It has been a busy 12 months already, with a jam-packed 2025-26 NBA common season choosing up tempo as we head into the brand new 12 months.
It is a shut race on the high of the East with the Detroit Pistons holding robust at No. 1 after an explosive begin to the season. However the New York Knicks should not far behind. After profitable the third annual NBA Cup, the Knicks are sporting the No. 3 greatest offense within the league in December.
Within the West, regardless of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder shedding extra video games this month than they did the whole season up so far, they’re nonetheless on the high of the standings. However control the race for the play-in as we method the again half of the common season, as groups hold their eye on that postseason ticket.
Can the San Antonio Spurs overtake the defending champs? How will accidents proceed to have an effect on the East? Let’s have a look at the place our NBA insiders stack all 30 groups for the final time in 2025.
Word: Workforce rankings are based mostly 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 this season.
Earlier rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 12 | Nov. 19 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 3 | Dec. 10 | Dec. 17 | Dec. 24
Soar to a staff:
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: 28-5
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Earlier rating: 1
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Subsequent video games: vs. POR (Dec. 31), @ GS (Jan. 2), @ PHX (Jan. 4), vs. CHA (Jan. 5)
In his 13 video games since getting back from an advanced proper wrist damage, Jalen Williams is averaging 17.3 factors on 45% capturing, a small step down from his 21.6 factors on 48.4% a season in the past. Williams stays a high-impact two-way wing, chipping in 5 assists, 5 rebounds and almost two steals per night time. However the subsequent development in his return to All-NBA third-team type is a bump in his scoring and capturing manufacturing. He is taking two fewer 3s and making one fewer per recreation. As he will get more and more reacclimated and aggressive, the Thunder may get scarier. — Anthony Slater
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2025-26 document: 23-9
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Earlier rating: 5
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Subsequent video games: vs. NYK (Dec. 31), @ IND (Jan. 2), vs. POR (Jan. 3), @ MEM (Jan. 6)
Victor Wembanyama known as what the younger Spurs are actually experiencing “a transition in our season” after enduring the highs of contending within the NBA Cup, together with three wins over defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis over the span of 12 days. “We now have to have the ability to cool down after that,” Wembanyama mentioned after San Antonio misplaced two in a row for the primary time since mid-November. There is no doubt the Spurs might be up for the duty of Wednesday’s rematch with the New York Knicks, however De’Aaron Fox advised ESPN the staff must study to take that very same method in opposition to middling groups. — Michael C. Wright
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2025-26 document: 23-9
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Earlier rating: 3
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Subsequent video games: @ SA (Dec. 31), vs. ATL (Jan. 2), vs. PHI (Jan. 3), @ DET (Jan. 5)
Right here come the Knicks, no? They’ve pulled to inside a recreation of top-seeded Detroit within the East with a few ugly wins on the street in opposition to New Orleans and Atlanta. Doing it with utility man Josh Hart out with an ankle damage delivers extra credit score to Mike Brown & Co. It is value mentioning that Brown has squeezed manufacturing not simply from Tyler Kolek, however Mohamed Diawara in New Orleans (18 factors in 18 minutes) and Kevin McCullar Jr. in Atlanta (13 factors, eight rebounds in 23 minutes). The mandate was to develop the bench, and thus far, Brown is reaching simply that. — Vincent Goodwill
Detroit has sputtered a bit on the West Coast, shedding a detailed recreation to Utah and being bested by the Clippers because of Kawhi Leonard’s 55. Vital to recollect, the Pistons have succeeded up so far regardless of the plain concern about capturing, and that concern has reared its head in December — 32.8% from 3-point vary, worst within the league. They’re nonetheless ready on Jaden Ivey to show the nook, with “endurance” being the phrase utilized by one key staffer lately, however he’s capturing 40% from 3 in 17 video games. Additionally of observe: Their 14 house video games path solely the Rockets (12) within the fewest within the affiliation. They’re going to depart house as soon as within the first 21 days of January. — Goodwill
After dropping 5 out of seven, Houston jumped again on the profitable observe with victories in three consecutive video games. The streak improved the Rockets to 20-10, marking the second straight 12 months they’ve began 20-10 or higher by way of 30 video games — a feat they have not completed because the 2019-20 season. Now, 5 street video games out of the following six await, beginning Thursday in Brooklyn. Kevin Durant has produced 4 30-point performances in his previous seven outings, and Amen Thompson is coming off his sixth recreation with 20 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. — Wright
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2025-26 document: 22-10
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Earlier rating: 4
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Subsequent video games: @ TOR (Dec. 31), @ CLE (Jan. 2), @ BKN (Jan. 4), @ PHI (Jan. 5)
Reinforcements are on the horizon for the Nuggets, who misplaced a fourth starter to damage when three-time MVP Nikola Jokic suffered a hyperextension of his left knee that may sideline him for no less than 4 weeks. Coach David Adelman has mentioned that the staff is optimistic that energy ahead Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and capturing guard Christian Braun (ankle) will be capable to return from their prolonged absences sooner or later throughout the 5 video games remaining on the Nuggets’ street journey. Lineups that includes Jamal Murray, Gordon and Braun have a plus-14.3 web score in 171 minutes this season, however Jokic was on the ground for all however a kind of minutes. — Tim MacMahon
Jaylen Brown has been on a season lengthy heater in Boston because the staff’s undisputed No. 1 scoring choice, however that is gone up a notch in December. Getting into Tuesday’s recreation in opposition to the Jazz in Utah, Brown has scored no less than 30 factors in all 9 video games he has performed this month, and 10 of the previous 11 he has performed total. That is acquired him in rivalry for an All-Star starter spot within the East and has Boston comfortably sitting among the many high three groups within the convention. — Tim Bontemps
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2025-26 document: 21-12
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Earlier rating: 8
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Subsequent video games: @ ATL (Dec. 31), @ MIA (Jan. 3), @ WAS (Jan. 4), vs. MIA (Jan. 6)
Minnesota may stand to be the most important beneficiary of the unlucky information of Nikola Jokic’s hyperextended left knee. The Wolves entered Tuesday’s motion a half-game out of fourth place within the West, and 1.5 video games behind Denver for third place. With the three-time MVP now set to overlook the following a number of weeks along with his damage, Minnesota has a golden alternative to reestablish itself as a top-four staff out West — presuming the Timberwolves can begin to get out of their very own means and play with the consistency they’ve struggled to indicate thus far this season. — Bontemps
With L.A. reeling from a three-game shedding streak and the information that Austin Reaves could be sidelined no less than a month due to a left calf pressure, the Lakers turned to an unlikely hero in a 125-101 win over the Kings: Nick Smith Jr. The 21-year-old combo guard, who signed with L.A. on a two-way contract after being waived by the Hornets, scored 21 factors in 24 minutes off the bench to assist get the staff again on observe. — Dave McMenamin
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2025-26 document: 19-13
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Earlier rating: 13
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Subsequent video games: @ CLE (Dec. 31), vs. SAC (Jan. 2), vs. OKC (Jan. 4), @ HOU (Jan. 5)
The Suns may have an opportunity to shut out 2025 with their fifth straight win (and sixth of their previous seven video games) with a victory in Cleveland on Wednesday. Throughout its current uptick, Phoenix has held its opponents to 105.8 factors per recreation on 44.2% capturing total (32.2% from 3) and has compelled 15.4 turnovers per recreation. All three of these metrics are in vary with the league’s No. 1 protection, the Thunder, which permits 107.9 factors per recreation with its opponents capturing 43.4% total (37.3% from 3). — McMenamin
A few clutch wins in a back-to-back have buoyed the Raptors’ standing following a stoop, which included a dismal 21-point loss in Washington. Toronto beat the Warriors in extra time and nipped the Magic by one level, and Scottie Barnes was the star in each video games. He posted a 23-point, 25-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in opposition to Golden State and sank the game-winning free throws in opposition to Orlando, serving to to cement his All-Star case. — Zach Kram
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2025-26 document: 18-15
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Earlier rating: 10
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Subsequent video games: @ IND (Dec. 31), @ CHI (Jan. 2), vs. IND (Jan. 4), @ WAS (Jan. 6)
Orlando’s inconsistency continues this season. In a span of per week, the Magic have misplaced to Charlotte at house, beat Denver after which misplaced by one level to Toronto on the street. Orlando is three video games over .500 and has not gained consecutive video games in December. The Magic are 3-4 since Jalen Suggs injured his hip on Dec. 13. Suggs’ alternative within the beginning lineup, Anthony Black, has been a constructive for this up-and-down staff. In December, Black averaged 18.6 factors and recorded a career-high 38 factors within the Denver win. — Bobby Marks
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2025-26 document: 18-15
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Earlier rating: 15
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Subsequent video games: @ DET (Jan. 1), vs. MIN (Jan. 3), vs. NO (Jan. 4), @ MIN (Jan. 6)
The Warmth are the epitome of how rapidly issues can change within the NBA. Every week in the past, Miami was coming off a 21-point loss at house to Toronto, its eighth loss in 9 video games. Every week later, Miami is using a three-game profitable streak with wins over Atlanta, Indiana and Denver. The Pacers and Nuggets wins noticed Miami rating over 140 factors for the eighth time this season. Miami is now 8-0 in these video games. The Warmth proceed to be with out Tyler Herro. The All-Star has performed solely six video games and is out with an injured toe. — Marks
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2025-26 document: 17-16
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Earlier rating: 16
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Subsequent video games: @ CHA (Dec. 31), vs. OKC (Jan. 2), vs. UTAH (Jan. 3), @ LAC (Jan. 5)
The Warriors performed 13 gamers for no less than 5 minutes of their current win over the Nets. That did not embrace Jonathan Kuminga, who hasn’t seen the ground in 5 video games. Kuminga stays the identify to look at as his Jan. 15 commerce eligibility date nears. League sources proceed to point the Warriors will actively discover his market. Although the Warriors have been enjoying higher basketball of late — they’re 6-4 of their previous 10 video games with the sixth-ranked protection and Tenth-ranked offense — there’s nonetheless an apparent hole between their present stage and real looking rivalry. Utilizing Kuminga’s $22.5 million wage is the clearest means for an improve. — Slater
Philadelphia stopped a three-game skid with a win in Memphis on Tuesday night time, because the 76ers proceed to jockey for place in the course of the Jap Convention playoff image. Though Joel Embiid has shuttled out and in of the lineup with varied points, the 76ers are getting nearer to complete from a well being standpoint with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford returning to apply this week, and their anticipated returns will give a staff that skews small some much-needed measurement on the wings. — Bontemps
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2025-26 document: 18-16
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Earlier rating: 14
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Subsequent video games: vs. PHX (Dec. 31), vs. DEN (Jan. 2), vs. DET (Jan. 4), @ IND (Jan. 6)
Cleveland averted dropping to .500 with an upset victory over a red-hot San Antonio squad this week, and the Cavs are hoping to show that victory into some much-needed momentum as they limp into the brand new 12 months. The Cavs additionally moved Lonzo Ball out of the rotation Monday, a wholesome DNP-CD for his or her largest offseason addition. Coach Kenny Atkinson mentioned it was about getting Ball some relaxation, regardless that he has been struggling, and particularly contemplating the Cavs’ upcoming schedule, which incorporates seven of the following 9 video games in opposition to present playoff contenders. — Jamal Collier
Three video games again from a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, guard Ja Morant seems to be discovering widespread floor with coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant has shot almost 60% from the sphere and from 3-point vary whereas averaging 6.6 assists over that span, which included a 40-point efficiency within the Grizzlies’ extra time loss to the 76ers on Tuesday night time. Jaren Jackson Jr. is coming off his second 30-point recreation of the season, however Memphis continues to work by way of a rash of accidents with a pair of street video games in opposition to the Lakers on deck. — Wright
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2025-26 document: 15-17
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Earlier rating: 19
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Subsequent video games: vs. NO (Dec. 31), vs. ORL (Jan. 2), vs. CHA (Jan. 3), @ BOS (Jan. 5)
Simply when Chicago had rediscovered its early-season magic, accidents have threatened the Bulls’ progress. Each members of their beginning backcourt, Josh Giddey and Coby White, left Monday’s recreation with an damage, and each have been dominated out for Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Pelicans. The Bulls are starting a stretch of six video games within the subsequent 9 days, so they will not get a break in motion whereas they wait to get wholesome. — Collier
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2025-26 document: 14-19
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Earlier rating: 20
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Subsequent video games: @ OKC (Dec. 31), @ NO (Jan. 2), @ SA (Jan. 3), vs. UTAH (Jan. 5)
As faculty followers discovered throughout his 5 years at North Carolina and Arizona, Caleb Love runs cold and hot, and the undrafted Blazers rookie has been up these days. He has scored double figures in 4 consecutive video games off the bench as Portland continues to navigate accidents at guard, together with 42 factors because the Blazers swept a house back-to-back in opposition to Boston and Dallas. Additionally key to that stretch, which has stored Portland in play-in place: 36 factors and 29 rebounds from heart Donovan Clingan, who shot an equivalent 8-of-10 from the sphere each video games. — Kevin Pelton
Giannis Antetokounmpo is again, and though he’s nonetheless working by way of a minutes restriction, the Bucks have gained consecutive video games for the primary time since October. They nonetheless have some vital floor to make up, sitting in eleventh place and out of doors of the East play-in match, however their schedule this week provides them a very good probability at a bounce begin with video games in opposition to the Wizards, Hornets and Kings. — Collier
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2025-26 document: 15-19
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Earlier rating: 17
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Subsequent video games: vs. MIN (Dec. 31), @ NYK (Jan. 2), @ TOR (Jan. 3), @ TOR (Jan. 5)
The Hawks have gone from a staff anticipated to contend within the East to 1 now combating for a play-in spot. Winless of their previous seven video games, Atlanta is 2-11 in December. The Hawks’ protection, a energy early within the season, has now been their Achilles’ heel. Together with the three losses within the current week to Miami, New York and Oklahoma Metropolis, Atlanta has allowed no less than 120 factors since Dec. 5. A constructive could possibly be the return of Kristaps Porzingis. The Hawks are a plus-9.9 factors per 100 possessions when Porzingis is on the court docket with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson. When he doesn’t play, Atlanta is minus-3.4. — Marks
The Clippers began their climb out of the Western Convention’s basement by clinging to Kawhi Leonard as he carried them again towards respectability. Getting into Tuesday night time, the Clippers had been using a current four-game profitable streak over the Lakers, Rockets, Blazers and Pistons. Throughout that span, Leonard averaged 39 factors on 51.6% (44.1% from 3) with 9.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per recreation. Their streak continued as they defeated the Kings on Tuesday. — McMenamin
Keyonte George is displaying indicators of rising as an elite nearer. His recreation winner in opposition to the Pistons on Friday was his third game-tying or go-ahead bucket within the ultimate 5 seconds of the fourth quarter or extra time this season. That matches essentially the most such pictures made within the first 30 video games of the season by any participant since 1998-99. George is tied for eighth within the league with 62 clutch factors. The Jazz have outscored opponents by 33 factors in George’s 64 clutch minutes. — MacMahon
Because the Mavs discover the commerce marketplace for Anthony Davis, the opposite participant obtained as a part of the return bundle within the broadly criticized Luka Doncic commerce is offering cause for optimism that he could be a part of the franchise’s core into the longer term. Max Christie, 22, is capturing a career-best 46.6% from 3-point vary as a part-time starter. In line with NBA Superior Stats, Christie has an efficient subject purpose share of 76.2% on catch-and-shoot alternatives, the very best within the league among the many 61 gamers with no less than 120 makes an attempt. — MacMahon
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2025-26 document: 11-21
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Earlier rating: 23
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Subsequent video games: vs. GS (Dec. 31), @ MIL (Jan. 2), @ CHI (Jan. 3), @ OKC (Jan. 5)
The Hornets acquired one among their greatest wins this season on Boxing Day, going to Orlando for a 120-105 win over the Magic regardless of shedding rookie standout Kon Knueppel to an ankle sprain. With Knueppel out Monday and Miles Bridges additionally taking place with a first-quarter ankle damage, Charlotte noticed its two-game profitable streak snapped by Milwaukee. One quiet storyline for the Hornets: the event of 2024 lottery decide Tidjane Salaun, who’s averaging 9.0 PPG and 4.8 RPG since getting back from the G League to begin December. Nonetheless simply 20, Salaun has dramatically improved his effectivity in Yr 2. — Pelton
By some means, the Nets have climbed to being a decent staff, Monday’s house loss to the Warriors however. They’ve achieved it on the again of the league’s greatest protection in December (even higher than the league-leading Oklahoma Metropolis), giving up 103.5 factors per 100 possessions, and their web score within the month trails solely the Celtics. Cam Thomas made his return after lacking almost two months with an injured hamstring and dropped 30 in a win over Minnesota. The three-man unit of Michael Porter Jr, Nic Claxton and Noah Clowney is a drive to be reckoned with — size, athleticism and simply sufficient capturing. Competence in Brooklyn appears to be rising, props to Jordi Fernandez. — Goodwill
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2025-26 document: 8-25
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Earlier rating: 28
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Subsequent video games: vs. BOS (Jan. 1), @ PHX (Jan. 2), vs. MIL (Jan. 4), vs. DAL (Jan. 6)
Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine had been each understanding individually following the staff’s Tuesday morning shootaround in Los Angeles. LaVine was going by way of a full-speed 3-on-3 session, nearing his return from a current ankle damage. Sabonis was off to the aspect, testing his left knee with strengthening band work. He is out no less than one other month with {a partially} torn meniscus. With out their two highest-paid gamers, the Kings sit on the backside of the convention as one of many extra attention-grabbing groups on the commerce deadline. — Slater
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2025-26 document: 8-26
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Earlier rating: 25
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Subsequent video games: @ CHI (Dec. 31), vs. POR (Jan. 2), @ MIA (Jan. 4), vs. LAL (Jan. 6)
After profitable 5 consecutive video games, the Pelicans have now misplaced their previous 4 in opposition to a tougher schedule. They had been aggressive in back-to-back house losses to Phoenix, marred by Jose Alvarado’s struggle with Mark Williams, then once more on Monday in a five-point loss to New York. Zion Williamson made his return to the beginning lineup in opposition to the Knicks and responded with a season-high 32 factors in simply 29 minutes on 11-of-16 capturing. He has shot 65% from the sphere over the previous six video games whereas averaging 10 free throw makes an attempt in that span. — Pelton
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2025-26 document: 7-24
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Earlier rating: 30
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Subsequent video games: @ MIL (Dec. 31), vs. BKN (Jan. 2), vs. MIN (Jan. 4), vs. ORL (Jan. 6)
Washington gained consecutive video games for the primary time this season and is now a decent 4-4 since a 3-20 begin. The Wizards even swept the season sequence with Memphis. Rookie Tre Johnson returned from a hip damage simply earlier than that stretch started and has performed a giant position throughout it, averaging 14.4 factors in simply 22 minutes per recreation whereas making 45% of his 3-point makes an attempt. — Kram
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2025-26 document: 6-27
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Earlier rating: 29
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Subsequent video games: vs. ORL (Dec. 31), vs. SA (Jan. 2), @ ORL (Jan. 4), vs. CLE (Jan. 6)
Indiana’s shedding streak has reached 9 video games, plunging the Pacers to the underside of the NBA standings. That is excellent news for Indiana’s pingpong balls within the lottery subsequent spring, no less than: In line with ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, Indiana now has the second-best probability of touchdown the No. 1 decide within the 2026 draft, behind solely the Wizards. — Kram
