NBA Landscape in 2020-21 – Far Too Early Takes and Top Plays

There is a severe lack of NBA knowledge and awareness right now in this country.

The casual NBA fan does not truly become invested in the league until the stretch run and especially the playoffs. This latter portion of the season was lost in 2020 so now most Americans have no clue what the NBA is like anymore.

What team is Chris Paul on? How about DeAndre Jordan? Where did John Wall end up? Do you know who James Wiseman is? What about Kelly Oubre Jr.?

Which teams are supposed to be good in 2020-21? Are the Grizzlies putting pieces around Ja Morant? Is Trae Young getting any help in Atlanta? Who is the favorite in the East? Can anyone challenge the Lakers in the West this year?

You see what I mean … the NBA landscape has changed dramatically since we went into shutdown mode last spring. Unless you followed the league meticulously during the bubble period, you are behind!

Here we are at the end of the first week of NBA action in 2020-21. Each NBA team has played 2 games (except the Rockets and Thunder). Now is as appropriate a time as ever to jump around the league and catch up on roster moves, team strengths and weaknesses, and the best plays from the early portion of this season.

Take these next few minutes to catch yourself up to speed on everything you’ve neglected to follow over the past several months. Here is the NBA Landscape in 2020-21.

Orlando Magic (2-0)

2 Games: 113-107 W vs MIA & 130-120 W @ WAS

Top Player(s): Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. Gordon is a great dunker … that’s about it.

Early Strengths: The Magic are a top-10 shooting team in the league (49.2% field goals) and average the 9th-most points per game in the NBA (121.5).

Early Weaknesses: Orlando’s defense is a bit soft. The Magic allow the 6th-highest field goal percentage in the league (49.4%).

538 Season Projection: 37-35 (T-8th in East)

LA Clippers (2-0)

2 Games: 116-109 W @ LAL & 121-108 W @ DEN

Top Player(s): Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. These two forwards are elite and may be deserving of the title “3rd Best Duo in the NBA” (behind LeBron-AD and Kyrie-KD).

Early Strengths: The Clippers have scored the 10th-most points per game (118.5) and rank 11th in points allowed per game (108.5) this year.

Early Weaknesses: The Clippers have turned the ball over a lot – ranking 22nd in the league in giveaways per game (15.5).

538 Season Projection: 48-24 (T-1st in West)

Indiana Pacers (2-0)

2 Games: 121-107 W vs NY & 125-106 W @ CHI

Top Player(s): Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is averaging 27 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8 assists per game so far this year while Oladipo has 22 points and 5.5 boards per contest.

Early Strengths: The Pacers take care of the basketball – not turning it over too frequently. Indiana ranks 10th in the league in fewest turnovers per game (13.5). This great ball control reduces wasted possessions and increases points per game. The Pacers rank 7th in this metric with 123.0.

Early Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses have been exposed in the Pacers’ game yet. They have 2 blowout victories over weak teams.

538 Season Projection: 38-34 (7th in East)

Sacramento Kings (2-0)

2 Games: 124-122OT W @ DEN & 106-103 W vs PHX

538 Season Projection: 33-39 (12th in West)

Philadelphia 76ers (2-0)

2 Games: 113-107 W vs WAS & 109-89 @ NY

538 Season Projection: 45-27 (T-2nd in East)

Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0)

2 Games: 111-101 W vs DET & 116-111 W @ UTA

538 Season Projection: 36-36 (T-10 in West)

Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0)

2 Games: 121-114 W vs CHA & 128-119OT W @ DET

538 Season Projection: 24-48 (T-10th in East)

San Antonio Spurs (2-0)

2 Games: 131-119 W @ MEM & 119-114 W vs TOR 

538 Season Projection: 36-36 (T-10 in West)

Brooklyn Nets (2-0)

2 Games: 125-99 W vs GS & 123-95 W @ BOS

Top Player(s): Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. A top-2 duo in the NBA (alongside LeBron and AD), Durant and Kyrie instantly turn the once-afterthought Nets into title contenders. Kyrie has averaged 31.5 points, 6 assists, and 5 boards in his first 2 games this season while KD is averaging 25.5 points, 3 assists, and 4.5 boards. KD and Kyrie are combined the for the 2nd-most points of any duo to start this season (behind Harden and Christian Wood of Houston).

Early Strengths: Scoring looks like it will be no problem this year in Brooklyn. The Nets are averaging the 5th-most points in the league (124 per game). The defense looks even better. Brooklyn ranks 1st in the league in points allowed per game (97.0) and is one of 2 teams to hold opponents under 100 (along with Philly).

Early Weaknesses: With two blowout victories, no glaring weaknesses have been exposed yet in Brooklyn’s game.

538 Season Projection: 42-30 (4th in East)

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)

1 Game: 109-107 W @ CHA

Top Player(s): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After the departure of Chris Paul to the desert, the 22-year-old budding star SGA is now tasked with being the team’s go-to playmaker. The Kentucky product has delivered thus far, dropping 24 points in his team’s first (and only) game, including this game-winner to slay the Hornets.

Early Strengths: The Thunder rank 8th in the NBA in points allowed per game (107) and hold opponents to the 2nd-lowest field goal percentage in the league (39.8%). Granted, this is after just 1 game in Charlotte. Let’s see a few more before shaping our judgement.

Early Weaknesses: The Thunder had a horrible shooting night during their first (and only) game in Charlotte. OKC was 27.8% from deep – tied for the 2nd-lowest mark in the league. The overall team field goal percentage for the Thunder ranks 18th in the league (45.5%).

538 Season Projection: 27-45 (15th in West)

Atlanta Hawks (2-0)

2 Games: 124-104 W @ CHI & 122-112 W @ MEM

Top Player(s): Trae Young is a beast! The 22-year-old has led a young Hawks squad to 2 early victories by averaging over 30 points per game on 55% shooting from the field and 46% from deep. He is also averaging 8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game as a 6’1 guard – truly a special player and one of the budding superstars in this league.

Early Strengths: The Hawks can shoot. The team ranks 2nd in the NBA in free throw percentage (85.1%) and is top-10 in both points per game (123.0) and 3-pointers made (13.5 per game). Atlanta is also playing terrific defense – ranking 9th in points allowed (108.0), 4th in 3-point percentage against (26.9%), and 3rd in field goal percentage against (40.6%).

Early Weaknesses: None have been exposed yet, but Atlanta has started with a very soft schedule (Bulls and Grizzlies, combined 0-4).

538 Season Projection: 37-35 (T-8th in East)

Utah Jazz (1-1)

2 Games: 120-100 W @ POR & 116-111 L vs MIN

538 Season Projection: 41-31 (T-6th in West)

Boston Celtics (1-1)

2 Games: 122-121 W vs MIL & 123-95 L vs BKN

Top Player(s): Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Brown is averaging 30 points per game this year with 6.5 boards while Tatum is averaging 25 points per game with 7.5 boards – with this sick banked-in 3-point game winner over a pretty tall defender – Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Early Strengths: Boston is a good shooting team from deep – ranking 10th in the NBA in 3-point percentage (38.8%).

Early Weaknesses: The Celtics have allowed the 7th-most points to opposing teams this year (122.0 per game). The Celtics have also scored the 7th-fewest points per game (108.5) in the league.

538 Season Projection: 45-27 (T-2nd in East)

New Orleans Pelicans (1-1)

2 Games: 113-99 W @ TOR & 111-98 L @ MIA

538 Season Projection: 38-34 (9th in West)

Miami Heat (1-1)

2 Games: 113-107 L @ ORL & 111-98 W vs NO

Top Player(s): Jimmy Butler. Miami has built an incredibly deep and balanced roster, but Jimmy Butler is still the breadwinner of the crew. Injuries have kept Butler stifled out of the gate this season.

Early Strengths: Great team defense. Miami is allowing the 5th-fewest points per game (105.5) and the 10th-lowest opponent field goal percentage (44.0%).

Early Weaknesses: Miami turns the ball over a ton. The team ranks 25th in the league in this category with 17.5 giveaways per game.

538 Season Projection: 40-32 (T-5th in East)

LA Lakers (1-1)

2 Games: 116-109 L vs LAC & 138-115 W vs DAL

Top Player(s): LeBron, of course, and Anthony Davis. King James is averaging 22 points, 7.5 assists, and 6 boards per game this year while Davis is right there with him – averaging 23 points, 3.5 assists, and 7.5 boards.

Early Strengths: The Lakers are averaging the 6th-most points per game in the NBA with 123.5 and hold the league’s 3rd-best shooting percentage (51.7%).

Early Weaknesses: The Lakers have some defensive mechanics to work on. The team ranks 17th in points allowed per game with 115.5. Defense wins championships, so this team is going to need to tighten up if they want to repeat.

538 Season Projection: 48-24 (T-1st in West)

Milwaukee Bucks (1-1)

2 Games: 122-121 L @ BOS & 138-99 W vs GS

Top Player(s): Giannis. Middleton too … but mostly Giannis. The Greek Freak is averaging 25 points and 13 boards through 2 games this season. Middleton is doing great as well, averaging 29 points and 9 boards. The two are an awesome duo, but we all know Giannis is the real driving force behind Milwaukee’s success.

Early Strengths: The Bucks have both the highest 3-point percentage (47.9%) and the highest field goal percentage (53.3%) in the NBA. Milwaukee is also holding opponents to the 4th-lowest field goal percentage (41.0%) and the 12th-lowest points per game (110.5) in the league. 

Early Weaknesses: Milwaukee turns the ball over a decent amount – ranking 18th in the NBA with 15.0 turnovers per contest. This needs to be corrected if Milwaukee is to win the Eastern Conference as they hope to.

538 Season Projection: 47-25 (1st in East)

Phoenix Suns (1-1)

2 Games: 106-102 W vs DAL & 106-103 L @ SAC

538 Season Projection: 42-30 (T-4th in West)

Portland Trailblazers (1-1)

2 Games: 120-100 L vs UTA & 128-126OT W vs HOU

Top Player(s): Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Dame Time and his backcourt mate McCollum comprise one of the most feared guard combos in the NBA. McCollum is off to an amazing start to the young season – averaging 33.5 points through his first 2 games while dishing 5.5 assists per contest. McCollum also made the winning shot against Houston in their second game.

Early Strengths: Portland attempts a lot of 3-pointers and is making a decent percentage of them. The Blazers rank 9th in the league with a 3-point percentage of 39.7%.

Early Weaknesses: The Blazers are really struggling to make shots early in this season. The Blazers rank 25th in the league with a field goal percentage of 43.3%.

538 Season Projection: 39-33 (8th in West)

Toronto Raptors (0-2)

2 Games: 113-99 L vs NO & 119-114 L @ SA

538 Season Projection: 40-32 (T-5th in East)

Houston Rockets (0-1)

1 Game: 128-126OT L @ POR

Top Player(s): James Harden, of course! Harden brushed aside the COVID-drama and the trade rumors and dropped 44 points with 17 assists on the Portland Trailblazers in the Rockets’ first game this season.

Early Strengths: As long as James Harden is on the court, the Rockets can hang with any team. The roster was depleted in Houston’s opener vs Portland and Harden single-handedly got the game into overtime and nearly stole the road win.

Early Weaknesses: Nobody wants to be on this dysfunction team. That’s a pretty glaring weakness in my eyes. This past offseason and the first week of this season in Houston have been tumultuous, to say the least.

538 Season Projection: 43-29 (3rd in West)

Charlotte Hornets (0-2)

2 Games: 121-114 L @ CLE & 109-107 L vs OKC

Top Player(s): Terry “Scary Terry” Rozier. The 26-year-old guard does not receive the most publicity on the team (that distinction goes to LaMelo Ball), but Rozier appears to be the best player out of the gate. Rozier is averaging 30.5 points per game and is shooting an amazing 52.2% from deep.

Early Strengths: Thanks to Rozier, Charlotte has a decent team 3-point shooting percentage (38.2%). This ranks 11th in basketball.

Early Weaknesses: Charlotte has trouble putting the ball in the hoop, ranking 19th in points per game (110.5) and 19th in field goal percentage (44.8%).

538 Season Projection: 23-49 (T-12th in East)

Golden State Warriors (0-2)

2 Games: 125-99 L @ BKN & 138-99 L @ MIL

Top Player(s): Stephen Curry and (the injured) Klay Thompson and (the injured) Draymond Green. The Warriors may be alright once they return to full strength, but it looks pretty rough out there with Curry and a bunch of scrubs. Curry is shooting just as many 3s as ever. Sometimes he connects.

Early Strengths: The Warriors have been slaughtered twice. It is safe to say they excel in 0 facets of the game right now.

Early Weaknesses: The Warriors shoot the lowest field goal percentage (35.9%) and the lowest 3-point percentage (25.6%) in the NBA. As a result Golden State is averaging the 2nd-fewest points per game in the league (99.0). Defensively, the Warriors are allowing the most points per game in the NBA (131.5).

538 Season Projection: 31-41 (T-13th in West)

Detroit Pistons (0-2)

2 Games: 111-101 L @ MIN & 128-119OT L vs CLE

538 Season Projection: 16-56 (15th in East)

Denver Nuggets (0-2)

2 Games: 124-122OT L vs SAC & 121-108 L vs LAC

538 Season Projection: 42-30 (T-4th in West)

Washington Wizards (0-2)

2 Games: 113-107 L @ PHI & 130-120 L vs ORL

Top Player(s): Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. Newcomer Westbrook joins longtime-Wizard Bradley Beal to create a formidable team in our nation’s capital. Beal is on fire to begin the season – averaging 35 points per game on 54.3% shooting while also recording 3 steals per game.

Early Strengths: The Wizards are hitting their 3s to begin the year. Washington ranks 7th in the league with a 3-point percentage of 40.6%.

Early Weaknesses: The paint protection is lacking in Washington. The Wizards rank 22nd in the league with just 3.5 blocks per game.

538 Season Projection: 24-48 (T-10th in East)

Dallas Mavericks (0-2)

2 Games: 106-102 L @ PHX & 138-115 L @ LAL

538 Season Projection: 41-31 (T-6th in West)

New York Knicks (0-2)

2 Games: 121-107 L @ IND & 109-89 L vs PHI

538 Season Projection: 21-51 (14th in East)

Memphis Grizzlies (0-2)

2 Games: 131-119 L vs SA & 122-112 L vs ATL

Top Player(s): Ja Morant. The #2 pick last season, Morant has quickly risen the ranks to become a bona fide playmaker in this league. Through 2 games in 2020-21, Morant is averaging the 3rd-most points in basketball (36.0) while shooting 58.3% from the field. Memphis does not have a whole lot of help for Ja right now, but he is a great foundational piece to build around.

Early Strengths: Memphis controls the ball very well – turning it over just 10.0 times per game which ranks 3rd in the NBA. 

Early Weaknesses: The Grizzlies’ slow-it-down style of basketball allows for better care of the ball on the offensive end but makes it difficult to force turnovers on D. The Grizzlies average just 5.5 steals per game – 24th in the NBA.

538 Season Projection: 31-41 (T-13th in West)

Chicago Bulls (0-2)

2 Games: 124-104 L vs ATL & 125-106 L vs IND

538 Season Projection: 23-49 (T-12th in East)