It’s basketball season and this means the 80th annual NBA season is now well under way, as the first game took place on Oct. 21. With the season going until Apr. 12, we have already seen some well played games, league drama, and season changing trades. As teams solidify their positions in the third annual NBA Cup, the season is already shaping up to be an absolute classic filled to the brim with excitement and drama.
When schedules came out in August, anticipation began to build for some big games and now, they are here. The season began with a double header between the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder against Kevin Durant’s new team, the Houston Rockets. In the second game of this opening day double header, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors. These games ended in a one point win for the Thunder and a ten point win for the Warriors, proving that these two teams will be some of the strongest contenders this season.
After the opening day excitement, the season really began to get under way, as some exciting dates for all NBA fans are coming up. Just ten days after those opening matchups, group play began for the NBA In-Season Cup. The end of group play left us with an eight team bracket that has since been dwindled down to four teams: the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks.
Other major fan favorite events include the 2025-26 All-Star weekend, which will be played in Inglewood, California from Feb. 13-15, where the league’s brightest stars will play an exhibition game. As for which teams these players will finish the season with, we will know by Feb. 5, the trade deadline. As previously mentioned, Kevin Durant landed in Houston in a seven team blockbuster deal.
“I think Houston still has a chance to beat the Thunder in the playoffs because they have so much talent. Durant and Alperen Sengun are one of the best duos in the league, and they have a strong supporting cast,” said sophomore David Nasello.
Other trades included Lonzo Ball going to the Cleveland Cavaliers to strengthen their backcourt, and the Boston Celtics sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The NBA is littered with contenders this season, as many teams will have to challenge each other for the title in this year’s playoffs. In the West, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have dominated with an astounding record of 23-1. Last year’s MVP, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, has led the Thunder with 32.8 points per game.
“The Thunder are far and away the best team in the league. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander might win another MVP, and his supporting cast is the best in the league. I believe the Thunder will win their second straight championship this season,” said sophomore Gabe Nash.
The Los Angeles Lakers are not far behind the Thunder, as they sit at second in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is led by the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are both averaging upwards of 28 points per game.
In the Eastern Conference, a few teams have emerged as contenders, including the Detroit Pistons. They have had an impressive season so far, posting a 19-5 record. Point guard Cade Cunningham leads the team with 27.5 points per game and assists with 9.3 per game. The New York Knicks are not far behind, as they possess a 16-7 record. Star point guard-center duo Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns lead the team in scoring with 28 and 22.5 points per game, respectively. The Knicks hope to finally reach the finals after an agonizing Eastern Conference Finals defeat to the Indiana Pacers last season.
“The Knicks seem to be playing better than last year, and their chemistry is at an all time high. They could seriously compete for a title not only this year, but for the next few years,” said sophomore Jake Weiss.
Finally, the league’s statistical leaders have been off the charts so far this year. While Los Angeles Lakers’ star Luka Doncic lights up the scoring column averaging 35 points per game, one man is standing out in almost every category. Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic is leading the league in both rebounds and assists per game. Many fans think that Jokic will take home his fourth career MVP this season, but others think another star such as Doncic will take home the award.
These players, along with the many others that have propelled their teams to early season success, are sure to make this NBA season an exciting one.