NBA Season Opens with Surprising Performances and Off-Court Controversies

NEW YORK, NY — The 2025-26 NBA season kicked off with unexpected turns both on and off the court. Just a week into the season, controversies related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games have cast a shadow over the league.

On the court, superstar players made headlines with impressive performances. The league saw 16 games with players scoring 40 points or more, setting a record for the first week of a season.

Brian Windhorst pointed out that players often make significant jumps in their third seasons. Notably, Victor Wembanyama, the young standout, has transformed his game by focusing more on driving to the basket rather than frequently shooting 3-pointers, which previously dominated his play.

Zach Kram noted that a dozen rookies from the 2025 draft class are already making waves, with some, like Coup de Ville and Kory Aiken, showing promise on the court. Both Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls surprised fans by remaining undefeated, each showing a strong start that few anticipated.

In terms of injuries, the Memphis Grizzlies faced significant challenges. With key players sidelined, they signed a new player to fill gaps. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled with injuries to superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, risking their season outlook.

The early season also raised discussions about how teams report injuries, with Windhorst highlighting the need for a shift in transparency due to growing gambling influences.

As the season unfolds, NBA fans are eagerly watching how these storylines develop and which teams will navigate through the challenges.