Remember those NBA preseason expectations we all had heading into the start of the season? The ones where title contenders, bottom-feeder teams and MVP finalists seemed almost inevitable? Well, whatever expectations there were heading in, all seem pretty meaningless at the quarter-mark of the season, as the drama of the basketball world is beginning to heat up.

The seemingly invincible Golden State Warriors are showing unusual signs of vulnerability lately as the team finds itself with a 6-7 record in games played this November. From increasing locker room issues to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry dealing with injury, the Warriors are showing some regression — leaving the door open for other teams in the Western Conference to capitalize on their slump.

Teams that no one labeled as threats are making early season strides of success that are earning them recognition in their respective conferences. The Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies came into the season with little traction, yet, are quickly turning heads as they are finding ways to win in an incredibly talented Western Conference.

In the Eastern Conference, star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is also putting the Milwaukee Bucks in a great position to compete for the Eastern Conference title, while also making a serious case to come away with the MVP award. Antetokounmpo seems to be doing everything for the Bucks as he is averaging 27.2 ppg and 13 rpg, making the team the second seed in the East.

Simultaneously, teams that were anticipating serious title-contention are off to a very concerning slow start, which has many fans scratching their heads. The Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets are the most notable teams whose early struggles have many questioning if they have legitimate championship aspirations.

The two teams, which both made ironic appearances in their respective Conference Finals in last season’s playoffs, are simply struggling to win games, as they both have mediocre .500 records. Despite both teams having several All-Star caliber players on their rosters, offensive problems and defensive woes remain as road bumps on their path to a postseason run.

Putting aside the wins and losses, the league has already had dazzling performances from several players that make this season that much more enjoyable. Star point guard Kemba Walker, in particular, continues to showcase his offensive abilities as he recently followed up a 60-point game with a 40-point game — becoming the first player to do so since Kobe Bryant in 2006-07.

With outrageously high-scoring games and countless storylines propelling the season early on, NBA basketball is must-see television. The unpredictability that we are seeing this year is something to look forward to, as the past few seasons have been filled with expected outcomes.