The NBA All-Star Game is still three weeks away, but we’re past the midway point of the 2025-26 NBA’s 82 game regular season.
Where do things stand as the calendar turns to February?
OKC vs. The Field?
The defending champs started this season 24-1, and have gone 13-8 since. At 24-1, there was an air of invincibility around them. Currently they are still considered the heavy favorites, but maybe a handful of teams feel like they have a punchers chance?
According to FanDuel, OKC is +105 for the title.
Behind them are Denver at +600, San Antonio +1200, Boston at +1500, and Detroit at +1700.
I guess you’d have to take the field if it was one or other, but it’s pretty hard to picture any team beating the Thunder 4x.
Looking At The Nuggets, Spurs, Celtics, Pistons, and Anyone Else…
Denver is 1st overall in Offensive Efficiency. Nikola Jokic was having another monster year when he was sidelined by injury Dec. 29th. He’s now looking to return here before January ends. Jamal Murray has been healthy and has had a bounce back year, he’s averaging a career high 26 ppg. Their overall depth is improved this year. Hard to imagine anyone beating the Thunder 4x, but you can’t dismiss Denver completely because of Jokic’s greatness.
The Spurs are 31-14, and recently took 2 of 3 from OKC in a 20 day stretch. Victor Wembanyama is certainly must-see when he can get on the court. He’s played in just 31 games so far, and has been limited to a career low 28.8 minutes per game. The Spurs are more than Victor though. They’ve surrounded him with a lot of high end talent he can grow with. I got the sense they entered the year not seeing themselves as a true contender, but here they are. The time is now. If I’m them, I’m not planning on Wembanyama having some extended future. I’m trying to maximize now.
Boston is 2nd overall in Offensive Efficiency, and their about to get back Jayson Tatum. Tatum – who was All NBA 1st Team last year – has been out all season with the Achilles. It’s reasonable to wonder where Tatum will be physically and how the team adjusts around his return; but the Celtics are 28-17, and are getting back one of the best players in the league. If he’s close to right, it should be a net gain. They could probably use another big, but even without they might be good enough to win the East. If you picture them in the Finals, they’d have to be raining 3’s to make it a series. A healthy Tatum, and Jayson Brown is something vs. anyone.
Detroit is 32-11, and leading the East. Detroit is 2nd overall in Defensive Efficiency, trailing only OKC. Offensively tough, their just 16th, which is a pretty good indication they could use some further firepower. What can they add that won’t disrupt the personality and defensive mindset they’ve built? The offense might not be good enough to beat the West winner, but the defensive effort can make each game a rock fight.
Anyone else?
Houston is talented. Still feels like after Fred VanVleet’s preseason injury, they could use another veteran guard.
The Knicks seem to be finding out Tom Thibodeau wasn’t the problem. Offensively they’ve got a starting unit. Two of the five are defensive liabilities. Mike Brown needs to build the bench over the rest of the season. A recharged NY team could still win the East, but any of the West teams would pick them a part.
Minnesota? Seeing them win multiple series against the other West powers gets a little difficult, but the Timberwolves have pieces. If Anthony Edwards decides he’s the best Guard in the World, they’ll be a difficult out vs. anyone.
Cleveland? The Cavs had a great regular season last year. This year has been more of a struggle. If they got to the playoffs healthy, I think their core is good enough – and the rest of the East has enough issues – that they could go on a run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Awards?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -425 for the MVP.
He’s followed by Luka Doncic (he’s an incredibly talented offensive player. He’s also basically unwatchable to me) at +1000, and Cade Cunningham at +1300.
Cooper Flagg is the favorite for Rookie of the Year at -425.
Behind him is Kon Knueppel at +380, and VJ Edgecomb at +2500.
Former Terp Derik Queen is 4th at +10000.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.