The NBA season has not commenced as expected for several teams that were viewed as potential playoff contenders. Notably, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers have experienced difficulties early in the season, despite making prominent offseason acquisitions. Both teams find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, while the Orlando Magic have struggled significantly to generate offensive momentum. The situation is compounded for the New Orleans Pelicans, whose challenges may extend beyond their extensive injury list.

The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold a record of 2-8 and a net rating of minus-5.1, placing them 22nd overall in the league. They are currently enduring a six-game losing streak, a beginning that falls far short of their championship aspirations. Their only victories have come against a Philadelphia 76ers team missing both Joel Embiid and Paul George, and a struggling Utah Jazz team with a record of 1-6. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard continue to deliver impressive individual performances, the contributions from the rest of the roster have been minimal. Bobby Portis is the only other player averaging in double figures at 13.3 points per game, as the team seeks the return of Khris Middleton, who has yet to play this season due to offseason ankle surgeries. Additionally, Gary Trent Jr., initially viewed as a key signing, has underperformed and was recently benched. With the Bucks ranking in the lower half of both offense and defense, the team must find solutions quickly to remain relevant in the playoff conversation.

In similar straits, the New Orleans Pelicans are faced with a 3-7 record and a net rating of minus-10.6, ranking them 27th overall. The team has been severely impacted by injuries to key players such as Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, who has been the only starter available consistently. The Pelicans have struggled with their center position, where both Daniel Theis and rookie Yves Missi have shared starting duties, resulting in a negative net rating for both. While Ingram’s scoring has been essential for the team, it may be prudent for New Orleans to explore trading him once Trey Murphy III returns. The Pelicans aim to secure wins while awaiting their injured players, although the center position remains a pressing issue for them.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have started their season with a 4-5 record and a net rating of plus-4.0, ranking ninth overall. While not a poor start, the expectations were likely higher following a promising offseason. The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to a core that includes Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart presents significant talent. Despite mirroring last season’s opening record of 3-4, in which they eventually won 50 games and secured the second seed in the East, the Knicks have witnessed a decline in their defensive performance. The transition from Isaiah Hartenstein to Towns has not yielded the desired results; the team’s defense gives up 14.1 more points per 100 possessions with Towns on the floor. Coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive schemes, faces a challenge as the Knicks' defense currently ranks 20th overall. While there is no immediate cause for panic, the Knicks must address their defensive vulnerabilities.

The Orlando Magic find themselves with a record of 5-6 and a net rating of plus-2.2, sitting at 13th overall in the league. Last year, the Magic excelled defensively but struggled with offensive playmaking and three-point shooting. This season, although maintaining a sixth overall defensive ranking, their offensive performance has plummeted to 29th, surpassing only the struggling Utah Jazz. The team's three-point shooting accuracy lingers at a meager 30.3%, a decline from the previous season's 35.2%. Although Paolo Banchero has missed some games, the core group, including Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, needs to improve their offensive rating, which currently rests at a disappointing 111.7. The acquisition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has also not panned out, as he is averaging just 6.8 points with a 24.4% accuracy from beyond the arc. Upgrades at the point guard position and improved shooting remain vital for the Magic’s aspirations to compete effectively.

Finally, the Philadelphia 76ers face a dire start with a record of 2-7 and a net rating of minus-7.3, placing them 27th overall. The team has navigated injuries affecting all three of their All-Stars. Joel Embiid has yet to step on the court due to lingering issues with his left knee, while Paul George recently made his debut and Tyrese Maxey is now sidelined with a hamstring injury. The anticipated collaboration among Embiid, George, and Maxey may be delayed until after Thanksgiving. Following the return of Embiid, the team plans to manage his and George's playtime, particularly in back-to-back games, as stated by president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. With age and health concerns affecting their star players, the 76ers' current situation could escalate into a troubling season unless they can string together a few wins. Despite the overall struggles in the Eastern Conference outside the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, there remains hope for the Sixers to rebound quickly once their key players return to the lineup.