The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with fireworks. San Antonio Spurs shock with 5-0 record after 78-168 skid. Trail Blazers upset Jokić’s Nuggets. Injuries plague Celtics, Timberwolves, Hornets. NBA Cup kicks in. Dive into news, impacts, tips for fantasy managers.
Spurs’ Unlikely Dominance
Victor Wembanyama anchors 5 straight wins. Rookie phenom averages 28 PPG, 12 RPG, 4 BPG. Guards Devin Vassell (22 PPG), Stephon Castle shine. Defense: Top-3 rating, forcing 18 turnovers/game.
Post-3 dismal years, Gregg Popovich’s system clicks. Beat Clippers, Lakers early. Power rankings: No. 1.
Fantasy tip: Stream Spurs bench—Tre Jones (10+ assists potential).
Blazers Shock Nuggets in NBA Cup Opener
November 1: Portland 112-108 Denver. Deni Avdija (26 PTS), Jrue Holiday (18 PTS, 8 AST) lead. Jokić triple-double (30-15-12) not enough—Blazers’ perimeter D clamps.
NBA Cup format: Group play Dec 3-18, semis/finals Vegas. West Group B: Blazers, Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, Kings. Win group: Auto quarterfinals.
Betting odds: Nuggets favorites (-200), but Portland +500 value.
Injury Report: Stars Sidelined
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Out vs Rockets Nov 1. Achilles recovery complication, ankle sprain. Boston 3-2 without him; Jaylen Brown steps up (25 PPG). Return: Mid-November?
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Sits vs Hornets Nov 1. Hamstring strain. Minnesota 4-1 sans Ant; Julius Randle (24 PPG) carries.
- LaMelo Ball (Hornets): Game-time vs Wolves. Right ankle impingement. Charlotte 1-4; without Ball, Mark Williams (16 PPG) key. Other outs: Miller, Green, Williams.
Impact: Hornets-Timberwolves Nov 1—depth battle. Wolves favored by 8.
Clippers edge Pelicans in thriller—Kawhi Leonard game-winner.
Power Rankings Snapshot
- Spurs (5-0)
- Thunder (4-1)
- Bulls (4-1)
- 76ers (4-1)
- Celtics (3-2, Tatum out)
Mavs (2-3), slow start post-Finals.
Fantasy & Betting Tips
- Stream: Blazers’ Anfernee Simons (OT heroics).
- Avoid: Hornets backcourt if Ball sits.
- Prop Bet: Wemby over 2.5 blocks (+110).
- Waiver Wire: Randle, Avdija rising.
NBA Cup watch: Group winners get rest advantage.
Season young—adjust lineups weekly. Spurs prove rebuilds flip fast.