Right or Wrong? Impressions After Opening Night(s)

The season is 1-2 games old for every team, so it's time for some early extrapolating.

NBA games don't exist in a vacuum. That isn't to say that one must know the game to appreciate it. But we poke around with teams' rotations, speculate on the impact of new acquisitions, pore over schedules, and judge media buzz to prime ourselves for what is to come. We study the game because we enjoy it. Making projections gives us shortcuts to interpret what we watch; to get upset at unfulfilled expectations, take joy in what we knew to be true, and feel surprised at the emergence of the unknown.

There is infinite data to take into consideration. With the season finally here, we can finally see if we picked the right data. Well, after one game, we can see if we're on the right track.

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young can be a legitimate, cornerstone player

Verdict: Correct. There are times he is simply unconscious. He showed that against the Pistons with 16 first quarter points. If he curbs his turnovers, he is a top point guard.

Boston Celtics: Losing Kyrie was worse than Al

Verdict: Wrong. Kemba had a tough debut, but the matchup was not favorable against the Sixers. The same could be said for Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis, but even on the defensive end, they were getting scored on at will.

Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie's ball-dominance hurts their wings

Verdict: Wrong. Kyrie's debut performance was a masterpiece, and could be considered a special occasion not meant to draw conclusions. But even after scoring 50 points, Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, and Spencer Dinwiddie were able to space out, and create shots for themselves.

Charlotte Hornets: They are definitively the worst team in the league

Verdict: Wrong. I will definitely come to regret this verdict, but PJ Washington looked sensational. He had 7 3s in his first 31 minutes, after making just 37 in 72 games with Kentucky. They beat the upbeat Bulls without much from Terry Rozier.

Chicago Bulls: They will have long-shot playoff buzz

Verdict: Wrong. They lost to the Hornets and needed a comeback against the Grizzlies. Their defense is horrific.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland and Collin Sexton can co-exist

Verdict: Correct. It will be a work in progress, but Sexton definitely has the offensive skillset to create off the ball. Both are gifted scorers.

Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs don't have a third guy

Verdict: Correct. This isn't necessarily a negative, this third "guy" can be a revolving door. It does make it easier on opponents to game plan, though. Easier against Luka and Kristaps isn't saying much though.

Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic is an MVP candidate

Verdict: Correct. His season debut started like a wet firecracker after 3 fouls in the first 3 minutes, but he still finished with 20-13. Jokic still does Jokic things, but the questions remains if the Nuggets' record will be enough to warrant his consideration.

Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin is needed to win

Verdict: Probably Correct. A 1-1 split between the Hawks and the Pacers met expectations. Derrick Rose has opened the offense dramatically, especially for Luke Kennard and Andre Drummond, but it's not consistent enough firepower to make the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors: Defense will be a problem

Verdict: Correct. Playing the Clippers is only an excuse that can take you so far. Especially when it's Ivica Zubac that's beating up on you.

Houston Rockets: Westbrook and Harden don't fit together

Verdict: Wrong. Westbrook's shot chart looked analytics-friendly. Harden will continue to be Harden. They lost to the Bucks, but the duo's pace-setting was enough to make an elite transition defense look sub-optimal.

Indiana Pacers: Sabonis and Turner don't fit together

Verdict: Wrong. Despite grotesque form, Myles Turner can shoot the 3-ball well. While Domantas Sabonis works inside, he is crafty enough with the ball to get to the hoop.

Los Angeles Clippers: They are the best team in the league

Verdict: Correct. They beat the Lakers and Warriors convincingly. They play mistake-free like they're in midseason form. Kawhi Leonard is somehow becoming an even greater playmaker. It's a dangerous, deep team, just like we expected.

Los Angeles Lakers: Their depth will be problematic

Verdict: Probably Correct. Not having Kyle Kuzma, a reliable scoring threat, hurt in the opener. His return will be more than welcome, but trotting out Troy Daniels, KCP, and Dwight Howard for consistent minutes is ... troubling.

Memphis Grizzlies: They will be a fun, losing team

Verdict: Correct. Brandon Clarke looks like he can be a solid, long-term pro. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are as bouncy as advertised. But they're still not a winning franchise.

Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo will contend for Most Improved Player

Verdict: Correct. This is accurate just by looking at him on the court. He knows where to be on the court at all times, and he is overpowering defenders with the ball in his hands.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis can repeat as MVP

Verdict: Correct. It's the same Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he's less scared to take (and make) 3-pointers. Yikes.

Minnesota Timberwolves: KAT can't lead this team to any results

Verdict: Wrong. This is Towns' team, and he's taken up the mantle with ease. He's been a monster, posting 35+ points and 10+ boards in 2 wins.

New Orleans Pelicans: This is a deep team that will contend for the playoffs

Verdict: Correct. They are 0-2, but they've demonstrated high-level communication on offense out of the gate. Adding Zion makes them competitive against every team.

New York Knicks: The Knicks have 3 points guards and no points guards

Verdict: Correct. Dennis Smith Jr is playing with no confidence. Elfrid Payton can't conduct an offense. The staff don't even want Frank Ntilikina to play. I guess it's on RJ Barrett's shoulders? It's not not promising.

Oklahoma City Thunder: This team actually isn't that bad

Verdict: Wrong. They kept it close with the Jazz. But same with the Wizards, too. And now they sit at 0-2. But now we know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is legit, as he continues to play well.

Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon will take next steps

Verdict: Incomplete. The two are very flexible on defense, but offensively they still leave much to be desired. They may get more comfortable as the season goes on.

Philadelphia Sixers: They will have the best defense in the league

Verdict: Correct. The Sixers made Kemba Walker look like he belonged on the Hornets. The Celtics have shooters, but the length and quickness of Philly's defense showed itself.

Phoenix Suns: They won't win much, but don't look horrible this year

Verdict: Correct.

Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are depleted on the wings

Verdict: Incomplete. With Dame Lillard and CJ McCollum in the backcourt and Zach Collins and Hassan Whiteside in the front court, it seems like Terry Stotts is trying to mask a weakness on the wings. It remains to be seen if Rodney Hood and Kent Bazemore can produce consistently.

Sacramento Kings: Their offense will take another leap

Verdict: Incomplete. The Kings were massively disappointing against the Suns in the season opener, but Phoenix had answers. With Marvin Bagley III out for 4-6 weeks, Sacramento's offense will naturally regress until his return.

San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs are on the playoff bubble

Verdict: Incomplete. They took care of the Knicks easily, but not without problems of their own. San Antonio turned the ball over at an alarming clip, though it's less surprising of an outcome for Gregg Popovich's youngest team.

Toronto Raptors: The Raptors can't contend in the East anymore

Verdict: Probably Correct. They actually looked pretty good against the Pelicans and Celtics. Pascal Siakam has shown that he can be the guy there. But that front court is worrisome, and Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet is a small backcourt.

Utah Jazz: Mike Conley is in the best situation of his career

Verdict: Probably Correct. Conley himself laughed at an anomalic 1-for-16 night. He is a smart playmaker surrounded by shooters and Rudy Gobert. He'll be alright.

Washington Wizards: It's Bradley Beal and the rest

Verdict: Incomplete. Even as the focal point of every opponent's game plan, Beal continues to put up All-Star numbers. Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura have been pleasant offensive surprises. If they keep it up, it's not all bad in DC.