We’re two weeks out from the NBA commerce deadline and halfway by means of the 2025-26 NBA season, as tensions are excessive on which star participant will likely be on the transfer subsequent.
The Detroit Pistons stand firmly on the high of the East, stretching their lead over the Boston Celtics to five.5 video games after an exhilarating (and potential Japanese Convention finals matchup) on Monday.
Within the West, the LA Clippers look like on the rise, not too long ago using a six-game win streak behind a Kawhi Leonard and James Harden surge. It is a wave they’re hoping to journey because the battle for the highest six groups within the convention is beginning to warmth up.
As groups across the league are making ready for the second half of an already thrilling season, our NBA insiders checked in on the most important questions surrounding every franchise as they begin turning their consideration to April.
Be aware: Group rankings are primarily based on the place members of our panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Bobby Marks, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) assume groups belong.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 3 | Dec. 10 | Dec. 17 | Dec. 24 | Dec. 31 | Jan. 7 | Jan. 14
Soar to a group:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
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2025-26 document: 36-8
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Earlier rating: 1
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Subsequent video games: @ MIL (Jan. 21), vs. IND (Jan. 23), vs. TOR (Jan. 25), vs. NO (Jan. 27)
Does Jalen Williams get his season on observe?
Dangerous information for one of the best group within the league this week: Williams strained his hamstring and can sit out no less than two weeks and probably longer, in line with the group. It has been a troublesome season for Oklahoma Metropolis’s co-star. His wrist rehab required a second process; he acknowledged the challenges he confronted rediscovering his recreation upon return, and now he is observing one other prolonged absence. With out him, the Thunder will proceed to depend on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sturdy depth, and the continued rise of Chet Holmgren, who seems destined to be the second apparent All-Star for the Thunder. — Slater
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2025-26 document: 31-10
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Earlier rating: 2
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Subsequent video games: @ NO (Jan. 21), vs. HOU (Jan. 23), vs. SAC (Jan. 25), @ DEN (Jan. 27)
Simply how good can their protection get?
Those that do not consider within the Pistons as true contenders have been ready for taking pictures and shot-creation deficiencies to doom the East leaders. Because of a hellacious protection, Detroit’s place among the many elite stays secure. That has been very true this month, because the group has given up a league-low 99.5 factors per 100 possessions — eight factors higher than second-place Oklahoma Metropolis. And in fourth quarters this month, that quantity drops to 91.8. — Goodwill
Can San Antonio preserve its momentum?
The Spurs look like as much as the duty. Within the locker room after San Antonio secured its third consecutive win Monday, within the third straight recreation that Victor Wembanyama drained no less than 4 3-pointers, second-year guard Stephon Castle mentioned how helpful the All-Star break can be for a younger group nonetheless studying deal with success. Apart from the bodily rigors of the primary half of the season, with a number of gamers sitting out prolonged time due to accidents, the Spurs have efficiently overcome the psychological dynamic of being a group with a goal on its again. — Wright
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2025-26 document: 29-15
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Earlier rating: 4
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Subsequent video games: @ WAS (Jan. 22), @ MIL (Jan. 23), @ MEM (Jan. 25), vs. DET (Jan. 27)
What’s Peyton Watson‘s future in Denver?
Watson’s current breakout presents key short- and long-term questions for the Nuggets. He has averaged an environment friendly 21.9 factors, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per recreation to assist the Nuggets go 7-4 since Nikola Jokic went down, utilizing an elevated position to show off-the-dribble creation means. How can the Nuggets make the most of that after the three-time MVP returns? And the way can the Nuggets afford to maintain Watson because the potential contract worth rises for the pending restricted free agent? Rival groups anticipate the Nuggets may look to commerce Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun this summer time if Denver deems re-signing the 23-year-old Watson a precedence. — MacMahon
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2025-26 document: 26-16
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Earlier rating: 7
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Subsequent video games: vs. IND (Jan. 21), @ BKN (Jan. 23), @ CHI (Jan. 24), vs. POR (Jan. 26)
Can the Celtics depend on Jayson Tatum to return?
After Tatum’s public exercise in Detroit on Monday, the query for Boston is not whether or not Tatum plans to return, however how good he’ll look when he does. Boston’s push to second within the East and a 50-win tempo on the midway mark of the season is proof that the Celtics will consider they will make it again to the Finals this season, even with Tatum sitting out many of the season. But when he can return at even 75% of his common caliber this season, Boston most likely would enter the postseason because the East’s favorites to make it to June. — Bontemps
Can Minnesota add some guard assist between now and Feb. 5?
This query will proceed to hold over the Timberwolves till both the commerce deadline passes or they add much-needed guard assist. Rob Dillingham, so far, hasn’t labored out, and Mike Conley is not a long-term resolution. Tim Connelly, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, is understood for making huge swings, and it is truthful to count on him to pursue one other over the subsequent few weeks — Bontemps
Can the supporting solid round Kevin Durant achieve consistency?
Coach Ime Udoka stays assured within the Rockets’ bullying type of play with out a bona fide facilitator working the present. Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in September, desires to return sooner or later this season. Till any potential comeback, younger gamers comparable to Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason must proceed to make strides alongside Jabari Smith Jr. in Houston’s level guard-by-committee method. Durant and Alperen Sengun will proceed to attract additional consideration, however the supporting solid must persistently make opponents pay. — Wright
Is the current slide a blip or an indication of issues to return?
There’s nowhere to cover now; the Knicks are nearing disaster, as being booed at Madison Sq. Backyard towards a depleted Mavs group is perhaps a low level. Since proprietor James Dolan’s proclamation that the Knicks “absolutely have to” reach the Finals, New York is 2-6. Since successful the NBA Cup title in Las Vegas, the protection has given up 119.6 factors per 100 possessions, second worst within the league to the Jazz throughout that span. However it will be significant sufficient to notice that the Knicks are simply two video games off their tempo from final season (25-18 this season in comparison with 27-16 by means of 43 video games in 2024-25). — Goodwill
How will Jalen Green be built-in into their success?
After making his return Tuesday, his first recreation motion since early November due to a proper hamstring difficulty, the Suns’ rotation will now shift to suit Inexperienced into the rotation. Including a 23-year-old dynamic scorer is undoubtedly a superb downside to have for first-year head coach Jordan Ott; shuffling issues on the fly, nonetheless, is all the time a problem, and Phoenix has had a superb factor going to date this season and is using a three-game win-streak. — McMenamin
Will they be capable of considerably improve across the commerce deadline?
With about $40 million in expiring contracts between Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, and both their 2031 or 2032 first-round draft choose to bundle in commerce eventualities, can L.A. discover some sorely wanted two-way wing assist? Sure, Austin Reaves‘ eventual return will present a lift, however this roster wants extra to resemble a real contender. — McMenamin
How does the Jimmy Butler III damage affect them?
Each degree of the group was reeling within the aftermath of Butler’s ACL tear, solely starting to return to grips with the seismic short- and long-term ramifications. The timing of it gives a possibility. The entrance workplace has two weeks to evaluate one of the best path ahead earlier than the commerce deadline. Ought to the group get roughly aggressive? Which picks ought to or should not be on the desk? Does this transformation the Jonathan Kuminga calculus? There are a number of choices out there, however — contemplating Butler’s outsized significance — it is onerous to examine any that lead them again to even fringe competition. This was a franchise-altering damage. — Slater
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2025-26 document: 24-20
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Earlier rating: 12
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Subsequent video games: @ CHA (Jan. 21), vs. SAC (Jan. 23), @ ORL (Jan. 24), vs. ORL (Jan. 26)
Can the Cavs reestablish themselves as East contenders?
Attributable to inconsistencies and accidents up and down the roster — Darius Garland is sidelined once more with a Grade 1 sprain of his proper huge toe, a problem that has plagued him since final season — the East’s preseason co-favorite has struggled to interrupt free from the play-in image. The Cavs, who’ve performed higher in current weeks, hope to get proper through the second half of the season and enter the playoffs wanting extra just like the contender they anticipated to be. — Collier
Can the offense perk as much as league-average effectivity?
Toronto ranks second within the East and fifth total in defensive ranking. However regardless of many extremely paid perimeter gamers, the offense hasn’t saved tempo: On that finish, the Raptors rank ninth within the East and nineteenth total, and each group under them has a dropping document. Typical championship contenders should be no less than league common on each ends of the courtroom, so Toronto wants to indicate significant offensive enchancment — or make a major deadline commerce — to enter the true contender dialog. — Kram
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2025-26 document: 23-19
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Earlier rating: 11
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Subsequent video games: vs. HOU (Jan. 22), vs. NYK (Jan. 24), @ CHA (Jan. 26), vs. MIL (Jan. 27)
What path will the 76ers go in on the deadline?
Philadelphia has had a really encouraging first half of the season, settling into the center of the muddled East playoff image whereas persevering with to get Paul George and Joel Embiid on top of things, and getting dynamic play from All-Star starter Tyrese Maxey and star rookie VJ Edgecombe. However will the 76ers look to enhance the group, or to doubtlessly duck the luxurious tax? — Bontemps
Can Orlando keep in step with a wholesome group?
A projected top-4 group within the East earlier than the season, the Magic haven’t received greater than 4 consecutive video games this season and are solely 4 video games above .500. The excellent news is that the Magic are starting to get wholesome with the return of Moritz Wagner and Franz Wagner. The dangerous information is that the lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. has began solely 11 video games, going 5-6 in that span. — Marks
Can the Warmth discover sufficient consistency to climb the East standings?
Earlier than dropping to Golden State on Monday, the Warmth had their greatest win of the season towards Oklahoma Metropolis at residence. A constructive of late has been Bam Adebayo‘s offense. In his previous 4 video games getting into Tuesday evening, Adebayo was averaging 21.3 factors with 46.4% taking pictures from 3. Tyler Herro‘s well being will likely be value monitoring within the second half of the season. After a career-high 77 video games and an All-Star breakthrough final season, Herro has performed 11 of 44 video games this season due to accidents to his left ankle, proper toe, and, most not too long ago, his ribs. — Marks
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2025-26 document: 22-22
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Earlier rating: 18
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Subsequent video games: vs. MIA (Jan. 22), vs. TOR (Jan. 23), @ BOS (Jan. 26), @ WAS (Jan. 27)
Will the Path Blazers make the playoffs for the primary time since 2021?
For the primary time since falling out of the 2023 play-in race, the Blazers hit midseason fascinated by the postseason. They efficiently navigated a four-game absence from star Deni Avdija, splitting these video games earlier than successful in his return to the lineup Sunday. That received Portland to .500 for the primary time since Nov. 14. With Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday additionally again, the Blazers are more healthy than they have been since beginning the season 5-3. Now they’re going to look to safe a play-in spot with a watch towards the postseason. — Pelton
How lengthy can they maintain this run?
After dropping 21 of their first 27 video games, the Clippers’ turnaround has been outstanding in successful 13 out of 16. Their surge has landed them within the play-in match dialog, however can they elevate even greater within the second half? If Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic can get wholesome, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue may have extra choices down the stretch, with Kobe Sanders, Kobe Brown and Jordan Miller exhibiting development within the meantime. — McMenamin
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2025-26 document: 18-23
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Earlier rating: 22
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Subsequent video games: vs. ATL (Jan. 21), vs. NO (Jan. 23), vs. DEN (Jan. 25), @ HOU (Jan. 26)
Will Ja Morant end the season in Memphis?
After Sunday’s recreation towards Orlando — the kind of explosive efficiency that has made Morant one of many NBA’s hottest gamers — the star guard expressed a desire to remain in Memphis. That most likely will not cease the brass from surveying a possible commerce, however given the Grizzlies’ assortment of expertise that features Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, this group may make a critical push for a play-in spot if Morant is dedicated to the trigger and stays wholesome. — Wright
Will the Bulls discover a path?
Chicago appears caught in a time loop. On the halfway level of the season, its document was 19-22. Its document on the halfway level final season was 18-23. The 12 months earlier than, it was 19-22. How in regards to the 12 months earlier than that? It was 19-22. The Bulls are once more positioned for the No. 9 seed within the East and a fourth straight play-in match. Will something about the remainder of this season give followers hope for a distinct future? — Collier
Can the Hawks generate sufficient offense to remain aggressive?
A 5-10 document of their previous 15 video games — together with a four-game dropping streak since Jan. 13 — has Atlanta clinging to the ultimate playoff spot within the East. Apart from well being, the large query transferring ahead is whether or not the Hawks have sufficient offense. Atlanta has ranked twenty ninth in offensive effectivity since Dec. 22. Atlanta ranks sixteenth in 3-point share, regardless of rating third in makes an attempt. The Hawks additionally rank third worst in free throw makes an attempt. Jalen Johnson, a breakout star this season who’s averaging 23 factors, is averaging 16.3 factors — fourth greatest on the group — throughout this four-game skid. — Marks
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2025-26 document: 16-27
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Earlier rating: 23
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Subsequent video games: vs. CLE (Jan. 21), @ ORL (Jan. 22), vs. WAS (Jan. 24), vs. PHI (Jan. 26)
How do the Hornets speed up their rebuild?
On observe to win the franchise’s most video games since 2021-22, the Hornets will spend the second half evaluating a run on the postseason … in 2027. It is clear Charlotte has one constructing block in place in Rookie of the 12 months contender Kon Knueppel. In the meantime, LaMelo Ball‘s current resurgence gives hope he can stick round long run. The Hornets should work out how the remainder of the gamers match and the place veteran expertise may assist speed up the timetable, as we have seen with Detroit and Houston in current seasons. — Pelton
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2025-26 document: 18-24
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Earlier rating: 20
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Subsequent video games: vs. OKC (Jan. 21), vs. DEN (Jan. 23), vs. DAL (Jan. 25), @ PHI (Jan. 27)
How can the Bucks salvage this season?
The Bucks are coming off an enormous victory towards the Hawks on Monday, a win that brings them to inside putting distance of the No.10 seed and no less than a spot within the East play-in match. However simply sneaking in has not been the aim for the Bucks or celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo. Can the Bucks pull off an enormous commerce on the deadline to construct round Giannis and alter their fortunes, or will they be capable of put collectively a successful streak that may catapult the group up the standings? — Collier
Will Anthony Davis return to the Mavs’ lineup?
The group introduced that Davis can be sidelined six weeks due to ligament damage in his left hand. And whereas the Mavs’ interim co-general managers proceed to interact in commerce discussions involving Davis, sources mentioned that possession doesn’t really feel stress to make a deal if Dallas does not get gives that it deems pretty much as good worth. If Davis stays on the roster previous the Feb. 5 deadline, count on discussions about whether or not it is within the franchise’s greatest curiosity for the star ahead to return in any respect this season. — MacMahon
When will the Jazz make successful as many video games as doable the aim once more?
That is the fourth season of Utah’s rebuild, and holding the top-eight-protected choose owed to Oklahoma Metropolis — which turns to mud if not conveyed on this draft — is clearly the precedence. There may be optimism within the Jazz group {that a} leap to competitiveness will likely be made this season. The group’s brass believes the Jazz have a stable core in place with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler, whom Utah intends to maintain in restricted free company. After the addition of one other lottery choose, an true try to succeed in the postseason is anticipated subsequent season. — MacMahon
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2025-26 document: 12-29
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Earlier rating: 26
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Subsequent video games: @ NYK (Jan. 21), vs. BOS (Jan. 23), @ LAC (Jan. 25), @ PHX (Jan. 27)
Will the Nets commerce Michael Porter Jr.?
Brooklyn’s win over Chicago final week — the Nets almost gave it away within the last quarter after constructing an 18-point lead — prevented this present slide from hitting the eight-game mark. Amid a 2-10 stretch, issues look like quiet on the Porter commerce entrance. The ahead, who’s having a career-best season, has loads of curiosity across the league, however the Nets have not begun to significantly entertain something because the deadline approaches. With a five-game street swing coming that takes Brooklyn into February, it is going to be fascinating to see if talks warmth up. — Goodwill
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2025-26 document: 12-32
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Earlier rating: 27
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Subsequent video games: vs. TOR (Jan. 21), @ CLE (Jan. 23), @ DET (Jan. 25), @ NYK (Jan. 27)
Is Domantas Sabonis on the group previous the deadline?
After sitting out 27 video games due to a meniscus tear, Sabonis quietly returned to the Kings‘ lineup this previous week, easing again in a 20-minute bench position. The pre-deadline timing permits Sabonis to aim to get a rhythm and show to the league that he is wholesome, whereas the Kings, league sources mentioned, plan to discover potential offers within the subsequent two weeks. Sabonis is owed $42.3 million this season, $45.4 million subsequent season, and $48.6 million within the last 12 months of his present contract. It is a hefty contract to maneuver, however Sabonis is the kind of expertise who will intrigue sure midtier groups searching for a shake-up and an inside increase. — Slater
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2025-26 document: 10-35
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Earlier rating: 30
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Subsequent video games: vs. DET (Jan. 21), @ MEM (Jan. 23), @ SA (Jan. 25), @ OKC (Jan. 27)
With the Pelicans headed towards one of many NBA’s worst data, the place do they shift their focus?
The event of rookie lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will take heart stage the remainder of the season. Since New Orleans has no lottery incentive to lose video games, the Pelicans’ veterans round them won’t get shut down early. But it surely’s additionally vital for New Orleans to maintain Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson wholesome whereas being cautious with the return of guard Dejounte Murray, out since January 2025 due to an ACL tear. That ought to permit Fears and Queen loads of alternatives to work on their recreation. — Pelton
Will the pingpong balls cooperate on the draft lottery?
In 1996-97, the Spurs fell from a 59-23 document the earlier 12 months to 20-62 amid a slate of accidents. However that misplaced season introduced in No. 1 choose Tim Duncan — and, finally, 5 titles — to San Antonio. Quick-forward three a long time, and Indiana’s injury-plagued hole 12 months would possibly find yourself being value it in the long run, if the Pacers land a high prospect within the draft. — Kram
How a lot does Trae Young play?
Regardless of a current stretch of first rate play, the Wizards are nonetheless almost assured of ending with a robust lottery place — and of retaining their top-eight-protected draft choose. ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index tasks Washington to complete with the NBA’s worst document. So the group’s largest query, as an alternative, is how a lot its new star acquisition performs as he works his manner again from damage, and whether or not he can begin to jell together with his younger teammates earlier than the 2026-27 season. — Kram
