Which teams, thus far, have impressed beyond initial expectations? In turn, which teams have squandered any form and fan momentum that they had before the season started? We will look at which teams you should get behind, get out from and the teams you should remain calm with and keep the faith.

Buy: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks got off to an awful start, there’s no denying that. Sure, they won some game against easier opponents this week, but thats not why you should buy. They have the best scorer in the game in Kevin Durant, who has recently been bumped up to a 97 rating, the highest in the game. He is unstoppable at scoring, and elite offense will always beat elite defense. At 3-10, they are going to continue to climb back to .500. They have to be better, with no incentive to lose. Easy money to make when they finish on a reasonable 40+ wins.

Sell: Indiana Pacers

I was a big proponent of the Pacers being true contenders for the 2022 season, but at this point, it looks like I will lose plenty on my initial investment. The Pacers look to have the size and depth, but in a league that sees the top teams possessing multiple stars, Embiid on his own isnt enough. There have been rumours of talks around Russell Westbrook, but teams couldn’t come to terms. The Pacers can definitely be better. But, they are 2-8 at the time of writing and have been lifeless without Embiid. I was wrong.

Hold: Golden State Warriors

Does everyone love the self hype of Titles and the Warriors? You would have to ask the rest of the league. But I was all about the Warriors off season moves, the injection of talent, and I still think the foundation is there for them to be a team that wins a playoff series. Lavine, Ayton and Lowry is a terrific trio and I just dont see them as a team that warrants the record they currently possess, 3-9. Im not going anywhere. Go, Dubs!

Buy: Miami Heat

I wont sugar coat it at all. So far, Miami Heat have been bad. They have won just one game in three weeks. They have also been as injury affected as any team, maybe even the most significantly. Imagine adding Ben Simmons, Jonathan Isaac, Rudy Gay (and this week Malcolm Brogdon) to a team that has Cj, Portis and Bamba. I think with a full team, we are talking top tier of the East. Will it happen? Im happy to take a cheeky flier.

Sell: Philadelphia 76ers

Ben is a pillar of the community and an intelligent, pragmatic and successful GM, but the composition of the 76ers roster just has me uneasy. I am struggling to find the complementary nature of many of the pieces, as well as the chasm between the 30+ year old vets and the raw prospects. The record is at about .500, but I think its still unders for what the teams goals would be. If the game stayed 2k21, then they probably arent on the sell list. However, it’s a cold new world, and Im interested to see what happens in Phila (with no investment). I just cant talk myself into this situation.

Hold: New York Knicks

The Knicks had one of the best records in the league last season and arguably have more talent this season. Whats changed? I think the Knicks are just figuring out player roles and what lineups work best. Its an easy decision to back in Smokey and stay strong on the initial investment. Heck, even look at buying if you are feeling frivolous.

Buy: Oklahoma City Thunder

If I had of compiled this article a week ago, I wouldnt be recommending this stock to you. However, I think the Thunder have something. It always takes a month of results and experimenting with lineups and strategies before conclusions can be drawn. This week, they look gritty, capable and there is a nice spread of responsibility across the team. Edwards looks like a star and the Thunders size and depth is en vogue in the 21-22 NSL season. Despite Wiz not being very vocal, I think the Thunder can make noise. I’m hopeful.

Sell: Cleveland Cavaliers

Woah, woah, woah, the Cavs!? The freaking 7-3, world beating Cavs? I objectively have to say, sell. If you get on the Cavs, you got on at a great price. You would have tripled your investment by now. The smartest move is to get off, and its no disrespect to the Cavaliers. I think Dylan is a great GM and 2k enthusiast, which is a recipe for success. But they have had an easy run so far, playing many lowly teams. Do you see the Cleveland as a top four East team, led by Evan Fournier?

Hold: Orlando Magic

You know how I talked about all that objectivity previously? Here, its all about faith. Their team makeup zigged when the new settings/game zagged, which is just bad luck. The talent is there, the depth is there and the trade assets are there. Whats missing? This is the question keeping Gav awake at night, as well as when he sees his face in the mirror. I dont have an answer, but he cares about winning as much as anyone, and I will always value that trait highly.