The 75th NBA season is underway, but it’s too early to tell who will make it to the playoffs.
All teams still have a fighting chance to extend their season beyond 82 games.
Likewise, there are some expected frontrunners based on roster strength and last year’s performance.
However, some teams are shockingly doing good right off the gates.
Only time can tell if their fanbase should start dreaming about a playoff berth.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves finished with a 23-49 record last season despite having top overall selection Anthony Edwards.
The 2021 All-Rookie First Team member is picking up where he left off, averaging 23 points, 8.4 rebounds, and three assists per game.
He’s forming a terrific one-two punch with Karl-Anthony Towns, who adds 25.2 points and two blocks per game.
Minnesota is also getting solid contributions from D’Angelo Russell, Naz Reid, Malik Beasley, and Patrick Beverley.
Coldest jerseys in the game.https://t.co/3YRUio6GUY pic.twitter.com/pm3a509S1E
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 1, 2021
Beverley’s presence is a significant boost in turning the Timberwolves into the sixth-best defense in the NBA as of writing.
Last season, they ranked 29th, allowing 117.7 points per game.
This year, they’ve limited opponents to 100.6 points in every contest.
They own a 3-2 record with wins over the New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets, and defending champions Milwaukee Bucks.
2. Sacramento Kings
Could this be the year that their young guns can bring it all together and clinch their first playoff appearance since the 2005-06 season?
Through six games, five of their players are averaging double digits in scoring, with Harrison Barnes leading the way with 23.3 per game.
De’Aaron Fox is steadily improving while contributing 18.5 points, five rebounds, and 6.3 assists per match.
Buddy Hield is becoming their reliable sixth man, chipping in 17.3 points a night, while Tyrese Haliburton adds 11.8.
An 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩, the uniform celebrates a defining legacy and blends elements from some of our most significant eras. 👑 pic.twitter.com/LGF4qg79yX
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) November 1, 2021
But Richaun Holmes’ emergence is a huge factor in the Kings’ 3-3 record to start the season.
Now out of the shadows of Joel Embiid and DeAndre Ayton, the Illinois native is grinding every game to achieve averages of 16.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
The Kings already defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and New Orleans Pelicans this season.
Playing more games together will only improve their chemistry as they continue to shock opponents along their way.
1. Washington Wizards
One trade will potentially improve the Wizards’ chances going into the postseason.
Last year, the Wizards lost their first five games even with an explosive backcourt tandem of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal.
Unfortunately, Philadelphia eliminated them in the first round after five games.
They’ve won five of their first six games this season, thanks mainly to the transaction that brought Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma to the nation’s capital.
A mix of the old and the new.
Introducing our 2021-22 NBA City Edition uniform 🔥
Narrated by @PUSHA_T 🎤#DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/DLKmgKSgcR
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 1, 2021
Harrell continues to be a double-double machine with 19.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per outing.
Meanwhile, the much-maligned Kuzma is enjoying the change of scenery, posting 15.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals each contest.
With Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie, this Wizards quartet power the NBA’s sixth-best offense at 112.7 points per game.
Their only loss so far came against the Brooklyn Nets.
In contrast, they’ve already had impressive victories over the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics twice.
NEXT: Suns And Deandre Ayton In Weird Spot As Season Begins