The NBA preseason offers more than just warm-up games. It gives us early intel, glimpses at rotations, lineup experiments, and individual player form that may shift perceptions before the regular season.
For bettors and fans alike, preseason performances often inform expectations, especially when oddsmakers post initial estimations.
In this article, we shine the spotlight on four teams hoping to dominate the 2025/26 NBA season and explore what early preseason signals can reveal about their path for the rest of the season.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets head into the preseason with a changed dynamic. With Michael Malone no longer at the helm and David Adelman stepping in as head coach, Denver’s early showings carry extra weight. In their first two exhibition games, they fell 126–116 to Minnesota and then rebounded with a 112–108 win over Toronto.
These results hint at volatility, but also underscore the continued importance of Nikola Jokić as a stabilizing anchor. Observers watched how Adelman deploys Jokić, the minutes allowed for younger wings to stretch their legs, and whether bench options can maintain spacing.
Denver’s preseason schedule also includes matchups against Chicago and an away game at Oklahoma City, providing different types of stress tests.
The Nuggets will be testing defensive schemes and trying alternate rotation sets. If they display cohesion and defensive toughness early, it will build confidence. For those tracking NBA futures, Denver’s preseason will either affirm lofty expectations or provide reason for caution.
Many of those monitoring NBA lines on FanDuel are paying close attention to the Nuggets’ preseason, as there are early indications that they’re in the potential NBA Championship mix.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder also approaches this preseason with high expectations. Their schedule provided a 2-2 split so far: a win over Charlotte (135–114), a loss to Dallas (106–89), another win vs. Charlotte (122–116), and a defeat at Indiana (116–101).
These mixed results suggest an experimental rather than results-focused approach. OKC is integrating new rotation pieces and testing flexibility.
Notably, their matchup against Denver later in the preseason offers a preview of Western Conference-level contention.
If OKC shows sharper half-court offense, better spacing, and disciplined defence in that contest, it may affirm strength in depth. For the Thunder, usage rates for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), rookie integration, and bench consistency are under scrutiny.
Any early signs of chemistry and balanced production may bolster confidence in their NBA outlook.
Through these preseason tests, OKC can refine strategies and calibrate minute distributions. Their readiness heading into the regular season may hinge on how well role players step up in these exhibition moments.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland’s preseason journey began with tight contests that foreshadowed the competitive intensity to come. The Cavaliers dropped a 118–117 home loss to Chicago in their opening matchup.
Final.
📊 HIGHLIGHTS & STATS: https://t.co/gdmz73fMur
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 10, 2025
Close margins in these matches reveal how minor execution swings matter, and Cleveland uses these exhibitions to test closing strategies and lineup combinations. The Cavaliers also play Chicago again in a road exhibition, providing a mirror matchup to gauge adjustments.
Observers are focused on how Cleveland deploys its core players: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. The decisions surrounding how much offensive freedom they’ll give the wings will also need answering, as will whether the bench wings are capable of sustaining defensive intensity.
Preseason lineup tweaking will balance offensive creativity with defensive accountability. Since Cleveland aims for contention in the East, these early games are a proving ground for complementary depth.
In summary, if the Cavaliers show disciplined rotations and clutch decision-making, it reinforces confidence in their regular-season trajectory. But missteps may highlight vulnerabilities that opposing teams will target under true NBA stakes.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks entered the preseason with momentum and high visibility. They open strong: 99–84 over Philadelphia in Game 1, 113–104 in a second matchup, and a tight 100–95 win over Minnesota.
win at home 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xNjqKqD4HH
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 10, 2025
That 3–0 start suggests early cohesion and determination. Their upcoming games include matchups versus Washington and Charlotte.
Under new or evolving leadership, New York uses this slate to experiment defensively and evaluate bench contributions. The Knicks may try different backcourt lineups, vary center minutes, and test small-ball looks.
These tests help them refine whether their depth can match their regular stars when injuries or matchups force adjustments.
For fans monitoring NBA expectations, these preseason performances set narratives. A sharp, confident Knicks squad in exhibition may carry swagger into the regular season. Conversely, any lapses in rotation discipline or spacing could expose areas opponents will exploit.
Bettors’ Takeaway
When summer exhibitions conclude and real wagers await, early signals from these teams shape how sharp bettors think about upcoming spreads and prop lines.
The NBA lines on FanDuel during preseason windows, or the way lines adjust around rookie rotations can reveal where oddsmakers place confidence in player usage and team strength.
From Denver, bettors watch how Adelman handles Jokić’s minutes and how bench wings perform, since irregular line movements often follow unexpected rotation shifts. With Oklahoma City, mixed preseason outcomes may suggest early undervaluation or volatility, leading to sharper edges if adjustments start to pay dividends.
In Cleveland’s case, tight losses and offensive flow patterns may prompt careful line watching, especially in intra-conference matchups. For the Knicks, a dominant preseason start may lead to overconfidence in line setters, so timing bets when lines lag actual form could yield value.
In summary, these preseason games act as a trial run. Bettors who attentively parse minute distributions, lineup tweaks, and consistency trends often gain an edge when real NBA wagering begins.
Clues Aplenty
Preseason performances don’t determine championships, but they offer valuable clues. For the Nuggets, Thunder, Cavaliers, and Knicks, early exhibitions illuminate depth, rotation strategy, and coaching direction.
Ambitious bettors use these signals to anticipate line movements and identify inefficiencies. As regular season action begins, these early patterns may separate smart wagering decisions from reactionary ones.
*Content reflects information available as of 2025/10/14, subject to change.