The 2025-26 NBA season has reached its halfway point, with the Oklahoma City Thunder maintaining their position as the top contenders despite a mid-season stumble. Surprising performances from teams like the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics have shaken up the landscape, while the New York Knicks face questions amid recent struggles. Analysts rank the most intriguing squads for the second half, focusing on potential trade deadline moves and playoff implications.
At the midpoint of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop the standings with a 35-8 record, leading in defensive rating at 105.4 and ranking fifth in offensive efficiency. After starting 24-1, they endured a 6-6 stretch, including three losses to the San Antonio Spurs, but rebounded with a five-game win streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner for a second straight MVP, while Chet Holmgren eyes Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The Detroit Pistons hold the second-best record at 30-10, dominating the East at 21-6 and ranking second in defense. Cade Cunningham is third in MVP odds, with Jalen Duren making significant strides. The Spurs (29-13), fresh off beating OKC multiple times, boast top-10 marks in both offense and defense, powered by Victor Wembanyama's return to the starting lineup after a calf injury.
Unexpected risers include the Phoenix Suns, one game from a top-four West seed with the league's second-best defense, despite trading Kevin Durant and waiving Bradley Beal. Dillon Brooks has emerged as a key scorer at over 20 points per game, fueling their hustle-driven wins. The Boston Celtics (26-15), without Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, rely on Jaylen Brown's career year and a deep rotation under Joe Mazzulla to sit second in the East.
Conversely, the New York Knicks have lost eight of 10, dropping to 25-17 with the 28th-ranked defense since winning the NBA Cup. Jalen Brunson's ankle injury exacerbates shooting woes from Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-16), in back-to-back conference finals, feature Anthony Edwards' MVP-level play, including a 55-point outing.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, teams like the Golden State Warriors (24-19) eye moves for shooters, while the Philadelphia 76ers (22-18) hinge on Joel Embiid's health and Tyrese Maxey's emergence. These dynamics promise a competitive stretch run.
