Two weeks into the 2026-27 NBA season, several high-profile teams are showing concerning signs despite the small sample size. CBS Sports evaluates the panic level for five struggling squads.
New York Knicks (3-4)
Defending champions Knicks have lost four games by single digits. Jalen Brunson's shooting is down after wrist surgery (39.3% FG, 33.3% 3P). Offensive motion has stalled, but the team's late-clock efficiency ranked fourth last season and is 28th now. Panic meter: 3/10.
Utah Jazz (1-6)
Rookie Darryn Peterson struggles (13.4 PPG, 3.3 APG) as offense ranks 29th. Jaren Jackson Jr. is out with torn MCL, and the trade of Walker Kessler leaves interior defense thin. Panic meter: 5/10.
Denver Nuggets (3-3)
Nikola Jokić's production has dipped: 22 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 9.0 APG, but 3-point shooting is 7-of-31 and intermediate finishing has declined. Defensive rebounding rate below 22% vs career 26%+. Panic meter: 6/10.
Phoenix Suns (1-4)
Offense rates 119.4 with Collin Gillespie on floor vs 110.2 without. Starting Jalen Green isn't working. Defensive rating dropped from 9th to 30th, deflections from 5th to 26th. Panic meter: 7/10.
Miami Heat (2-5)
Defense ranks bottom five despite reputation. Only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell create own shots. Transition offense 24th in efficiency. Limited draft capital makes fixes difficult. Panic meter: 8/10.
