Preseason is not always the right time to judge a team’s performance for the regular season. These are times when teams rest players, try out different formations, and getting into sync is more important than results. Nevertheless, the 2025 preseason provided some indications on the teams that may start the season already on the right track. These are the clubs that made the biggest impressions, and what the early indicators really show.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Continuity and depth
The Thunder was the team to beat with two consecutive deep playoff runs. In the preseason, they showed why they could be, for yet another season, the favourites to go all the way. They appeared to be cohesive at both ends, with key players who rose to the occasion, and young wings coming into the team and integrating perfectly around the core. The Thunder are still looked at by punters and analysts as the first picks for the West, and their preseason performances reaffirmed the fact that they more than have what it takes to dominate their conference this season.
Houston Rockets – Kevin Durant’s arrival makes a significant impact
The first preseason games with the Rockets saw Kevin Durant make his debut with the team — and he provided the kind of scoring and floor spacing that almost instantly changes the ceiling of Houston. In addition to the superstar production, preseason play by the Rockets demonstrated how the presence of Durant opens up driving lanes and provides simpler looks to shooters to lift a roster that is already projected effectively. Assuming Durant is fit and the availability of Fred VanVleet levels, Houston is all of a sudden a viable contender as a top team. For basketball betting fans, the season is yet to kick off, but you can keep up with preseason friendlies by following basketball predictions for tomorrow’s matches courtesy of popular betting tips experts.
New York Knicks – Momentum and a smooth rotation
For a team capable of winning a championship, rhythm can be witnessed during preseason. The Knicks enjoyed a successful preseason, winning all build-up matches, and bench players getting minutes and showing what they can offer in the regular season. The early interplay, defense, and guarantee of scoring for both the starters and subs were encouraging signs for the Knicks. It is safe to say that the good preseason for them was more than just tryouts for bench players, as they got valuable minutes, and will continue getting minutes when the real action begins.
Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers – Veteran foundation
The Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers were an example of how a team can lay its foundation on experience through the already-established personnel. Denver rotated their squad, and the coaching staff was hands-on to stamp its blueprint. Compared to other teams, the Clippers were less experimental, focusing on clarity and structure, a good omen in a group of veterans who wanted to begin fast. Both teams continue to stay in the top-ranked lists by many analysts, leading to the season.
Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers – A tale of nixed flashes
The preseason victory of Golden State over the Lakers and certain effective lineups were noticeable. The Warriors also showed the movement and shooting that have been part of their identity long enough, and the flash of the Lakers, along with unresolved questions, were no less significant. Preseason box scores do not tell the whole story, yet the Warriors appeared at ease operating their trademark machine. Meanwhile, the Lakers remain like a team that is attempting to strike a balance between star minutes and the necessity to identify regular role-player production.
Teams to watch
Other clubs had poor preseason records but provided hope to fans. Offseason acquisitions by the Orlando Magic are creating buzz, and other low-key teams, such as the Timberwolves, demonstrated signs of development based on their youthful players. Some of the players with playoff dreams took advantage of the month of October to experiment with small-ball formations and new defensive plans. Off-season slippage of some teams – such as late-game collapses of Boston, etc. – suggests issues of depth and primary ball-handling, which are going to be interesting to see in the first few weeks.
Interpreting preseason results
Two rules are used to evaluate preseason basketball.Â
- First, pay attention to those teams that showed deep chemistry and made rotations to their squads throughout several matches.Â
- Second, look at isolated cases of good performances, such as the buzzer beaters or a hot shooting night, as just hype, unless they happened on the basis of a consistent pattern. A successful preseason is best when it validates what offseason research and roster building had already indicated: better depth, better definition, or the geling of a bona fide new superstar.
As it has always been, the preseason is an overview, not a final judgment, but the teams listed above gave the best indications that they are prepared to make the regular season count since the first game.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
