NBA Teams Ranked: Who's Hot, Who's Not at Season's Halfway Mark

The NBA season is halfway done, and things are getting interesting. Some teams are exceeding expectations, while others are struggling.

Unexpected Contenders

• Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs are now seen as serious title contenders.
• Boston Celtics are looking strong, especially if Jayson Tatum can return from injury.

Conference Standings

• Western Conference: Led by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they're not as dominant as before.
• Eastern Conference: Wide open with many teams having a shot at the NBA Finals.

Trade Deadline and All-Star Game

• Teams are either trying to tank for better draft picks or fighting to make the playoffs.

2026 NBA Draft Prospects

• The top of the draft is looking strong with three top prospects.
• Some teams are tanking to secure one of these players.

Play-In Tournament Struggles

• Teams in the play-in tournament have a slim chance of winning in the playoffs.
• Many are dealing with injuries or other issues.

Good but Not Great Teams

• Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic are in this category.
• Lakers have a good record but a negative point differential.

Championship Contenders

• Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks have a puncher's chance.
• Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder are the true contenders.

Notable Mentions

• Thunder started strong but showed recent weaknesses.
• Nuggets are a big challenger with Nikola Jokic still performing well.
• Spurs have beaten the Thunder three times this season.
• Timberwolves are a surprising pick but are a complete team with Anthony Edwards.