NBA Early Surprises: Lakers, 76ers and Rockets Analyzed

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Sporting Tribune Today

Early NBA Surprises, Offensive Breakouts and Injuries Shape the Contender Conversation

The 76ers have looked as strong as expected, while the Pistons have opened 6-1 despite Jalen Duran’s hamstring injury. The Lakers are 6-2 with the league’s top offense, powered by Lucas averaging 38.8 points per game. Their defense has been middle of the pack, but their overall play has been impressive.

The extent of the Lakers’ offensive outburst has been surprising. LeBron has operated like a quarterback, finding teammates and establishing an early rhythm. When the team starts slowly, he becomes more aggressive before returning to a facilitating role once everyone else catches up. The group is playing in sync, even though it is still developing its connectivity and learning how to function as a complete team.

Philadelphia’s smooth start has also stood out. The team has been connected defensively and effective offensively. Even in games that have required a comeback or a close finish, the results have reflected the talent of a group that is still putting its pieces together.

There is less confidence in the Rockets’ approach being sustainable during a playoff series. Their current success has been fueled by Jabari Smith Junior, but the belief is that he cannot maintain this level over 82 games. He was compared to Ty Jerome, who has also been playing exceptionally well but is not expected to sustain that pace for the entire season.

If that production declines, the Rockets could again need Kevin Durant to rescue possessions late in shot clocks and games. There are questions about whether he can still consistently handle that role at his age after struggling to do so last year. Fred Their fleet’s return has helped the organization and improved where players are getting their shots, but the Rockets remain unconvincing overall.

Elsewhere, the Knicks are 3-4 after beginning 0-3, with as many losses in one week as they had during their entire 2026 playoff run. The Spurs started 0-2 but have responded with five consecutive wins, looking more like the team that was expected after playing the Knicks in the finals.

The Thunder have been hit particularly hard by injuries. Chet Holmgren is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with a patellar injury, joining J Dub and Cason Wallace among the players facing significant absences.

Despite the unusual starts, regular-season results were viewed as less important for the Knicks, Spurs and Thunder than simply reaching the playoffs in a workable position. The Knicks and Spurs are still expected to make the playoffs and compete for a championship.

Oklahoma City faces a more difficult path because of its injuries. Shea may need another MVP-level season and could have to produce at an even greater level for the Thunder to finish in the top five. However, changes in how officials are calling games could make that challenge even harder.