The NFC wildcard weekend had everything audiences wanted. History was made when San Francisco won their 40th playoff game, the most in NFL history. Chicago won their first playoff game in 15 years, and their first against a team with a winning record since their Super Bowl 41 run. Los Angeles eked out a close win in Carolina. The remaining four (the Seattle Seahawks had a week off) teams have a great shot at getting to both the conference championship and the Super Bowl. Even with the injury plagued 49ers remaining, no team is an easy out. It’s time to analyze which two teams have the best chance at making the next round.
#6 San Francisco 49ers v. #1 Seattle Seahawks
Elijah Arroyo’s return from injured reserve means fellow tight-end A.J. Barner (88) will be a bigger threat than he was in week 18.
If there was any game that could be a decisive blowout, this would be it. San Francisco lost star tight-end and team co-captain George Kittle to a torn achilles the rest of the year. That means the 49ers have to rely on runningback Christian McCaffrey and receivers Ricky Pearsall (who still has an injured knee), Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne to consistently beat Seattle’s deep secondary. That won’t happen.
The Seahawks are ecstatic to face a battered and depleted 49ers team they whooped in Santa Clara, CA. week 18. Both teams get their starting left tackles back, but only one offense has the fire power to score consistently. Quarterback Brock Purdy has never played in Seattle when it’s either a playoff game or near full capacity for the hometown fans. He will learn why nobody in the NFL wants to travel to the pacific northwest during the postseason.
Prediction: Seahawks win 37-7
#5 Los Angeles Rams v. #2 Chicago Bears
A Bears win depends on how well quarterback Caleb Williams (18) plays all four quarters.
This could be the best game in either conference. Every NFC team this round is in the western division except for Chicago. Head coach Ben Johnson is very familiar with Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay. Anyone thinking this will be a blowout is mistaken.
The Bears have multiple advantages against the Rams. Johnson has consistently beaten McVay with a dual threat running game and an offensive line that leads from the interior. Runningbacks coach Eric Bienemy remains one of the NFL’s best offensive minds. Left guard Joe Thuney has won Super Bowls with multiple teams. A younger, less experienced Los Angeles defensive line will be on their heels most of this game having to deal with Chicago’s offensive line and the runningback duo of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
A major factor many have forgotten since the Rams won last Saturday was the hand injury veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered in Carolina. That will be tested early and often against a Bears defense that is the NFL’s best in forcing turnovers. Since this will be a Sunday night game, temperatures are predicted to be at four degrees (fahrenheit). Stafford has not played in many frozen temperature games over the last five years. The Rams are also 2-7 in games that are under 50 degrees since Stafford arrived in 2021. Los Angeles is in for a long game despite having an almost fully healthy roster.
This year’s wildcard weekend was slightly more competitive in the AFC than last year’s. Houston and New England dominated their games and won with few scares. The only nail-biter was Buffalo’s last minute win over Jacksonville. Two teams return to the divisional round, while the other two play their first divisional round game in the post COVID-19 era. The remaining four (the Denver Broncos had a week off) teams have a great shot at getting to both the conference championship and the Super Bowl. Even with the inexperienced Broncos remaining, no team is an easy out. It’s time to pick which two teams have the best chance of making the next round.
#6 Buffalo Bills v. #1 Denver Broncos
Both quarterbacks Josh Allen (left) and Bo Nix (right) have a lot of pressure to make the conference championship.
The easiest of the four divisional games to predict. Buffalo crushed Denver in their last playoff meeting with similar rosters. The Broncos were lucky in most of their close, regular season wins. A serious playoff contender with Super Bowl aspirations will teach Denver some valuable lessons.
Prediction: Bills win 30-24
#5 Houston Texans v. #2 New England Patriots
While Drake Maye (left) had the better regular season, Houston’s C.J. Stroud IV (right) has more playoff experience.
This is easily the best matchup in the AFC. Both teams have elite defenses and good offenses. Both offenses also have many weaknesses, and this game will come down to which defense cracks first.
At one time, both head coaches were intimidating middle linebackers with playoff success. The main coaching difference for Houston’s DeMeco Ryans is his playoff experience with the current roster. New England’s head coach Mike Vrabel is great, but his starting quarterback Drake Maye struggled more than expected in what many believed would be an easy home win against Los Angeles. The Texan defense has more than enough to shut down the Patriots offense no matter how often they have the ball.
The 2025-2026 NFL regular season is over. Seven teams in each conference have a chance to win the Vince Lombardi championship trophy. For those unfamiliar with the updated playoff format, an extra team was added. That means there’s one bye week for the top seeded team in each conference and a Monday night playoff game. Everyone wants to know which three teams in the NFC advance to the divisional round, so here are the best picks come Sunday.
#5 Los Angeles Rams v. #4 Carolina Panthers
MVP candidate Matthew Stafford had no answers for Carolina’s defense in their regular season matchup.
This will be one of the most intriguing games of wild card weekend. On one hand, there’s little chance Carolina completes the sweep of Los Angeles. On the other, the Rams are going through the motions and don’t look excited to play (outside of a second half comeback against Arizona last Sunday). The Panthers played Los Angeles well in their regular season matchup, with the defense scoring 14 points and stealing a win. Best believe Rams head coach Sean McVay will get his team to play Carolina more seriously this week…even if the game ends in a close score.
Prediction: Rams win 30-23
#7 Green Bay Packers v. #2 Chicago Bears
Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams has to lead the offense to more touchdowns and less three-and-outs.
The last time Chicago and Green Bay faced off in the playoffs, the Packers won a wild 2010 conference championship game. Much has changed in 15 years, but a lot has stayed the same. The Bears defense again led the league in interceptions and Green Bay ran the ball well in both regular season games.
The Packers rested their starters whereas Chicago suffered an ugly loss last Sunday with all their starters. Head coaches Dan Campbell, Matt Lafleur and Kyle Shanahan have exposed the Bears defense in two ways: having their offense’s receivers run multiple crossing routes against the secondary, and consistently running the ball well against Chicago’s front seven each possession. That’s a bad sign when three head coaches of veteran, playoff caliber teams keep exposing the same mistakes. It doesn’t help that the Bears offense usually plays inept for at least a half in most games. This is one time the more veteran roster and coaching staff should prevail and advance.
Prediction: Packers win 28-24
#6 San Francisco 49ers v. #3 Philadelphia Eagles
Brock Purdy (left) and Jalen Hurts (right) have a lot of pressure to get their teams into the divisional round.
The Eagles could have been the second seed, but decided to start their backups in a close loss against Washington. Thus, Philadelphia drew a favorable opponent. Many consider San Francisco v. Philadelphia to be the best matchup of the weekend. Some do not and see this matchup as one team is well rested while the other is exhausted.
As bad as Seattle bullied the 49ers, the Eagles could be worse. Saquon Barkley is more dangerous than Kenneth Walker III and A.J. Brown is a physically, more intimidating receiver. Philadelphia’s offensive line should be able to bully a depleted and exhausted San Francisco defensive line.
Anyone thinking 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will have a much better game is mistaken. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a top five defense that’s played well the last two months. They may allow a few more scoring drives, but Philadelphia should have a comfortable first round win.
The 2025-2026 NFL regular season is over. Seven teams in each conference have a chance to win the Vince Lombardi championship trophy. For those unfamiliar with the updated playoff format, an extra team was added. That means there’s one bye week for the top seeded team in each conference and a Monday night playoff game. Everyone wants to know which three teams in the AFC advance to the divisional round, so here are the best picks come Sunday.
#6 Buffalo Bills v. #3 Jacksonville Jaguars
If Jacksonville’s defense can stop Buffalo’s run game, they will advance to the divisional round.
Wild card weekend in the AFC starts with a bang. Buffalo’s run game has been one of the NFL’s best. It will face a challenge against Jacksonville’s number one running defense. The Jaguars defense is also top three in interceptions and the front seven does a great job of getting to opposing quarterbacks.
The Bills have a lot of pressure to make both the conference finals and Super Bowl. Jacksonville’s on an eight game winning streak playing their best, carefree football. Head coach Sean McDermott will have to figure out how to get Buffalo’s first ever postseason win against the Jaguars, and the Bills first road playoff win since 1992 with an undermanned defense and a thin receiver core.
Prediction: Jaguars win 31-21
#7 Los Angeles Chargers v. #2 New England Patriots
New England quarterback Drake Maye is a favorite to win MVP this season
The easiest pick of either conference. New England is the healthier, better coached team and doesn’t play down to the competition. Head coach Mike Vrabel will expose the offensive line woes Los Angeles faced all regular season. Drake Maye’s playoff debut won’t be perfect, but he won’t have to worry about a tough loss with the head coach, defense and running backs taking the pressure off of him in this matchup.
Prediction: Patriots win 34-23
#5 Houston Texans v. #4 Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) high-fives friend and fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) after scoring a touchdown versus Miami last month.
This could be the best game in either conference. The return of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf after a two game suspension will open up Pittsburgh’s passing game. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they’re playing a top three defense that features a deep, elite secondary. Houston’s eight defensive backs are dangerous and they shut down one-on-one matchups like it’s practice.
Pittsburgh also lacks a strong running game. The Texans defense could turn this into a blowout if the Steelers can’t find a way to run the ball. While Houston’s offense will struggle with Pittsburgh’s defense, their issues won’t matter if the Steelers offense doesn’t do anything right. It might not matter how many points the Texans offense scores.
Trade talks for Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been constant even though he was out for a few weeks because of a strained right calf.
The floodgates opened on December third when both Milwaukee star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent Alex Saratsis made public that they met with the Bucks’ front office about the forward’s future with the franchise. The closed door meeting discussed whether Antetokounmpo’s best fit is staying with the Bucks or moving to somewhere else. 22 games into the season went from mediocre to things could get a lot worse.
Giannis’ explanation for the meeting, scrubbing the team off his social media pages, and his future was a deep, satisfying answer to those who can critically listen, read and think. While that seems difficult for a lot of people these days, it’s almost always ignored by sports media. Outlets like ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports and even the NBA Network broke this down like a Rubik’s cube. Not even 15 minutes after clarification, betting sites went haywire on where Antetokounmpo would end up by mid-season or be traded to once the season ends.
For anyone who’s tuned into the NBA within the last five years, you not only know that there’s been a massive push to get Giannis out of Milwaukee and into a bigger market, but that the media also blatantly downplays any achievements, records or eye-popping performances he has had. It’s one of the nastiest, under-discussed topics more fans need to be aware of and for which both sports broadcasters and journalists should be shamed. One of the Bucks’ top three players in franchise history does everything fans or analysts say should be done to be considered one of the best of all-time. Yet, after a championship and consecutive trips to the playoffs, the media still isn’t satisfied with Antetokounmpo’s greatness. Instead the gradual bias is how Giannis doesn’t want to leave and “save his legacy”. Save his legacy? For whom? From what? For gambling sites, national bettors and Las Vegas to get him to listen to their noise and be traded to a bigger market?
This topic is why a lot of serious NBA fans and students of the game must continue to separate themselves not just from the gambling addicts who can’t get over certain stats and over/unders, but the casual fans who either know nothing about what goes on with the league or are starting to learn about how certain biases have existed for years prior to Adam Silver’s tenure. For decades, sports networks, certain fanbases and even players wanted more parity. Former commissioner David Stern believed that for professional basketball to succeed, the largest markets had to dominate almost every year. It’s no surprise that Stern’s prized franchise was the Los Angeles Lakers. While Stern retired more than 12 years ago, this philosophy has now returned after Silver and players union did the impossible: parity became common. There are relatively few teams you could look at this year and say they’re not competitive or a play-in threat at any point. Drafting and proper disclosures of what teams and players are doing are the norm. For the most part, this is one of the better things Adam Silver has done, (and we know how many issues there have been with his tenure).
It also means that anyone who doesn’t like this will be vocal in any and everything involving parity. Sports media views this as a tragedy because of which teams they have to talk about now. These websites and networks tell us the NBA is in serious trouble if the Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics or Golden State Warriors aren’t the highlight team or making the most news stories (the irony is the Warriors being one of these teams. They are the crowned jewel of Silver’s tenure). The agendas couldn’t be more blatant. Instead of profiles, takes and educated opinions about the real, rising playoff and championship contenders like Oklahoma City, Minnesota, San Antonio, Phoenix or Orlando, outlets bemoan the league is in a decline, or the league’s failing, or certain players must be traded to make the big franchises relevant again.
Sports media backward thinking is big reason why viewership has gradually tuned out until the playoffs get closer. It is also another reason ESPN’s long running business model is failing and other sites like Amazon’s new NBA front desk and shows are popular with the serious fans. Audiences want to hear players who were in previously ignored and different markets talk about the game and not about why a Great Depression is incoming if the Lakers aren’t at .500 by mid-January.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s right calf strain came at an interesting time. Right now, Milwaukee is outside of a play-in spot. Unlike some fanbases, Bucks fans have been more than grateful Antetokounmpo has succeeded where many past players have not. Unlike former Maverick guard and icon Luka Doncic, Milwaukee has and will continue to listen to Giannis without making things uncomfortable or focused solely on profits. It’s a shame BetESPN and those similar to them cannot fathom anything else.
Surprise! Giannis doesn’t care about your parlay, fantasy trade scenario or over/under!
Here are the first power rankings of the 2025-26 season. Similar to the NHL rankings, this one will be objective in placement as some teams may have tiebreakers over others on a neutral site.
#30 New Orleans Pelicans (last ranking: 27)
My next power rankings will cover NBA expansion after Adam Silver’s recent comments about it and discussions around the league whether or not certain teams could move to different cities. It appears likely that the New Orleans Pelicans could be a strong candidate to relocate to a new market, such as Seattle. When the Pelicans announced they were open to trading former number one overall pick Zion Williamson (a player they pinned franchise hopes on) in November, it opened the door to a relocation countdown.
#29 Washington Wizards (last ranking: 29)
A prime example of how the NBA media fails their job nowadays is covering good players on terrible teams. Yes, there is a lot wrong with Washington from their stunning average of 15 turnovers per game to being third to last in free throw percentage. Yet the Wizards have some genuine gems with sophomores Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George. George is first in assists (5.1) and steals per game (1). He’s also third in points per game and second in rebounds per game, blocked shots per game and field goal percentage.
Sarr is first in rebounds per game (7.8), blocked shots (2.3) and field goal percentage (49.9%). Alex Sarr is also second in points per game, third in steals and fourth in assists. These are two names viewers hear very little about and should keep an eye on.
#28 Brooklyn Nets (last ranking: 25)
There’s a rumor going around that Nic Claxton could be traded to a playoff contender like Golden State within a few months. We know rumors are easy to start, but Brooklyn needs draft capital. The Nets aren’t going to win many games anytime soon. It’s best they trade Claxton to a contender that wants to win now.
#27 Sacramento Kings (last ranking: 17)
Everything has gone wrong for Sacramento, and just when trade rumors heated up, stars like center Domantas Sabonis was put on injured reserve for four to five weeks because of a partially torn left meniscus. The Kings can’t do a full re-build if their important trade pieces keep getting hurt.
#26 Charlotte Hornets (last ranking: 28)
Interestingly, Charlotte is 9-4 when point guard LaMelo Ball and forwards Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel start together. The Hornets struggles with shot accuracy, scoring and ball possession are big reasons why they’re near the bottom of the east. However, if coach Charles Lee keeps these three in the starting lineup, then Charlotte has a chance for a playoff push.
#25 Utah Jazz (last ranking: 30)
Another example of a team under-reported. Utah is second in assists, fifth in points scored, seventh in free throw percentage, and 13th in total rebounds per game. The Jazz don’t have a good roster, but general manager Danny Ainge has found ways to improve the team in ways that will continue to stand out throughout the next few seasons.
#24 Dallas Mavericks (last ranking: 16)
Center Anthony Davis injuring his groin on Christmas added more fuel to the analysis fire of Dallas starting a long-term re-build. Outside of overall number one pick forward Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks don’t have the talent to both stay competitive and not worry about injuries with the number of older veteran players past their prime. Like Sacramento, Dallas will be a popular team to trade with at the deadline.
#23 Milwaukee Bucks (last ranking: 13)
Milwaukee is currently tied for last in free throw percentage and is second to last in total rebounds per game. At this point, the most glaring issue is coaching. Legendary Marquette player, and Celtics championship coach Doc Rivers is a midwestern emotional favorite, but he certainly has not made the Bucks any better since Adrian Griffin was dismissed. Rivers is outdated and a big reason the Giannis trade talks haven’t gone away.
#22 Los Angeles Clippers (last ranking: 12)
Just because the Clippers had a six game winning streak, doesn’t mean their issues are cured and everything is fine. Many who follow the NBA haven’t forgotten the Chris Paul drama where he was cut because he may or may not have went off on Tyronn Lue. The focus and anger should remain on everyone else in the organization. This team was bad in ways no one thought possible in 2025. Los Angeles might be great at the free-throw line, but they are awful in several other areas. A few standout Kawhi Leonard performances won’t change that. Owner Steve Ballmer has tried to make the Clippers a winner for over a decade with nothing to show for it but chaos and repeats of the Donald Sterling era. What a mess.
#21 Memphis Grizzlies (last ranking: 11)
First sophomore center Zach Edey misses at least one month of play because of a stress reaction in his left ankle. Then rookie shooting guard Cedric Coward suffered a nasty ankle sprain trying to get a rebound against DeAndre Ayton and the Lakers last night. Younger talent suffering serious injuries means veteran players like Jaren Jackson Jr. have more pressure to play almost perfect each game with little bench depth to help out. The hype on Memphis being a quality playoff contending team fizzled fast.
#20 Chicago Bulls (last ranking: 20)
In two months, Chicago has:
a five game winning streak
a five game losing streak
a seven game losing streak
a five game winning streak
Good luck figuring them out. Anybody?
#19 Indiana Pacers (last ranking: 9)
Many viewers knew Indiana would struggle most of the season, but wow is this team abysmal. Coach Rick Carlisle has done some of his best work with the Pacers, but even he can’t fix how depleted and overwhelmed they are almost every game. Pascal Siakam remains a solid player, but if he’s the best Indiana has right now, the playoffs are a long-shot.
#18 Atlanta Hawks (last ranking: 18)
It’s a tale of two seasons for Atlanta. The Hawks had a nice November, then lost all but three games in December. Atlanta’s downturn got worse when news broke yesterday that star point guard Trae Young wants a trade. There has to be significant change if Atlanta wants to be better. It’s also a shame that will happen without Young.
#17 Portland Trailblazers (last ranking: 21)
Perhaps Portland won’t make the playoffs, but each game shows how guilty Chauncey Billups is in his federal gambling case. Here’s a look at how some of the players are doing this season.
Deni Avdija leads the Trailblazers in points per game (25.9) and assists per game (7.1). He’s also second in team rebounds per game, field goal percentage, and blocked shots.
Sophomore center Donovan Clingan leads in rebounds per game (10.8), field goal percentage (54.5%) and blocked shots per game (1.4).
Shaedon Sharpe is second in points per game, third in shot percentage and assists, first in steals per game (1.5) and fourth in rebounds per game.
This is with Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant on IR. Billups must go to prison.
#16 Philadelphia 76ers (last ranking: 26)
Philadelphia’s a much better team this season than last year. That’s because there is a better roster in place whenever former MVP center Joel Embiid doesn’t play. Point guard Tyrese Maxey is excellent to build around and transition to with Embiid’s injuries taking a toll each month. Perhaps the 76ers can also swing a deal or two at the trade deadline with Sacramento or Dallas to cement an early playoff berth.
#15 Toronto Raptors (last ranking: 24)
Forwards Brandon Ingram and Scotty Barnes will get a lot of attention because of Ingram’s league tenure and Barnes being the face of the franchise, but Toronto’s not where they are without Immanuel Quickley and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Quickley’s intelligence at point guard and his ability to be a few plays ahead makes the Raptor’s offense free-flowing. Mamukelashvili’s height and aggression is what Toronto needs to stay in close games against playoff contenders. The Raptors will be a tough team to play against no matter the month.
#14 Phoenix Suns (last ranking: 22)
The Suns have surpassed every expectation this season. Staying competitive in 2026 with Royce O’Neale, Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks as Devin Booker’s supporting cast puts coach Jordan Ott into the coach of the year conversation. Phoenix is the west coast version of where I had Charlotte in October.
#13 San Antonio Spurs (last ranking: 23)
For anyone who has read my power rankings before, you know that the first rankings of the season are always difficult. A team rising or falling too high will be controversial. Injuries are also a factor. San Antonio isn’t the 13th best team in the league, but their rise this early in the season is fine to question.
That said, the Spurs total domination of reigning champion Oklahoma City is easily their highlight of their season. It’s okay to say San Antonio is a mostly young team that has feasted on easy wins outside of three(!) victories against the Thunder and a nail-biter against the Knicks within the last five weeks. For the Spurs to be a true playoff contender, they must beat more contending teams on a consistent basis. The good news is, there’s no doubt they will do so and continue improving throughout the season.
#12 Cleveland Cavaliers (last ranking: 2)
This year’s Cavaliers are what many expected to see early season last year. Cleveland is still a serious playoff threat, but they don’t have last season’s luck. Part of that is because opposing defenses don’t give the Cavaliers offense too many second chance scoring opportunities. Some better scoring depth would also help.
#11 Miami Heat (last ranking: 19)
Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to put Miami with the ten spot range selection used. Yes, I understand San Antonio not being higher is a result of that, but the Heat also have a few games at hand compared to some of the other teams above and below. We should also consider how great a coach Erik Spoelstra is. Nobody had Miami sniffing a playoff spot with their current roster. Not only should Spoelstra win coach of the year, Heat upper management needs to trade for some star players in the coming months.
#10 Golden State Warriors (last ranking: 8)
Basketball pundits broke down the Draymond Green-Steve Kerr debacle too much. The real focus is how general manager Mike Dunleavy can add a center like Nik Claxton or Daniel Gafford. A healthy Al Horford gives Golden State scoring and rebounding advantages. However, the Warriors need a younger center who defends well and takes that pressure off Horford. A move must be made soon considering how unpredictable Golden State’s bench plays.
#9 Orlando Magic (last ranking: 15)
Injuries keep de-railing what should be a breakout season. Still, forward Paolo Banchero and guard Desmond Bane keep dragging Orlando to a lot of close wins. We’ll see how long that can stays this month.
#8 Minnesota Timberwolves (last ranking: 10)
That was a damaging loss against Denver on Christmas night. Nikola Jokic’s 56 point game will be talked about for years despite Anthony Edwards’ 44 and Minnesota’s valiant second half comeback. Most importantly, the Timberwolves defense was tested by a championship caliber offense and glaringly failed when it mattered most. It’s not a surprise that since the Christmas day loss, Minnesota’s a candidate to trade for Hawks guard Trae Young. Although it might not be the best fit, the organization has to make a move.
#7 Los Angeles Lakers (last ranking: 6)
The Christmas loss to Houston was big. Every game Los Angeles lost in December was by double digits. Coach JJ Redick is getting ripped for a lot of bad decisions. While it doesn’t inspire confidence in the roster after multiple blowout losses the last three weeks, it’s also not his fault multiple star players were injured.
#6 Denver Nuggets (last ranking: 7)
Nikola Jokic out for a month after hyperextending his left knee was bad enough, but his replacement at center Jonas Valanciunas missing four to five weeks with a calf strain is a problem. Denver is down to their third center and will need both point guard Jamal Murray and forward Aaron Gordon to really step up on offense with little help from the bench. We’re going to see how coach David Adelman handles leading an undermanned team all of January. That will show viewers if the Michael Malone firing was for the better.
#5 Houston Rockets (last ranking: 5)
Houston has one of the best and most dangerous offenses in the NBA, but the defense is ok at best. If the Rockets want to make a run for the western conference finals, the defense has to play tighter and cut down on opponents’ second chance scoring opportunities. It’s one thing to blow out the Lakers on Christmas because Los Angeles didn’t have the roster to expose Houston’s holes. It’s another when the Rockets will have to get past a healthy Denver, San Antonio, Golden State or Oklahoma City.
#4 Detroit Pistons (last ranking: 14)
Many viewers are starting to rank Detroit’s star point guard Cade Cunningham as an MVP candidate. If that’s the case, J.B. Bickerstaff should be a coach of the year candidate too. Cunningham’s dominant rise is tied to Bickerstaff getting the Pistons to play their best basketball in decades. Detroit somehow being the best team in the east with only nine losses is one of the best NBA stories the last two years.
#3 New York Knicks (last ranking: 4)
Despite the Monday night blowout loss in Detroit, I’d still favor New York in a seven game series against the Pistons. They will also be favored to take out an inexperienced, injured Magic and a best of seven against Cleveland. There are valid concerns and questions in the Knicks’ four game losing streak, but until another team can prove they can beat the Knicks at least three times in a season, New York is the east’s championship threat.
#2 Boston Celtics (last ranking: 3)
There are games in which Boston misses Jayson Tatum, and then there are games where he could sit without his injury during a lopsided win. The Celtics haven’t played many games where they look mediocre. This makes their January schedule more interesting with the number of playoff contending teams lined up. The further the season goes, the more Boston’s play will intrigue viewers.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder (last ranking: 1)
Three losses to San Antonio in 13 days should make Oklahoma consider how to upgrade their roster. It’s clear center Victor Wembanyama dwarfs Thunder center Chet Holmgren in talent and commitment, so Oklahoma City must get creative. General manager Sam Presti has accumulated a lot of draft capital and could use it the next few months to bring in a few veterans who long to win a championship now. Even if the Thunder win every game in January and February, the losses to the Wembanyama’s Spurs will gnaw at them until the postseason. That should be the main priority for the front office.
Three losses to Victor Wembanyama’s (1) Spurs will be the new big obstacle for Oklahoma City and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) to overcome the next few months.
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