5 Teams that have exceeded expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season so far

#3 Orlando Magic- W-L Record: 5-2

Milwaukee Bucks v Orlando Magic.

The Orlando Magic have had an impressive start to the 2020-21 NBA season. Of course, they have made it to the NBA Playoffs in the last two seasons with a similar core of players and with coach Steve Clifford calling the shots on the sidelines.

Still, a 5-2 record to start the season has been surprising from an Orlando roster that has many weapons but no elite players.

Nikola Vucevic has been their offensive leader. The center is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per game, and he is an underrated player. Vucevic has made 52% of his field goals and 47% of his three-pointers (5.4 attempts per game).

Terrence Ross has been huge from the bench and is averaging 20 points per night. Beyond Vucevic and Ross, Orlando has three other players scoring over double figures on a nightly basis: Evan Fournier, Markelle Fultz, and Aaron Gordon.

---

#2 Indiana Pacers - W-L Record: 5-2

Boston Celtics v Indiana Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers have been in the NBA Playoffs for the last five seasons. Now, with a similar group of players from last year, but with a new coach in Nate Bjorkgren, Indy's start has been impressive.

They got off to a 3-0 start and have a 2-2 record in their last four games. They have registered wins over the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and New Orleans Pelicans, four NBA teams that are over .500 at the moment.

Domantas Sabonis has been the best all-around player for the Pacers. He is averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists per night. Malcolm Brogdon (22 PPG) and Victor Oladipo complete Indiana's trio of 20-point scorers per game.

---

#1 New York Knicks - W-L Record: 4-3

New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers.

The New York Knicks have shocked almost the entire NBA world with their solid start to the 2020-21 NBA season.

Coach Tom Thibodeau started his stint with the New York Knicks with two predictable losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, the Milwaukee Bucks and the two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo visited the MSG on December 27th, and the Knicks beat them soundly by 20 points.

The Knicks have won four of their last five games. The wins include a payback victory against the Indiana Pacers, their blowout against Milwaukee, and a recent win over the red-hot Atlanta Hawks.

Julius Randle has been the main contributor for the Knicks. The left-handed forward is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists per game.

However, New York has five players apart from Randle with an average of at least 10 points per game: Alec Burks, RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton, Austin Rivers, and Immanuel Quickley.

More importantly, they have had this tremendous start without their main rookie, Obi Toppin, who suffered a strained calf and has just one appearance to his name.

---