Key Highlights
- The Philadelphia 76ers are outperforming expectations without Joel Embiid.
- Josh Giddey is playing the best ball of his life for the Chicago Bulls.
- The San Antonio Spurs have been surprisingly good despite De’Aaron Fox’s absence.
- Austin Reaves has been one of the NBA’s best scorers since the start of the season.
Surprises in the Early 2025-26 NBA Season
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is known for its unpredictability, and the early stages of the 2025-26 regular season have delivered a series of unexpected results. Ricky O’Donnell, an experienced basketball journalist at SB Nation, highlights six significant surprises that have caught many off guard.
The Sixers Don’t Need a Fully Healthy Joel Embiid to Contend in the East
Philadelphia 76ers fans and analysts alike were relying on the health of Joel Embiid as their team’s cornerstone for the upcoming season. However, the Sixers have managed to stay atop the Eastern Conference with a surprising record that has defied expectations.
Daryl Morey’s decision to use the top-three pick in the draft lottery to select V.J. Edgecombe has been a key factor.
This rookie guard is currently averaging 20.3 points, five rebounds and five assists on an impressive true shooting percentage of 60.7 percent. His playmaking abilities have bolstered the team’s offensive output.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey continues to lead the charge with his All-NBA-caliber performance. His scoring ability is complemented by Kelly Oubre’s outstanding wing shooting and Adem Bona’s robust rim protection. The presence of Paul George, despite being sidelined for now, adds further depth to the roster.
The Rockets’ Offensive Explosion
Houston Rockets fans were expecting a modest improvement from their team after last season’s average performance. However, they have surpassed all expectations with an elite offensive attack that is scoring 126.5 points per 100 possessions – the best in the NBA.
This remarkable performance can be attributed to Kevin Durant’s addition and Reed Sheppard’s minutes, which have improved Houston’s shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. The Rockets are currently leading the league with a 45.4 percent three-point shooting rate, up significantly from their 35.3 percent last season.
The team’s success also hinges on their work on the glass, where they are securing an impressive 42.1 percent of available offensive rebounds. This strong performance has elevated Houston to a potential top-five offense for the season, despite their average defensive record from last year.
Josh Giddey’s All-Star Performance
Chicago Bulls fans were pleasantly surprised by Josh Giddey’s play since the start of the 2025-26 season. The Australian guard has been instrumental in driving the team, showcasing improved ball-handling and scoring capabilities.
Giddey’s transition from a point guard to a more versatile role has proven successful. His ability to drive to the rim and finish over smaller defenders is particularly noteworthy.
Key plays include overpowering Miles McBride and burying Mikal Bridges under the basket. While his speed remains limited, Giddey is embracing strength-based creation as a scorer.
The Bulls are currently undefeated with this strong bench play and elite pace-and-space ball movement. If Giddey can maintain his improvement in open spot-up three-pointers, he could potentially be an All-Star candidate for the season, providing Chicago with valuable support next to Luka Doncic while LeBron James is sidelined.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Resurgence as East Contenders
Milwaukee Bucks fans are hopeful that their team can return to its former glory. The Bucks have managed to post a top-5 offensive rating, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career-best 39.7 percent assist percentage.
Ryan Rollins is emerging as an unexpected gem with his defensive prowess and improved three-point shooting. Kyle Kuzma has transitioned back into his gritty defender role, while Myles Turner and AJ Green have been contributing significantly from beyond the arc. With these players in solid form, the Bucks are poised to be a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference.
The addition of De’Aaron Fox could further enhance the team’s depth, potentially elevating them into one of the top contenders for the playoffs.
San Antonio Spurs Showing Competence Without De’Aaron Fox
Victor Wembanyama’s performance has been a focal point for San Antonio Spurs fans. Despite facing significant defensive adjustments, he remains a dominant force in the paint. However, the supporting cast has also proven to be competent, especially without injured guard De’Aaron Fox.
Stephon Castle’s rim finishing and high true shooting percentage have made him a key contributor, while Dylan Harper has been an immediate impact rookie with his rim pressure.
Harrison Barnes continues to provide solid veteran leadership at 33 years old. This balanced performance suggests that the Spurs could be competitive in the Western Conference even if they face challenges from larger teams.
Austin Reaves Leads Lakers’ Scoring
With LeBron James out due to a back injury, Austin Reaves has stepped up as the primary scoring option for the Los Angeles Lakers. His performance is nothing short of sensational, with 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game on an impressive true shooting percentage of 65.4 percent.
Reaves’ consistent scoring ability alongside Luka Doncic has made the Lakers a formidable team in the Western Conference. His leadership and offensive prowess are crucial as they navigate without their star player, potentially setting up a strong season for both players.
The unpredictability of the NBA continues to thrill fans with these unexpected performances from teams like the Sixers, Rockets, Bulls, Bucks, Spurs, and Lakers. As the season progresses, more surprises may yet unfold, keeping basketball enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
