The NBA season has reached its halfway point, with all teams except the Houston Rockets having played at least 41 games. As the championship race intensifies, recent performance declines among preseason favorites have muddled the outlook. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently assigned midseason grades to all 30 teams, revealing that some expected frontrunners are struggling. Pelton and analyst Zach Kram discuss pressing midseason questions, focusing on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s vulnerability and the emergence of potential challengers.
Thunder’s Slide Raises Concerns
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who began the season with an impressive 24-1 record, have recently shown signs of vulnerability. Following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals, the Thunder have gone 12-7, with a net rating that has dropped from a remarkable +17.2 to +6.4. Their offensive performance has slipped, ranking 14th in the league during this stretch, while their shooting from beyond the arc has faltered, placing them 28th with a 32.5% success rate.
Injuries have also taken a toll on the Thunder. Star player Jalen Williams has struggled to regain form after offseason wrist surgery, suffering a recent hamstring strain. Additionally, the absence of Isaiah Hartenstein has been noted by league sources as a significant factor affecting the team’s performance. While the Thunder remain favorites to win the title, with ESPN’s Basketball Power Index giving them a 61% chance, questions linger about their ability to maintain this momentum.
Kram speculates that the Thunder’s recent struggles could indicate deeper issues as they prepare for the playoffs. He cites the increased shooting success of opponents, who have shot 38% from three-point range against Oklahoma City during their recent slump. This has raised concerns about the sustainability of their earlier success.
Rising Contenders in the East and West
While the Thunder’s standing in the West is still strong, the Eastern Conference presents a different landscape. The New York Knicks have emerged as a potential favorite, with odds of +275 to reach the Finals, but they are currently trailing the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Following their victory over the Spurs, the Knicks had seemed poised to challenge for the top spot. However, they have since fallen six games behind Detroit, raising questions about their ability to maintain their position.
Kram notes that while the Knicks were previously seen as clear favorites, their recent performance has led to doubts. Their point differential of +3.5 ranks third in the East, behind both Detroit and the Boston Celtics. With star player OG Anunoby recently returning after a nine-game absence, the Knicks’ performance will be closely monitored as the playoffs approach.
In the West, the Denver Nuggets have shown resilience during star Nikola Jokic’s absence, boasting a 7-4 record without him. This unexpected success could position them as a formidable challenge to the Thunder, especially if their players, such as Peyton Watson, can carry their momentum into the postseason.
The Los Angeles Clippers have also caught attention, rebounding from a slow start. They are 12-2 since a 6-21 beginning, with Kawhi Leonard emerging as a key player, averaging 32.7 points per game during this stretch. However, concerns about Leonard’s recent knee irritation may hinder their playoff aspirations.
Identifying Surprise Contenders
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, analysts are beginning to identify potential surprise contenders. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers are both teams to watch. The Cavaliers, despite being tied for sixth in the East, have the potential to make a significant impact as they work to find their rhythm.
Meanwhile, the performance of Paolo Banchero with the Orlando Magic has raised eyebrows. Once a promising star, Banchero has seen a decline in his scoring and efficiency this season. As the Magic sit in seventh place in the East, questions about Banchero’s future and contributions loom large.
Despite the challenges, there remains hope for a turnaround for Banchero, who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past. Analysts point to similar situations with other players who have managed to rebound from early struggles. With the NBA playoffs approaching, the landscape is set for an exciting and unpredictable conclusion to the season.
As teams prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, the shifting dynamics within the league will undoubtedly keep fans engaged as they anticipate what lies ahead in the postseason.
