Five biggest things to watch as NBA resumes for sprint to finish
The confetti has settled at the Intuit Dome, and Anthony Edwards has added an All-Star MVP trophy to his mantle. But as the league pivots from the festivities in Inglewood back to the hardwood grind, the stakes have never been higher. With less than 30 games remaining, the sprint to the finish line begins now.
The Thunder’s Dynasty Bid
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (42-14) remain the league’s gold standard. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams steering the ship, OKC has looked nearly invincible. The question isn't just if they can secure the top seed, but if anyone in the West—or the league—has the defensive versatility to stop a back-to-back coronation. They are the hunted, but they look comfortable in the crosshairs.
Detroit’s Reality Check
The biggest shock of the 2025-26 campaign sits atop the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons (40-13) have silenced critics, transforming from a rebuild into a juggernaut. Cade Cunningham has played at an MVP level, but the post-All-Star schedule will test their maturity. Are they built for a deep playoff run, or will the experienced Boston Celtics or New York Knicks hunt them down in the standings?
The Alien’s Ascent
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have arrived ahead of schedule. Sitting second in the West, the Spurs are no longer a "future" problem—they are a "now" problem. With sophomore sensation Stephon Castle coming off a breakout stretch, San Antonio is threatening to disrupt the established order immediately. A Spurs-Thunder Western Conference Finals feels increasingly inevitable.
The Old Guard’s Last Gasp
While the young stars shone in LA, the veterans are fighting for survival. LeBron James and the Lakers are clinging to a top-six spot, while Stephen Curry’s Warriors are battling to escape the play-in tournament. Health remains the X-factor; if Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star explosion was a preview, the Clippers could be a dark horse, but time is running out for the legends of the 2010s.
The Race to the Bottom
While the top is crowded, the bottom is a battlefield of a different kind. The 2026 draft class is projected to be elite, leading teams like the Wizards, Jazz, and Pacers to engage in historic levels of tanking. Expect rotation shenanigans to ramp up significantly as front offices jockey for lottery ping-pong balls.
The Thunder’s Dynasty Bid
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (42-14) remain the league’s gold standard. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams steering the ship, OKC has looked nearly invincible. The question isn't just if they can secure the top seed, but if anyone in the West—or the league—has the defensive versatility to stop a back-to-back coronation. They are the hunted, but they look comfortable in the crosshairs.
Detroit’s Reality Check
The biggest shock of the 2025-26 campaign sits atop the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Pistons (40-13) have silenced critics, transforming from a rebuild into a juggernaut. Cade Cunningham has played at an MVP level, but the post-All-Star schedule will test their maturity. Are they built for a deep playoff run, or will the experienced Boston Celtics or New York Knicks hunt them down in the standings?
The Alien’s Ascent
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have arrived ahead of schedule. Sitting second in the West, the Spurs are no longer a "future" problem—they are a "now" problem. With sophomore sensation Stephon Castle coming off a breakout stretch, San Antonio is threatening to disrupt the established order immediately. A Spurs-Thunder Western Conference Finals feels increasingly inevitable.
The Old Guard’s Last Gasp
While the young stars shone in LA, the veterans are fighting for survival. LeBron James and the Lakers are clinging to a top-six spot, while Stephen Curry’s Warriors are battling to escape the play-in tournament. Health remains the X-factor; if Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star explosion was a preview, the Clippers could be a dark horse, but time is running out for the legends of the 2010s.
The Race to the Bottom
While the top is crowded, the bottom is a battlefield of a different kind. The 2026 draft class is projected to be elite, leading teams like the Wizards, Jazz, and Pacers to engage in historic levels of tanking. Expect rotation shenanigans to ramp up significantly as front offices jockey for lottery ping-pong balls.
