2025-26 NBA season: What you missed, largest storylines to observe

The NBA is rarely boring — and this season isn’t any completely different.

There have been shocking begins, each in good (we see you, Pistons) and dangerous (sadly, we see you, too, Clippers) methods. There have been scandals (sure, plural) which have solid a shadow over a number of franchises. There was one ignominious ending (perhaps) for an all-time nice in Chris Paul, and we might probably be seeing the final season of LeBron James, arguably the best participant within the historical past of the game.

Alongside the way in which, there have been loads of outstanding performances by the league’s stars, resulting in enjoyable motion on a nightly foundation.

With all of that in thoughts, we created a cheat sheet to get you caught up on the whole lot that has occurred throughout the NBA over the previous few months — and the whole lot that’s set to occur between now and June, when the subsequent NBA champion shall be topped.

Here is a have a look at the previous, current and future tales throughout the league, and the whole lot our reporters and analysts assume it’s essential to know:

Soar to:
What you missed up to now | Largest questions
All-Star projections | Award races
All-NBA ballots | Projected standings
Lottery watch | Commerce candidates

5 belongings you may’ve missed up to now

The champs are again with a vengeance, however can they go back-to-back? The 2024-25 Thunder have been the second-youngest championship crew in league historical past, behind the 1977 Path Blazers. The Thunder adopted that historic season with a 24-1 begin to this marketing campaign and a record-setting level differential. Simply a few weeks in the past, it appeared like their march to a second title — and snapping a seven-year stretch with no repeat champion — was inevitable.

However that was earlier than three matchups with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in a 12-day span — one in Las Vegas within the NBA Cup semifinals, one in San Antonio and one in Oklahoma Metropolis — led to OKC defeats.

After a double-digit loss to the Spurs on Christmas, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s reigning MVP, mentioned: “You do not lose to a crew 3 times in a row in a brief span with out them being higher than you.” We can’t go fairly that far — these Spurs have but to play a playoff sport — however between the Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets and Timberwolves, the Western Convention playoffs ought to be great.

Youth is being served throughout the league: The Pistons, simply two years after setting the NBA’s document for consecutive losses, are atop the Japanese Convention with a 24-8 document behind early MVP contender Cade Cunningham (24 years previous), rising huge man Jalen Duren (22) and Ausar Thompson (22), one of many league’s premier perimeter defenders.

Whereas the Rockets added veteran Kevin Durant this offseason, continued progress from kids Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard have the Rockets primed for a deep playoff run. And did we point out what the Spurs have achieved up to now?

In the meantime, the rookie class has had an immediate affect. Cooper Flagg is off to a terrific begin in Dallas, and Dylan Harper in San Antonio and VJ Edgecombe in Philadelphia are enjoying vital roles for potential playoff groups. They don’t seem to be alone. Kon Knueppel has been excellent in Charlotte, the place second-rounder Ryan Kalkbrenner additionally could be a long-term choice to begin at heart. Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are off to spectacular begins for the Pelicans, too, and Cedric Coward has established himself as a future constructing block for the Grizzlies. That is plenty of affect from one rookie class, notably earlier than the calendar flips to January.

The yr won’t ever be forgotten in Dallas: Chaotic would not start to explain these previous 12 months for the Mavericks, from the beautiful Luka Doncic commerce to Kyrie Irving tearing an ACL to touchdown Flagg by way of the No. 1 decide within the draft lottery. The chaos finally led to common supervisor Nico Harrison’s dismissal a couple of weeks into this season after a dismal begin and ongoing anger towards him for buying and selling Doncic to Los Angeles.

However whereas that commerce won’t ever have clarification, the Mavericks touchdown Flagg introduced them with the two-way celebrity groups dream of buying. Within the first few weeks of his professional profession, Flagg confirmed why he was such a coveted prospect. He has repeatedly achieved issues that just one different touted teenager, LeBron James, has ever achieved.

A tough three months for the Clippers: The franchise was projected as a top-six seed within the Western Convention with the 2026 All-Star Sport headed its method. It has made headlines on and off the court docket, nonetheless, and none has been optimistic.

Since September, the Clippers have been beneath investigation for wage cap circumvention regarding a sponsorship take care of Kawhi Leonard. Earlier this month, the crew shockingly parted methods with franchise icon Chris Paul. And the roster, the oldest within the NBA coming into the season, is close to the underside of the standings at 10-21.

To make issues even worse, LA’s unprotected 2026 first-round decide is headed to the Thunder as a part of the 2019 Paul George commerce — the present that retains on giving for the defending champs.

Federal investigations into unlawful sports activities betting and rigged poker video games: The indictments of Path Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Warmth guard Terry Rozier and former participant Damon Jones rocked the league and have left each organizations scrambling.

Billups and Rozier have been positioned on indefinite depart by the NBA. Billups has been changed on an interim foundation by assistant coach and former Spurs heart Tiago Splitter. From an NBA perspective, essentially the most attention-grabbing questions surrounding the Warmth are whether or not they may get compensation for the first-round decide traded to accumulate Rozier in January 2024 and whether or not Miami shall be allowed to commerce him. — Tim Bontemps

5 huge questions

Is the Thunder’s chase for the wins document already over?

Most likely. It appeared extra cheap two weeks in the past once they stormed into Las Vegas for the NBA Cup on a 16-game win streak with a glowing 24-1 document, the precise mark that the 73-win Warriors had by 25 video games. However the Thunder misplaced to the Spurs in Vegas, succumbed to a late Anthony Edwards-led surge in Minnesota after which have been blown out two extra instances by the Spurs.

So that they’re 27-5, placing them notably behind tempo for the document. These record-breaking Warriors have been 36-2, 37-3, 48-4 and 55-5 as they rolled by the common season. The Thunder are able to rattling off a couple of extra main win streaks to threaten an outdoor shot on the document, however they’ll afford solely three extra losses. Even reaching 70 wins has grow to be a stiff problem. They’d need to go 43-7 within the remaining 50 video games. — Anthony Slater

May this be LeBron James’ remaining season?

Simply have a look at the clues. James is within the remaining yr of his contract. His longtime good friend and agent, Wealthy Paul of Klutch Sports activities, instructed ESPN over the summer season that James did not ask for an extension with the Lakers. We have additionally seen James cease to odor the roses in some situations — like when he posted love for town of Toronto after L.A.’s lone journey there this season, and when he waxed poetic about how a lot he’ll miss electrical street arenas after the Lakers performed in Philadelphia.

James has additionally let it’s recognized how a lot he’s prepared for different issues to occupy his time and pursuits moreover NBA basketball. Previously week, he mentioned he is not certified to talk about Jazz guard Keyonte George’s All-Star credentials as a result of he’s watching an excessive amount of YouTube golf in his spare time. He additionally mentioned at this level in his life, he is able to be house along with his household quite than enjoying on Christmas Day.

This might simply be the prolonged wind-down to a Corridor of Fame profession and the countdown will actually start in his twenty fourth or twenty fifth season. Then once more, we is also wanting forward on the final 50 or so regular-season video games that James has left in him. — Dave McMenamin

Are the Pistons for actual?

Among the numbers recommend so, even when the rocket-like trajectory may give one pause. The Pistons rating second in protection, trailing solely Oklahoma Metropolis, would assist that principle. Cunningham being a top-five MVP candidate, together with Isaiah Stewart being one of many league’s finest inside defenders, are two parts that may’t be ignored. It seems like being a bottom-third crew in 3-point capturing will harm them, however it hasn’t up to now as a result of they’re so good within the clutch (No. 1 within the league) and hellacious on protection.

The Pistons do not feel the necessity to tinker with the roster but, preferring to let the younger gamers jell collectively extra. Even when the Knicks overtake them atop the East, it is onerous to see some other crew within the convention doing so. They’re actual. — Vincent Goodwill

May Giannis Antetokounmpo actually be traded?

The chasm between the Bucks and championship rivalry has grown exponentially this season. The Bucks sit in eleventh place, 1½ video games again from the Japanese Convention play-in event. Earlier than the season, Antetokounmpo mentioned one of many targets for the crew was to not be eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs, and because it stands, the Bucks are taking a look at not even reaching the primary spherical. Antetokounmpo has missed 12 video games as a consequence of harm, and his supporting solid has gone 2-10 with out him.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Dec. 3 that Antetokounmpo and his agent opened discussions with the crew about his future. Since then, the Bucks have been in a free fall, which is why all eyes throughout the NBA are targeted on Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo’s future. — Jamal Collier

What’s subsequent for the Clippers?

Earlier than the Clippers misplaced Ivica Zubac to an ankle harm that may sideline him for a number of weeks the Clippers misplaced 13 of 15 video games. The season has been an absolute catastrophe and that is not even accounting for the Aspiration cloud that hovers over the franchise, or the Paul fiasco. Nonetheless, it is onerous to think about the Clippers choosing a full reset. Oklahoma Metropolis controls their 2026 first-round decide and swap rights to the 2027 first-round decide, so there is no incentive to tank.

On the similar time, they are going to be conscious of sustaining future flexibility. For years, the Clippers have been planning to make splashes in the summertime of 2027 when Kawhi Leonard’s contract comes off the books. James Harden additionally has an choice for $42 million for the 2026-27 season. Except Harden sours on L.A. and desires a transfer to a contending crew, the sound prediction is the Clippers will discover choices to enhance round Leonard and Harden close to the deadline and climb into the play-in.

The Clippers will all the time consider they’ll make some postseason noise with a wholesome Leonard and Harden if they’ll add extra scoring, protection and much-needed youthful athletic legs. They’ve some vets reminiscent of Brook Lopez and Bogdan Bogdanovic with cheap expiring contracts that include crew choices to presumably make strikes earlier than the deadline. — Ohm Youngmisuk

Projecting the remainder of the season

Here is how ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index sees the season enjoying out:

A detailed race for the highest seed within the East: Detroit is presently up 2½ video games on New York, however the Knicks’ stronger preseason projection means they’ve a slight edge on this battle. New York earns the highest seed in 61% of simulations utilizing BPI, as in comparison with 33% for the Pistons. Well being the remainder of the way in which might form whether or not the East playoffs run by Detroit or New York.

The battle for second within the West: Houston is fourth within the standings, however a positive remaining schedule (best amongst doubtless West playoff groups, per BPI) and a strong plus-8.8 level differential (third finest within the league) imply the Rockets nonetheless end second in 40% of simulations, greater than the 35% for the Nuggets. The Spurs (20%), presently second, are additionally very a lot within the combine.

Prime groups in play-in? The Cavaliers and Warriors each received playoff sequence a yr in the past, however BPI suggests each might land within the play-in this season. (Golden State was within the play-in a yr in the past, falling simply wanting a top-six seed after including Butler on the commerce deadline.) The Warriors end within the high six in simply 37% of simulations, whereas Cleveland is at 66% — a far cry from final yr, when the Cavaliers have been battling for the NBA’s finest document at this level. — Kevin Pelton

Commerce candidates to observe

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta Hawks

The checklist of candidates is headlined by the two-time MVP Antetokounmpo and the 10-time All-Star Davis. However simply because each shall be talked about in commerce conversations main as much as the deadline doesn’t imply both shall be moved. Whereas the Bucks are on the skin of the playoffs, they’re nonetheless trying to enhance their roster round Antetokounmpo. They’ve one tradable first-round decide (2031 or 2032) and Myles Turner, Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma — three gamers combining to earn $60 million this season.

In the meantime, after beginning 5-15, the Mavericks have gone 7-6 of their previous 13 and are in rivalry for one of many remaining play-in spots. Will that success and a potential return of Kyrie Irving put the Davis commerce talks on maintain? Or will a looming extension this summer season — Davis is eligible to signal a four-year, $275 million deal — have the Mavericks nonetheless trying to transfer the large man?

Elsewhere, Kuminga, who signed a two-year, $46.5 million contract in late September, turns into eligible to be traded on Jan. 15. After beginning the Warriors’ first 12 video games, Kuminga has fallen out of the rotation, not enjoying in seven of the Warriors’ previous eight contests.

In New Orleans, accidents proceed to affect Williamson. He’s averaging 21.1 factors, 2.7 assists and capturing 58.6% from the sphere in December. The 2019 No. 1 decide and All-Star is on tempo to play fewer than 65 video games for the sixth time in seven seasons. As a result of these accidents, Williamson’s wage in 2026-27 and 2027-28 stays non-guaranteed.

Lastly, regardless of enjoying solely 13 video games with Atlanta, Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract is a invaluable commerce chip. Porzingis is presently out with an sickness. — Bobby Marks

Projecting the All-Star rosters

The All-Star Sport format has modified once more, with three groups that includes eight-man rosters — two of which shall be made up of American gamers, and a 3rd of worldwide choices. Here is what Zach Kram predicts the rosters will appear to be for the sport, which is Sunday, Feb. 15, in Los Angeles:

Japanese Convention

Write it in pen:

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Karl-Anthony Cities, New York Knicks

Write it in pencil:

Bam Adebayo, Miami Warmth
Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Norman Powell is the primary man out within the East. There could be room for only one All-Star from the Warmth, and Adebayo has a barely stronger case due to his defensive contributions and Powell’s relative stoop in December. Pascal Siakam and Michael Porter Jr. have excelled for dangerous groups, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have regarded nice, however are the third and fourth choices in New York. Orlando is the one crew within the East’s high 10 with no participant on this All-Star checklist, as a result of it is onerous to find out who would make sense to signify the Magic: Desmond Bane endured a horrible, extended interval earlier than discovering his footing, and Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have misplaced manufacturing as a consequence of accidents.

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Western Convention

Write it in pen:

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Write it in pencil:

Deni Avdija, Portland Path Blazers
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

The West All-Star race is extremely crowded, leaving many worthy candidates on the skin wanting in. Devin Booker is the best snub right here, because the chief of the West’s most shocking competitor, however his effectivity (thanks largely to a 30.1% 3-point stroke) is not as much as the extent of the opposite All-Star candidates. Julius Randle is a tricky reduce as nicely, and the circumstances for Lauri Markkanen, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard endure as a result of their groups are up to now behind within the standings.

Per the necessities of the brand new All-Star format, the present projected rosters embrace both 15 Individuals and 9 worldwide gamers, or 14 Individuals and 10 worldwide gamers, relying on which group will get Cities, who was born in New Jersey however performs for the Dominican nationwide crew. That would depart a spot or two open for commissioner Adam Silver so as to add to the Individuals’ All-Star class, which is sweet information for Booker and Randle. — Kram

Early award race ballots

We requested our insiders to provide us their rankings for the key awards:

MVP

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
5. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

At this level, by very slim margins, Jokic takes it. Just lately, Jokic’s greatness has been reaffirmed, whereas Oklahoma Metropolis’s blistering tempo has tailed off. Jokic is the league chief in win shares per 48 minutes, which has traditionally been the best indicator of the award over the previous 40 years. Cunningham has not solely taken a leap this season, however he is simply the most effective defender among the many candidates. Doncic and Brunson have been wonderful and ought to be names to observe as this race nears the end line. If the Cavaliers weren’t struggling so mightily, we might be speaking about Mitchell. Similar with Maxey in Philly. Would not it appear to be everyone seems to be holding a spot till Wembanyama begins inserting his title on the award yearly? — Goodwill

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Rookie of the Yr

1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
2. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
3. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

The rookie class has adjusted properly, with plenty of gamers are already making actual contributions, albeit not all in successful contexts. Flagg has settled in properly in December, changing into the youngest participant in NBA historical past to attain 40 factors in a sport. His school teammate, Knueppel, is on his heels, changing into the quickest participant ever to 100 made 3-pointers and looking out like a future cornerstone for the Hornets. In the meantime, Queen has achieved all he can to make Pelicans followers neglect what it value to accumulate him on draft evening.

Loads of different rookies have had robust moments, together with Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe and Jeremiah Fears. How this group evolves over the subsequent few months and past ought to proceed to justify all of the optimism. Flagg is the headliner, however there’s much more common season to be performed right here. — Jeremy Woo

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Defensive Participant of the Yr

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
3. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

This shall be Wembanyama’s award to lose, presuming well being, for years to return. It is superb to see how simply his presence on the court docket causes even the most effective scorers within the sport as we speak, reminiscent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson, to play otherwise. Nevertheless, it is a sensible chance Wembanyama will not meet the 65-game threshold. In that case, Holmgren — because the rim-protecting anchor of among the finest defenses within the league — ought to be a heavy favourite to say the respect. — Bontemps

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Most Improved Participant

1. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
2. Deni Avdija, Portland Path Blazers
3. Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

As a matter of non-public philosophy, my favourite MIP candidates are already a couple of seasons into their careers, when it is extra spectacular to enhance from a set baseline than for second- or third-year gamers. Johnson and Avdija are the favorites for now, as the 2 24-year-olds ought to each make their first All-Star groups as a consequence of huge leaps with extra on-ball duty than ever earlier than.

Amongst a minimum of a dozen different cheap candidates for the ultimate spot on this early poll, Queta will get the nod due to his significance to an overachieving Celtics squad. Within the first prolonged beginning stretch of his profession, as a fill-in for the departed Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, the Celtics have a plus-6.6 internet ranking with Queta on the court docket, versus simply plus-2.6 with out him. — Kram

Early All-NBA ballots

We additionally requested Kevin Pelton to provide us his All-NBA predictions:

First crew

1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
2. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
4. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Second crew

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
4. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
5. Karl-Anthony Cities, New York Knicks

Third crew

1. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
2. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors
3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The problem of doing All-NBA groups earlier than the season’s midpoint is the right way to deal with accidents. Proper now, the 12 video games Wembanyama has missed due to a calf pressure signify practically a 3rd of the schedule. By season’s finish, they might be a footnote — until Wembanyama misses sufficient further video games (a minimum of 17 complete) to be ineligible for All-NBA, a looming risk for Antetokounmpo as nicely.

For now, I’ve slotted them as in the event that they’re eligible, however they’ve performed so comparatively little time, which bumps Antetokounmpo to the second crew and Wembanyama to the third crew. Stephen Curry (9 video games missed) is in an analogous spot by way of eligibility, however he hasn’t been fairly as dominant when wholesome and would not earn a spot. Neither does Austin Reaves, who has performed at an All-NBA degree so far however will miss an prolonged interval due to a Grade 2 calf pressure.

In fact, essentially the most notable exception is LeBron James, who has already missed 16 video games, that means he’ll nearly actually be ineligible to increase his document streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA appearances. — Pelton

Projecting the 2026 NBA draft lottery

Here is how ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index sees the order for the lottery, which can happen in Might:

The pronounced race to the underside that league insiders have anticipated for months has been compounded by simply how robust the very high of the 2025 draft class appears. The standings are tightly packed, and all 4 lottery spots will carry main penalties this season. Whereas ESPN’s No. 1 prospect Darryn Peterson has missed a lot of the season due to harm, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer have stepped ahead as two of the most effective gamers in school basketball. Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings are among the many subsequent group approaching robust. This can be a season when dropping huge comes with further incentive.

It is price noting that the BPI index appears considerably favorable for the Clippers, predicting a return to the center of the pack. With that decide presently belonging to Oklahoma Metropolis, the remainder of the league would doubtless approve of that situation. Some enchancment can also be anticipated from New Orleans, which can doubtless convey its decide to Atlanta unprotected.

The final word look of the lottery will hold on who has which decide, much like what we final noticed in 2022. Peterson’s absence has left the door extensive open for Dybantsa and Boozer, who’re every making convincing circumstances to go No. 1, difficult what had been a smooth preseason consensus in favor of the Kansas guard. How that trio fares throughout convention play can have main implications, however suffice it to say, there shall be a number of groups that depart the lottery room grinning in Might. — Woo