12 spooky NBA storylines in the new season on Halloween

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The first few weeks of every NBA season coincide with Halloween, which is appropriate since the first and most unexpected events of a season tend to leave everyone in varying degrees of shock.

Suddenly some of them Preseason predictions appear wishful and the ordinary becomes strange. It’s downright frightening how something like this always happens around this time, even if common sense and reason eventually prevail, the costumes are removed and the season continues.

Here are some strange incidents, moments and trends shaping the early schedule as October ends:

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Curry’s ankle scare

Stephen Curry has a sprain Refrigerate it for a few games. Of course, that’s very scary given the history – before he won championships and Kia MVPs, he had to do it Overcome chronically sprained ankles that threatened his career. Oddly enough, those previous ankle sprains developed a silver lining and helped him and the Warriors win titles. His first contract extension was team-friendly due to injury uncertainty and the money available allowed the Warriors to sign Andre Iguodala. The rest is history.

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They don’t boo you, Zubac

They scream “Zuuuu” inside Intuit Dome because Ivica Zubac had the best start and perhaps the best week of his career. The LA Clippers center was dominant near the basket. As of Thursday, he is averaging 18.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. The rating is the biggest surprise. Shout out to James Harden, who finds him on the screen, and roll.

Feed the BIG FELLA pic.twitter.com/WoZDJ6nUSH

– LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 29, 2024

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Westbrook is a ghost of his former self

We hate typing these words to describe a former Kia MVP and future Hall of Famer. Still, Russell Westbrook’s early returns in Denver aren’t favorable. He’s shooting 27% overall, 25% on 3-pointers, and the defense is giving him plenty of room to maneuver as his inability to space the floor is once again causing some pain. To be fair, Westbrook wasn’t signed for his shooting. The Nuggets need his playmaking, passing and defense to compensate. In that regard, he will be fine.

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LaVine tricked you all

Anyone who thought they were washed should look again. Yes, the sample size is small and all, but Zach LaVine is not who you thought he was. LaVine is efficient and aggressive from the start, looks dangerous (43.6% on 3-point shots) and is a far cry from the injury-plagued player of last few seasons. Does that mean he is a guardian for the rebuilding Bulls? Or is he simply increasing his trading value months before the deadline?

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Celtics serve candy

As a team, the Celtics shot 40.7% on 3-pointers and sprinted to a 4-1 start. That’s a good level of efficiency that obviously won’t last all season. But it still gives the rest of the NBA goosebumps because it shows the strength of the shooters on the NBA’s richest roster. (Payton Pritchard just hit another 3 as you read this.)

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Does the halo still fit Haliburton?

In the early months of last season, Tyrese Haliburton was the discovery the league. He’s been largely invisible in comparison in the first few games this season, struggling with his shot (he went 0-8 against the Knicks) as the Pacers look for balls elsewhere. Haliburton has plenty of time to push the Pacers through the in-season tournament again, but this start looks suspect.

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Someone is on the door camera

Cam Thomas is the lead option for a Nets team that has seen Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving in that role in recent seasons. Who knew? Thomas opened the season with 36 points and seems to fit this role. The real test is what this means for Brooklyn as it tries to find an identity under coach Jordi Fernandez.

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Reaves has stuff in his bag

Is it too much to wonder if the Lakers have a big three? Maybe not if Austin Reaves continues at this pace. He’s efficient and productive with the ball (16.8 ppg on 52.5% shooting), makes good decisions, and gets the green light and respect of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who have no problem using him in crucial moments to find. First-year coach JJ Redick also officiates several games for Reaves.

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Should we throw eggs at the Bucks’ house?

It’s probably too early to target, and these early struggles of good teams tend to annoy people. However, the Bucks can’t afford to stumble any longer, not after what they went through last season. The chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is particularly worth seeing. If they’re not on the same page, it spells doom for a team with too many aging pieces and not enough young talent.

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No October 31st for Embiid and George

Make no mistake, this is the No. 1 drama of a season that began without Joel Embiid and Paul George, both of whom were resting in Philly because of knee problems. Her injuries are not considered serious, but still. Embiid played most of the summer for Team USA – he should have missed it Olympia instead? George suffered a mishap in the preseason and is still waiting for his Sixers debut. They are important pieces for a team that could lose valuable standings by the time they return.

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OKC doesn’t open the door to anyone

Only two teams allow this less than 100 points per nightand one of them is thunder. Oklahoma City is showing some serious defensive strengths that could become an advantage throughout the season. Strengthening the defense was the main goal for 2024-25 and OKC added Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason. But the defense has improved largely because of the holdovers, especially Chet Holmgren, who leads the NBA in blocks per game (3.5 bpg). That’s scary.

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Buddy Hield carries a bucket

Do the Warriors have someone who can shoot better than Klay Thompson did last season? Buddy Hield, the designated backup added in the offseason, is that guy. In his first four games with Golden State, Hield averaged 21.2 ppg (on 50% shooting from distance). In the opening game he scored 22 points with five 3-pointers in 15 minutes, then 27 points with seven 3-pointers in 20 minutes in the next game against Utah. With Curry out indefinitely, Hield and his shooting become even more important.

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