The NBA 2026/27 season is about to begin. During pre-season, teams tested their line-ups and assessed their strongest starting options.
New players also began adjusting to different coaches and teammates. Meanwhile, returning stars worked to find their rhythm ahead of the regular season.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Lorenzo Gagliotta reviews the biggest talking points from the pre-season
Same faces, different teams
The pre-season offered fans an early look at what to expect in 2026/27. It followed an eventful off-season filled with major talking points.
The Philadelphia 76ers attracted plenty of attention. Their reported star-studded squad includes LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
The Sixers will aim to make a deep playoff run. They also hope their additions can complement star centre Joel Embiid, who needs a healthy season to help the team compete.
The league has also seen changes involving established stars. Fans are watching how Giannis Antetokounmpo would fit with Miami and how Kawhi Leonard might perform in a Toronto Raptors uniform.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks impressed during pre-season. They recorded four consecutive wins and built momentum ahead of the new campaign.
Building an identity
Hawks coach Quin Snyder will look to Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels for leadership. Both players enjoyed strong seasons last year and could help Atlanta establish a clear identity.
Several rookies also received opportunities during pre-season. Their performances gave fans reasons to feel optimistic before the regular season began.
Chicago Bulls prospect Caleb Wilson impressed with his defensive work. The North Carolina product also showed that he could contribute at the offensive end.
Sacramento Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. could also play an important role. Coach Doug Christie will hope the young guard can make an immediate impact.
Kings fans also looked for encouraging signs from Ben Simmons. However, the original draft reports that an Achilles injury sustained during practice could disrupt his season. Verify this detail before publication.
Who’s set to impress
Many fans expect the San Antonio Spurs to make progress this season. They will aim to build on their recent development and challenge the Western Conference’s leading teams.
The Spurs have retained much of their previous core, according to the supplied draft. They have also looked to strengthen their roster through free agency and the draft.
Tobias Harris and rookie Tarris Reed Jr. are among the additions mentioned in the original article. Their reported arrivals could provide extra depth across the squad.
Coach Mitch Johnson will look to develop the team around Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Better chemistry and consistent performances could help San Antonio compete near the top of the West.
The Minnesota Timberwolves also want to challenge the established contenders. Their reported off-season moves involving Naz Reid and Julius Randle suggest a focus on reshaping the roster.
Mixed messages
The Timberwolves enter the season with plenty to prove. Fans will watch how Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball work together, if the reported pairing is confirmed.
Their chemistry could shape Minnesota’s performances as the season progresses. Both players would need to share responsibilities and create opportunities for their teammates.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will also attract attention. The team hopes to remain a title contender behind two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The original draft describes several roster changes, including the reported departures of Andrew Wiggins and Luguentz Dort. It also mentions new additions Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz.
Oklahoma City will need its young players to develop and its core to stay healthy. If those factors fall into place, the Thunder could remain among the strongest teams in the Western Conference.
Who’s most likely to struggle
Racking up impressive numbers in his rookie season, guard Cooper Flagg is only set to get better, however coach Dusty May and his Dallas Mavericks roster hope to build on a disappointing season with an incredibly young core.
The Mavs were injury-stricken in key positions throughout most of last season, with a positive being that Kyrie Irving is back after missing the entire season through injury.
With a heavy loss at home in their last pre-season game, the biggest question remains whether coach May can look to turn around their poor offense from last season, from improving their shot selections to more efficient scoring in and around the paint.
Whilst now being the perfect time to excel, the Boston Celtics’ star man Jayson Tatum is set to carry the load of responsibility in a somewhat new-look Celtics team, following the departure of Jaylen Brown.
A struggle for coach Joe Mazzulla may be far-stretched, considering their remarkable run in the second half of last season, however they face many question marks around the center position.
Defensive depth
After moving Brown from the equation, it saw Paul George join forces in Boston.
With fans dubious of the reliance to bring in a player capable of putting up Brown’s MVP-calibre numbers, it left them lacking in that defensive depth.
The real problem the Golden State Warriors face is their aging squad via low durability, with big man Kristaps Porzingis and forward Jimmy Butler incredibly injury-prone.
They struggled a lot throughout their pre-season, especially shown on the defensive end with Draymond Green having to be suitor to multiple roles, as the Warriors are missing out on true defenders in their squad.
Superstar Stephen Curry can only bring so much to the table, with his incredible shooting and on-court IQ, but may need to shift more of the load to the likes of Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg.
It helps that there’s been positive signs though, with the younger players in the roster, like Lendeborg, willing to learn from the veteran leadership around him.
