and Jase Richardson show rising confidence, though defense must improve for sustained success.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers’ starting lineup sample is limited but promising. Their offense features plenty of spacing, leveraging LeBron James’ playmaking at the elbow or top of the key to free Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Pacey players like Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have been involved in fast breaks. LeBron and Embiid anchor the half-court, but defensive nuances need refinement.

Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard’s return opens creative options like off-ball screens and pindowns. Defensively, the Raptors bring intense pressure, with Scottie Barnes and Kawhi ready to disrupt opponents. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett contribute on both ends, and Collin Murray-Boyles is progressing as a 3-point shooter.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards show exciting potential. Trae Young and Anthony Davis seem motivated, combining to start possessions with effective pick-and-rolls. Young’s downhill attacks and passing create opportunities. AJ Dybantsa’s aggressive style and energy from Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly provide a youthful spark, offering a solid base to build upon.

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks emphasize spacing and cutting, especially when Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving share the floor. They run plays on both court sides to challenge defenses and utilize both players’ off-ball instincts. Smaller lineups may become a tactic to exploit wing depth.

Denver Nuggets

The preseason highlights Denver’s powerful starting five, notably Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić’s chemistry—Jokić even pulled off a behind-the-back pass across the court. Aaron Gordon’s offensive growth remains vital. Cam Johnson benefits from another year of experience, and DeMar DeRozan offers clutch scoring with the second unit.

Golden State Warriors

Yaxel Lendeborg consistently impacts games with confident drives and 3-point shooting. His hustle on loose balls energizes the team. Defensive consistency is needed to elevate Golden State beyond the strengths of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and achieve playoff success.

Houston Rockets

Marcus Smart fits Houston’s needs well, easing Reed Sheppard’s playmaking burden. Fred VanVleet’s return stabilizes half-court offense. The Rockets show willingness to push pace and shoot threes, balancing speed with control. Amen Thompson’s comfort and Alperen Şengün’s quick decisions stand out alongside Kevin Durant’s ongoing impact.

LA Clippers

Injuries continue to hamper the Clippers. Darius Garland looks ready to exceed expectations with confident offense. Surrounding him effectively remains crucial. Keaton Wagler’s offensive highs and lows and Brook Lopez’s drives bring variety, while Kris Dunn provides defensive intensity.

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Dončić adds movement before pick-and-rolls, increasing pressure on defenses. Austin Reaves shows growing confidence in playmaking. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s versatility at power forward and center helps floor spacing. Walker Kessler’s defensive timing strengthens rim protection, and his screening boosts offense. JJ Redick’s belief in the roster is evident every game.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies’ offense flows more naturally this season. Cameron Boozer’s versatility shines—unhesitant in the post and effective in screening and rolling. Ty Jerome’s stepback jumper adds a stylish weapon. The team clearly understands its goals and attack strategies.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves’ starting lineup chemistry impresses. LaMelo Ball’s quick playmaking adds a new dimension. Anthony Edwards is increasingly used off-ball, reducing his burden. Jaden McDaniels remains aggressive with room to grow. Jonathan Kuminga’s defensive effort stands out. This chemistry might come together sooner than expected.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans carry more talent than expected, but cohesion remains a question. Zion Williamson’s role is critical—balancing his presence without limiting him. Trey Murphy III’s talent might be underused. Defense and consistency will determine if their lineup can maintain performance over full games.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams appears rejuvenated with strong drives, cuts, and defensive hustle. Young players like Aday Mara and Jared McCain look ready to seize chances. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spends more time off the ball, creating movement and sudden attacks. There’s speculation he’s improved his passing, which could add a new layer to the offense.

Phoenix Suns

Elevating last season’s success is Phoenix’s challenge. Increasing Jalen Green’s involvement seems wise, as his scoring and playmaking excel when moving in dribble handoffs and pass-and-cut actions.

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard’s return is a highlight; he can operate off-ball, lightening his on-ball load and enabling more movement. Guard combinations with Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson offer dynamic guard play. Scoot’s improved shooting complements Ja’s burst and defense. Portland may experiment with three-guard lineups given their guard versatility.

Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. has freedom to showcase scoring, supported by Domantas Sabonis’s screens and handoffs. Ben Simmons returns looking agile and confident, with his signature midrange moves still influential.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs started Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper together, raising hopes for simultaneous offensive elevation. Harper shows no hesitation in space, Castle’s ability to draw help and deliver skip passes stands out, and Fox aims to silence critics after last season. Size variations in lineups add flexibility. Victor Wembanyama’s impressive outlet dribble and dunk hint at further potential improvements.

Utah Jazz

Coach Will Hardy empowers offensive freedom for this young, versatile team. Lauri Markkanen’s mobility and chemistry with Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson create attacking opportunities. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s perimeter drives may increase with more space. The Jazz’s preseason zone defense suggests a readiness to disrupt opponents.