What NBA preseason revealed about all 30 teams

Match Overview

The NBA preseason provided critical data regarding tactical shifts, roster depth, and rookie integration across all 30 franchises ahead of the regular season. Teams prioritized high-volume three-point shooting, accelerated transition tempos, and revised defensive rotations.

Early returns indicate an increased emphasis on bench efficiency and perimeter pace across both conferences.

Key Stats & Facts

Eastern Conference

• Atlantic Division:

  • Boston Celtics: Led the league in perimeter volume, averaging 48.2 three-point attempts per game at a 38.5% clip.
  • New York Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns logged a double-double average (18.2 PTS, 10.8 REB) in 24.3 minutes per game.
  • Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey posted a team-high 31.2% usage rate with Joel Embiid resting.
  • Brooklyn Nets: Cam Thomas generated 22.4 PTS per 36 minutes to lead Brooklyn’s offensive load.
  • Toronto Raptors: Gradey Dick averaged 15.5 PTS while shooting 41.2% from three-point range.

• Central Division:

  • Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 0.88 points per paint touch across limited exhibition minutes.
  • Cleveland Cavaliers: Operating under a new system, Cleveland pushed pace to 104.2 possessions per 48 minutes.
  • Indiana Pacers: Maintained dynamic ball movement, assisting on 68.4% of all made field goals.
  • Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham recorded 7.8 APG alongside a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio.
  • Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball returned to action, averaging 16.0 MPG and registering a +8.4 net rating.

• Southeast Division:

  • Orlando Magic: Held opponents to a league-best 98.4 defensive rating across four games.
  • Miami Heat: Tyler Herro averaged 17.3 PTS on 44.0% three-point shooting in four appearances.
  • Atlanta Hawks: Top pick Zaccharie Risacher registered 13.7 PTS and 5.2 REB on 44.4% shooting.
  • Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball notched 20.5 PTS and 6.3 APG in just 20.8 minutes per game.
  • Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr led all rookies in rim protection, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.

Western Conference

• Northwest Division:

  • Oklahoma City Thunder: Forced 19.2 turnovers per game while averaging a preseason-high 11.8 steals.
  • Denver Nuggets: Russell Westbrook contributed 11.5 PTS and 5.8 APG in 21.0 minutes off the bench.
  • Minnesota Timberwolves: Julius Randle registered 15.0 PTS and 6.0 REB in his team debut.
  • Utah Jazz: Keyonte George served as primary distributor, averaging 16.8 PTS and 5.8 APG.
  • Portland Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson shot 85.7% from the free-throw line while posting 13.5 PTS.

• Pacific Division:

  • Golden State Warriors: Finished as the sole undefeated team (5-0) with a NBA-best +14.2 net rating.
  • Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht scored 35 points against Phoenix, including 20 consecutive points in the second half.
  • Phoenix Suns: Increased team three-point attempts by 28% compared to their 2023 preseason mark.
  • Sacramento Kings: DeMar DeRozan converted 56.3% of his mid-range field goal attempts.
  • LA Clippers: James Harden averaged 8.2 APG while recording a 34.1% assist percentage.

• Southwest Division:

  • Dallas Mavericks: Klay Thompson averaged 3.0 made three-pointers per game in limited action (18.5 MPG).
  • Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey topped all rookies in rebounding (7.2 RPG) and paint scoring (9.5 PPG).
  • Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson logged a team-high 2.2 steals per game in 22.0 minutes.
  • San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama posted 4.8 blocks per game and 19.2 PTS per 36 minutes.
  • New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson recorded an 82.4% field-goal percentage at the rim.

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Tactical Trends & Standings Outlook

Offensive efficiency numbers strongly favor teams featuring high-volume perimeter lineups and deep secondary units. Defensive rating metrics show elite execution from structured systems like Orlando and Oklahoma City, positioning both as strong contenders for home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Rookies and new off-season acquisitions integrated rapidly, shifting rotation depth charts for key contenders ahead of opening night.

Standings Leaders & Metrics

• Undefeated Preseason Record: Golden State Warriors (5-0)
• Top Offensive Rating: Golden State Warriors (118.5), Boston Celtics (117.8)
• Top Defensive Rating: Orlando Magic (98.4), Oklahoma City Thunder (99.1)
• Pace Leaders: Cleveland Cavaliers (104.2), Memphis Grizzlies (103.8)

Preseason Breakout Performers

• Dalton Knecht (LAL): 18.0 PPG, 36.0% 3PT, 35-point single-game highlight.
• Zach Edey (MEM): 12.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 68.2% FG.
• Zaccharie Risacher (ATL): 13.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 44.4% FG.