With not less than 41 video games within the books for each NBA crew, let’s take inventory of what we have discovered from the primary half of a 2025-26 marketing campaign already filled with shock contenders, historic performances and loads of twists and turns. (And one commerce!)
A pair of younger groups — the defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the resurgent Detroit Pistons — raced out to large leads in each conferences. Commerce sagas surrounding star forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis have dominated headlines for months. In the meantime, unsure futures for LeBron James and Chris Paul have put a highlight on the league’s subsequent technology.
There have been many different standout storylines by the primary half. And after conversations this week with coaches, executives and scouts across the league, let’s study one factor we have discovered from every crew.
Stats are up to date by Wednesday’s video games.
Leap to a crew:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GS
HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM
MIA | MIL | MIN | NOP | NYK
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | POR
SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
Lesson on the midway mark: Trae Younger’s protection wasn’t the one situation.
A lot was product of Younger’s awkward slot in Atlanta earlier than he was traded to the Wizards final month. However whereas the crew’s protection had cratered within the restricted minutes Younger has performed this season, his offensive impression could not be denied. With the elite facilitator off the court docket this season — he performed simply 10 video games due to proper leg accidents — the Hawks’ offense ranked twenty fifth within the NBA.
Lesson on the midway mark: Neemias Queta is perhaps a starting-caliber middle.
When Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford departed by way of commerce or free company this offseason, a large gap opened. The Celtics turned to the 26-year-old Queta to fill the hole. He has achieved so admirably, with Boston 5.4 factors per 100 possessions higher when he performs, with a protection that may rank second within the league when he is on the court docket. Queta, who’s the primary Portuguese-born participant in NBA historical past, has performed a big position in Boston’s spectacular first half with out injured celebrity Jayson Tatum. “I believe he is a starter,” a Western Convention scout advised ESPN. “He does every part you need in a middle.”
Lesson on the midway mark: Michael Porter Jr. has turn into an intriguing commerce candidate.
After Brooklyn obtained a first-round decide from Denver in a part of the offseason deal to land Porter, the objective for any crew within the Nets’ place ought to be to parlay the ahead into one other decide on the best way out. Porter has sustained his effectivity whereas taking up the No. 1 scoring position for the rebuilding franchise, which ought to appeal to loads of contending groups between now and Feb. 5.
Lesson on the midway mark: Regardless of criticism, LaMelo Ball has been a optimistic contributor.
Few gamers are extra polarizing than Ball, one of many league’s most fun stars however one who has confronted questions on how a lot he contributes to profitable basketball. This season has began to offer a solution, because the Hornets are greater than six factors per 100 possessions higher when Ball is on the court docket, with an offense that may rank third within the league when he performs — and twenty seventh when he does not.
Lesson on the midway mark: They nonetheless want to choose a path.
The Bulls are on tempo to complete beneath .500 for the fourth straight season. However with massive expiring contracts and a few intriguing younger gamers, Chicago has choices. Because the commerce deadline approaches, the query stays whether or not the Bulls will likely be prepared to decide on one, or as a substitute proceed to wallow in mediocrity. One focus amongst sources is the way forward for Chicago’s two impending unrestricted free agent guards, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, between now and the commerce deadline.
Lesson on the midway mark: Darius Garland is the important thing.
A lot has gone sideways for the Cavaliers, who’re nowhere close to final season’s 64-win tempo. The largest change has concerned Garland, each when it comes to availability and impression when he does hit the court docket. In comparison with final season, when the guard guided the league’s finest offense, Cleveland’s offense is greater than eight factors per 100 possessions worse when he performs. With Garland coping with one other toe harm, any likelihood Cleveland has to get well final yr’s magic begins with getting its All-Star again on monitor.
Lesson on the midway mark: Cooper Flagg is the actual deal.
The 19-year-old Flagg struggled when he was thrust into full-time level guard duties all through the primary few weeks of the season. However since Mavericks coach Jason Kidd shifted Flagg again to his pure place on the wing, his numbers have exploded: 20.5 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals per recreation whereas capturing 48% from the sector. Different gamers placing up these numbers this season: Nikola Jokic, Jalen Johnson and Alperen Sengun.
Lesson on the midway mark: Peyton Watson is making a contract push.
Amid a ridiculous rash of accidents in Denver, Watson has probably earned a increase this summer season. Since Nikola Jokic injured his knee on Dec. 29, Watson has averaged 22.1 factors, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks whereas capturing 49.5% general and 41.5% from 3. These numbers led one high-ranking league govt to estimate that Watson, a restricted free agent this summer season, may fetch a contract close to $20 million per season.
Lesson on the midway mark: It is time to take Detroit critically.
A protracted-standing benchmark for true championship rivalry has been rating inside the highest 10 in offense and protection and inside the highest 5 in web ranking. On the midway mark of this season, Detroit was eleventh in offense, second in protection and tied for second in web ranking — a outstanding exhibiting from a younger crew nonetheless rising collectively. Because the commerce deadline approaches, will probably be fascinating to see whether or not Detroit bolsters its roster for a title run or stays affected person. For now, every part coming from the entrance workplace alerts the latter.
1:40
Stephen A.: Warriors headed for first-round exit with out Butler
Stephen A. Smith says he’s “devastated” for Jimmy Butler after his season-ending harm and believes it should result in a first-round playoff exit for the Warriors.
Lesson on the midway mark: De’Anthony Melton has had an underrated impression.
Golden State’s plans have been despatched careening in a brand new and unlucky path when Jimmy Butler III suffered a torn ACL on Monday. Butler’s harm not solely overshadows Golden State’s current improved play, but in addition Melton’s spectacular return from his personal ACL tear suffered early final season. Melton has practically doubled his factors per recreation from December to January, capturing 49% from the sector and 40.8% from 3 this month. And the Warriors have been a staggering 19 factors per 100 possessions higher with Melton on the court docket. “He is been superb. He suits wherever,” an Japanese Convention scout mentioned.
Lesson on the midway mark: Reed Sheppard is correct on schedule.
When Sheppard struggled opening night time towards the imposing Oklahoma Metropolis protection, questions arose about how the second-year guard would fare as a key member of a rotation that lacked a real facilitator within the wake of Fred VanVleet’s knee harm. Persistence from the Rockets has been rewarded, and Sheppard — who’s averaging 13 factors, capturing over 40% from 3 and getting 1.4 steals per recreation — is offering high-impact play off the bench, corresponding to when he scored 21 factors in Tuesday’s comeback win over San Antonio. “Folks wrote him off manner too early,” the East scout mentioned. “I believe persons are beginning to respect him extra, however individuals poked too many holes in his recreation. He can play.”
Lesson on the midway mark: Issues are proper on schedule.
It has been a grotesque yr for the defending East champs, who’ve the second-worst win share within the league. However Tyrese Haliburton’s seasonlong absence has given Indiana the possibility so as to add a high-lottery decide to its core. However the Pacers won’t wait till June; sources mentioned the Pacers may look to accumulate gamers forward of the commerce deadline to expedite a return to rivalry subsequent season.
Lesson on the midway mark: Kawhi Leonard continues to be a power.
Amid the Clippers’ terrible begin and the continuing investigation into potential wage cap circumvention, Leonard’s improbable season has largely flown beneath the radar. The 2-time Finals MVP is averaging a career-high 28.2 factors and a league-leading 2.2 steals. And since LA’s 14-3 run started on Dec. 20, no participant has scored greater than Leonard’s 32.7 factors per recreation.
1:09
Stephen A. sounds off on Knicks protection: ‘They’re horrible’
Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Canine” Russo attempt to make sense of the New York Knicks’ downward spiral since Christmas.
Lesson on the midway mark: The protection simply is not adequate.
The Lakers have gone 13-2 in clutch-time video games this season. However whereas that’s the finest win share within the league, that late-game success has additionally allowed Los Angeles to punch above its weight. Not solely are the Lakers being outscored on the season, their protection is twenty fifth within the league, forward of cellar dwellers in Brooklyn, New Orleans, Sacramento, Washington and Utah. That is merely not adequate to be thought-about a fringe contender, not to mention contending for residence court docket within the playoffs, which is why sources anticipate the Lakers to deal with perimeter assist between now and the commerce deadline.
Lesson on the midway mark: Ja Morant is perhaps on his manner out, however he is not serving to.
NBA groups will put up with loads if gamers are price it. Memphis sticking with Morant this lengthy has been a primary instance. The actual fact the Grizzlies are actually open to buying and selling him, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this month, suggests the 26-year-old guard now not has that profit. Any glints of Morant’s All-NBA recreation — his stellar efficiency Sunday in London and his 40 factors towards the 76ers amongst them — have been exceptions to a season hampered by career-low capturing percentages.
Lesson on the midway mark: Miami’s new-look offense has stalled.
Miami’s new free-flowing offense created early season buzz however has since slumped to twentieth within the league in effectivity, consistent with the crew’s previous three seasons (twenty first, twenty first and twenty fifth). Getting simply 11 video games from All-Star guard Tyler Herro has been a part of the difficulty, however the Warmth’s lack of a real floor-raising offensive expertise has been apparent. And Miami is perhaps in even worse form had the franchise not traded for All-Star hopeful Norman Powell and his 23.7 factors per recreation.
Lesson on the midway mark: No commerce will return the Bucks to contender standing.
It is simple to view any roster together with Giannis Antetokounmpo as a title contender, particularly on this season’s wide-open East. The ends in Milwaukee have proven in any other case. The Bucks, a constant East powerhouse due to Antetokounmpo for practically a decade, have spent weeks sitting exterior of the play-in image. And though they have been a dismal 3-11 when Antetokounmpo does not play, the Bucks are simply 15-14 when he does. Given the franchise’s lack of commerce belongings, a fortune-changing transfer to construct across the two-time MVP won’t exist. “The Bucks ought to be tanking this season,” an East govt mentioned. “That might allow them to begin off their rebuild with a excessive decide in a deep draft.”
Lesson on the midway mark: Rudy Gobert is again within the Defensive Participant of the Yr dialogue.
Gobert will flip 34 in June, however his days as one of many league’s most imposing defenders are removed from over. Minnesota’s protection is 11 factors per 100 possessions higher when the French large man is on the court docket. If Victor Wembanyama winds up ineligible as a consequence of falling under the 65-game threshold, Gobert, a four-time DPOY winner, may have an opportunity to interrupt a tie with Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo for essentially the most in NBA historical past.
Lesson on the midway mark: Derik Queen is the lone shiny spot.
The draft night time commerce may value the Pelicans the No. 1 decide in June, but it surely has given the franchise one other constructing block amid a depressing season in The Large Straightforward. Queen’s smooth contact and creativity with the ball have delivered spectacular flashes of expertise, together with two triple-doubles, and the 6-foot-9 rookie has averaged 13.4 factors, 8.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists throughout 33 begins.
Lesson on the midway mark: Can the protection be fastened?
Though New York briefly righted itself with Wednesday’s rout of crosstown-rival Brooklyn, the Knicks’ defensive points have to be corrected earlier than they are often thought-about a championship menace. A middling protection even earlier than the 2-9 swoon that sources advised ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne sparked a players-only assembly, New York had begun the calendar yr because the Twenty sixth-ranked unit earlier than stomping the Nets.
Lesson on the midway mark: Jalen Williams must get wholesome.
Williams’ challenges getting back from offseason wrist surgical procedure could have been underestimated across the league. Now out for an prolonged interval with a hamstring pressure, Williams is capturing career-low percentages from the sector (47%) and from 3 (30.3%). Even with reigning MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and star large man Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s repeat probabilities may hinge on whether or not Williams regains the shape that delivered an electrifying 40-point efficiency in Sport 5 of the Finals.
Lesson on the midway mark: The numbers proceed to be higher with Paolo Banchero off the court docket.
The No. 1 decide in 2022 is an All-Star, has a max contract and has been a member of Workforce USA. However over Banchero’s first 4 seasons, the Magic have been persistently higher with him on the bench. (This season, Orlando is almost 5 factors per 100 possessions higher.) Enhancing his offensive effectivity tops the checklist of treatments; Banchero, who missed 10 video games earlier this season due to a groin harm, is capturing a career-low 26.9% from 3 and close to 45% general for a 3rd straight yr.
Lesson on the midway mark: VJ Edgecombe was price it.
In a rarity for a rookie, Edgecombe has made a right away impression on a playoff contender. The 76ers are 4.6 factors higher per 100 possessions when he is on the court docket, one other rookie rarity. And for a participant who got here into the league with questions on his shot, Edgecombe is hitting 37.4% of practically six 3-point makes an attempt per recreation. Prioritizing the protected 2025 first-round decide has paid off, as Philadelphia appears to have discovered its backcourt for the subsequent decade within the electrical duo of Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
Lesson on the midway mark: Dillon Brooks is a tradition setter.
After an unpleasant exit from Memphis in 2023 raised questions on whether or not Brooks could possibly be a part of a contending core, the fiery ahead instantly helped reset the tradition for the younger and rising Rockets. Two seasons later, Brooks is doing the identical for a Suns crew no one projected as a top-six seed within the West. And whereas Devin Booker and coach Jordan Ott deserve loads of credit score for that turnaround, crew sources shortly pointed to Brooks’ impression since arriving as a part of the Kevin Durant commerce.
Lesson on the midway mark: Donovan Clingan would possibly turn into a 3-point shooter.
Clingan entered the league in 2024 as a bona fide defensive power. What wasn’t anticipated from the 7-foot-2, 280-pound middle was his improved capacity from past the arc. And although it is nonetheless too early to declare Clingan because the league’s subsequent nice stretch-5, his capturing is elevating eyebrows across the league. Sure, he is solely as much as 31% on roughly three makes an attempt per recreation, however that quantity has been buoyed by a 12-for-23 clip in December. Even hitting at 35% can be a large increase to Portland’s long-term future given Clingan’s skills on the different finish of the court docket.
Lesson on the midway mark: There isn’t any NBA crew farther from rivalry.
Lower than a yr after buying and selling guard De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, the Kings are rudderless, starless and headed towards a possible grueling rebuild. They need to add a excessive lottery decide in a loaded 2026 draft, however with veterans on multiyear contracts up and down the roster, the ache is not ending quickly. “They’re simply going to play the lottery recreation and hope for the perfect, and that is what they need to do,” the East govt mentioned.
Lesson on the midway mark: Victor Wembanyama is reverting to some outdated habits. Wembanyama continues to blossom into the game-breaking presence the league anticipated when the Spurs drafted him No. 1 in 2023. However after specializing in his inside recreation for a lot of the season, the 7-foot-4 large man has made a notable shift again towards the perimeter in current weeks. His 3-point and midrange quantity is up, whereas his scoring within the paint has dropped, since he initially tweaked his knee towards the Knicks on Dec. 31. May that be enjoying into the opponent’s favor? As Kevin Durant mentioned after Houston’s comeback victory on Tuesday: “He is nonetheless engaged on his leap shot. We made him shoot powerful fadeaways. He had a pair early, however for essentially the most half we made him shoot over us. He is extra harmful when he will get layups and dunks.” Lesson on the midway mark: Collin Murray-Boyles is already an impression defender. Amid middle Jakob Poeltl’s prolonged absence due to again points, Murray-Boyles has been thrust into a big position. The ninth decide within the 2025 draft has delivered, as Toronto’s protection is greater than 4 factors per 100 possessions higher with the rookie on the court docket. Anticipate Murray-Boyles, who obtained predraft comparisons to Draymond Inexperienced due to his 6-7, 245-pound body, to stay a fixture in coach Darko Rajakovic’s rotation as Toronto chases a top-four seed. “It is simple to name him a poor man’s model of Draymond,” the East scout mentioned. “If he can [be] that, that may result in plenty of success.” Lesson on the midway mark: Keyonte George has made the leap. With a top-eight protected draft decide and the crew’s quest for yet another younger constructing block because the dominant storyline in Utah, the spectacular enchancment of George has flown beneath the radar. George has loved a large leap in scoring (24.4 factors per recreation, up from 16.8), however he has achieved it whereas capturing at a better share on larger quantity from the sector, from 3 and from the free throw line. Lesson on the midway mark: The plan is starting to disclose itself. The Wizards, nonetheless tied for the bottom win complete within the NBA this season, have an extended path to rivalry. However in contrast to current seasons, there’s a clearer imaginative and prescient for the long run. Whereas Trae Younger could not make his Wizards debut till subsequent season, the star guard was acquired to be a part of their core. Rookie Tre Johnson has proven flashes (capturing 39.1% from 3) and middle Alex Sarr has made progress, which ought to solely be enhanced subsequent to an elite facilitator like Younger. With loads of cap house this summer season and one other excessive lottery decide this offseason, subsequent yr may lastly see this rebuild flip a nook.
