The 2025-26 NBA season has reached its first quarter, with Eastern Conference teams showing varied performances after 17 to 21 games. Detroit Pistons lead with an A+ grade and a 16-4 record, while Washington Wizards receive an F at 2-16. Grades highlight surprises like Atlanta's resilience without Trae Young and ongoing injury challenges across the conference.
The first quarter of the 2025-26 NBA season has delivered surprises, disappointments, and standout individual efforts across the Eastern Conference. Teams have played between 17 and 21 games entering Monday, prompting evaluations relative to preseason expectations.
Top Performers
Detroit Pistons top the East with an A+ grade and a 16-4 record, ranking 10th in offense and 5th in defense with a +5.8 net rating. Cade Cunningham is averaging career highs of 28.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, positioning him as an MVP candidate. Their 13-game winning streak tied a franchise record, placing them first in the East on Dec. 1 for the first time since 2005. Jalen Duren has made a massive leap, contributing to their dominance on the offensive glass and top-five defense.
Miami Heat earn an A at 13-7, with the league's second-best defense and 30.2 assists per game. Bam Adebayo anchors the defense, supported by Davion Mitchell and Kel'el Ware. Norman Powell continues his scoring renaissance, and Tyler Herro has returned from injury showing All-Star form.
Toronto Raptors receive an A with a 14-7 record, 11th in offense and 6th in defense (+4.6 net). They lead the league in fast-break points and rank No. 5 in half-court efficiency, with three players averaging at least 19 points: Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and R.J. Barrett.
Mid-Pack and Struggles
Atlanta Hawks sit fifth in the East at 13-8 (B+), thriving without Trae Young, who played only five games. Jalen Johnson has emerged as a superstar, averaging 22.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals on 53.9/40.3/78.3 shooting. Concerns include frontcourt depth with Kristaps Porziņģis in and out.
New York Knicks hold a B grade at 13-6, third in offense (+7.4 net), though bench production lags. Boston Celtics are B at 11-8, competitive but struggling with rebounding and 3-point shooting variance.
Cleveland Cavaliers (C-, 12-9) face injury woes, with their preferred lineup playing just 43 minutes together. Jaylon Tyson noted, "We're not hungry enough... Toughness, it's a common theme… I feel like teams want it more than us."
Chicago Bulls (C, 9-10) started 5-0 but have gone 4-10 since, with poor defense: last in opponent turnover rate (11.9%). Nikola Vučević said, "We just didn't play up to NBA standards... We gave up 41 points in the first quarter … We talk about it, but I don't think we really understand it's not sustainable to play this way."
Milwaukee Bucks (C-, 9-12) rely heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists on 64.3% shooting), going 8-7 with him but 1-5 without.
Orlando Magic (B, 12-8) have won eight of their last 10, seven without Paolo Banchero (groin injury Nov. 11), boosting Desmond Bane's role.
Philadelphia 76ers (B-, 10-9) benefit from Tyrese Maxey's MVP-caliber play, but Joel Embiid and Paul George have played only 12 games combined, once together.
Bottom Dwellers
Charlotte Hornets (D+, 6-14) shine with rookie Kon Knueppel (18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists on 47.0/41.3/89.8), but lack direction beyond him. LaMelo Ball has been inefficient in 13 games.
Indiana Pacers (D, 4-16) suffer from injuries to TJ McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin, using 21 different players.
Brooklyn Nets (C, 3-16) and Washington Wizards (F, 2-16) position for high 2026 draft picks. Egor Demin intrigues for Nets, while Alex Sarr leads Wizards in scoring, rebounding, and blocks.