With the first week of the 2025/26 NBA season now in the record books, fans have a clearer picture of how their favourite teams might shape up this year. Reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder entered the campaign as the bookmakers’ favourites to repeat — and they’ve looked the part so far.

Five consecutive victories have already prompted leading sportsbook Betway to trim the Thunder’s title odds to 2/1, as bettors continue to back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company to deliver back-to-back championships. Betway reports that Oklahoma City has drawn nearly 15 % of all early outright bets — a clear vote of confidence in Mark Daigneault’s squad. Given how strongly the Thunder have started, they’re the natural place to begin when assessing the three biggest talking points from week one.

Thunder lay down an early marker

Despite missing several rotation players through injury, the reigning champions have roared to a 5-0 start that underlines both their depth and maturity. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of electric, scoring 174 points in five games while also setting the tone defensively. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s adaptability after a 107-101 win over the Sacramento Kings:

“It’s about preparing the team to think on the fly,” Daigneault said. “Recognize the patterns and recognize situations. This team has been in that process now for a long time — and we’ve handled those things well.”

It’s been a statement start for the defending champions, whose composure and confidence continue to make them the early-season favorites to go all the way.

Wembanyama’s breakout week steals headlines

While established contenders hold form, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have quickly become one of the NBA’s must-watch stories. If the first four games are any indication, Wemby has figured things out and out to make a statement. The 21-year-old, maybe 7-5 or taller, phenom was named Western Conference Player of the Week after a string of jaw-dropping performances, including a 38-point, 12-rebound outing that sent social media into overdrive. League officials and analysts alike believe Wembanyama is redefining what’s possible at his size.

As Times of India noted, his combination of shot-blocking and perimeter shooting has “stunned the NBA world.”

Warriors show they have plenty of strength in depth

The Golden State Warriors continue to evolve beyond their championship-core identity. In Monday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, four players scored 20 points and top-earner Stephen Curry wasn’t one of them. Young talents Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga each hit the 20-point mark, proving that the franchise’s youth movement has real momentum. Kuminga’s effort in particular impressed coach Steve Kerr, who has now locked him into the starting lineup. “He’s been fantastic,” Kerr said. “When he’s attacking the rim like that, it changes our team. You’re seeing him being much more purposeful, and he’s really putting a lot of pressure on people.”

The Warriors’ early-season chemistry has been one of the league’s pleasant surprises, suggesting the dynasty isn’t done evolving yet.

Antetokounmpo on a mission with the Bucks

Plenty has been written about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future in Milwaukee, but the speculation hasn’t distracted him one bit. The two-time MVP poured in 37 points against the Knicks on Tuesday, sealing a statement win over a team that swept Milwaukee 3-0 last year. “They were way better than us last year, and we didn’t make it tough for them,” Giannis said post-game. “As the leader of this team, I remember. I don’t forget things.” With Milwaukee showing renewed purpose under new head coach Adrian Griffin, betting markets now list the Bucks among the top-five contenders in the East — a reminder that no team led by Giannis can ever be counted out.

Scoring surge sets a historic pace

Offense is up across the league, too. Through just one week, 16 games have already featured a player scoring 40 points or more  which is the most in NBA history for an opening week, according to ESPN. With stars like Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker heating up early, defenses will have to adjust fast if this trend continues.