The NBA season's first week has delivered a cascade of injuries, surprising starts, and early MVP conversations. Multiple superstars are sidelined: Anthony Edwards will miss up to two months after knee surgery, Kawhi Leonard is out for weeks with knee swelling, Jaren Jackson Jr. faces six to eight weeks with a torn MCL, Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs are out for weeks, Jalen Duren is sidelined at least two weeks, Ben Simmons tore his Achilles before playing for the Kings, and Oklahoma City lost Jalen Williams to a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula plus Cason Wallace with a torn labrum.
Thunder remain title contenders despite injuries
Even with Williams and Wallace out, the Thunder are still second in Western Conference odds at +380 behind the Spurs. Oklahoma City's depth will be tested, with Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz expected to fill minutes alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Knicks shake off 0-3 start
New York finally won its first game, beating the Pistons after an 0-3 start — the worst by a defending champion in 15 years. Karl-Anthony Towns has averaged 22.5 points and 14 rebounds on 60.3% shooting, and a favorable upcoming schedule could help the Knicks regain form.
Nuggets and Jokić clash with fans
Denver is 1-2 after a 23-point comeback win over the Pelicans followed by a 20-point home loss to the Warriors. Nikola Jokić told booing fans they "are not welcome anymore" and doubled down, saying they are not real fans.
Warriors struggle early
Golden State is 1-3, 19th in net rating, with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg a bright spot. Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porziņģis are all dealing with injuries or uncertain futures, while Stephen Curry, now 39, signed a two-year, $115 million extension.
Heat in crisis at 0-4
Miami has been blown out in three of four losses. Giannis Antetokounmpo urged against panic but acknowledged the poor start. Fit concerns between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo have surfaced, with Davion Mitchell noting they occupy the same spaces on offense.
Dončić emerges as MVP frontrunner
Luka Dončić posted a historic 52-point, 10-assist, 8-rebound game with eight three-pointers, becoming the first Laker to achieve that stat line. Oddsmakers still list Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead, but Dončić's early dominance could shift the race.
Sixers face center dilemma
With Joel Embiid's availability uncertain and Ariel Hukporti lost to an Achilles injury, Philadelphia lacks a reliable backup center. LeBron James started at center in a loss but said he does not want a sustainable role at the position, leaving the Sixers searching for solutions.
