As the calendar flips to December, we’re in the meat of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. The 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals are set. But those games will start this upcoming week. That said, there was still plenty of news from this past week’s slate.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo might finally divorce. It’s been bubbling for years, but this past week saw ESPN report the two-time MVP winner being more direct about it. Let’s keep an eye on how that develops over the next couple of weeks.

The LA Clippers also continue to be a laughingstock. They departed from Chris Paul just a couple of weeks after he announced his retirement at the end of the season. Just an embarrassing move that highlights how dysfunctional it’s gotten over there.

In the same city, the Los Angeles Lakers also made NBA history. LeBron James’ infamous 10-point streak ended. Considering how he’s looked this season, that felt inevitable. But the streak ended dramatically.

Every week, Thunder Wire will release updated 2025-26 NBA Power Rankings. Here is the Dec. 1-7 edition:

Previous Rankings: 27

The Pelicans have fallen to the bottom of the NBA standings. A six-game losing streak will do that. In his latest injury setback, Zion Williamson will miss at least three weeks with an adductor strain. Brutal. The talent has always been there, but we’ve reached a tipping point. Feels like it’s inevitable that New Orleans will move on from him. The only question left is what they’d get back in a trade package.

Previous Rankings: 30

Continuing his hot week, CJ McCollum led the Wizards to an upset over the Bucks. He scored 28 points. Besides that, though, it’s been a bunch of losing in Washington. Maybe the veteran guard can play his way to a contender as a trade candidate. Nobody should be surprised that the young squad is near the bottom of the standings. The only thing that sucks is that Alex Sarr continues to be out with a thigh injury.

28. Sacramento Kings (6-17)

Previous Rankings: 26

Things remain ugly in Sacramento. Despite a roster stacked with household names, the Kings have been one of the worst teams, playing uninspiring basketball. Nobody expected them to be a contender, but a play-in tournament spot was within the realm of reality. Instead, they’re stuck with a bunch of high-salary, high-usage guards who no longer help in winning basketball situations.

27. LA Clippers (6-18)

Previous Rankings: 25

It’s like the Clippers can’t go a couple of months without being in some controversy. The latest chapter of the never-ending drama involves the greatest player in their franchise history. In the middle of the night, Chris Paul shocked the NBA world when he announced LA wanted to move on. What a slap to the face after he recently announced his retirement at the end of the season. The losing franchise was deservingly ridiculed for the puzzling decision. It’s been an awful year that could end in disaster by gift-wrapping a top 2026 pick to OKC.

26. Brooklyn Nets (6-17)

Previous Rankings: 29

No doubt, the Nets will have one of the NBA’s worst records. That’s how they built out their roster filled with castaway veterans and young prospects. But three wins out of their last four games have been a nice oasis from the numbness of losses. Michael Porter Jr. scored 35 points in a win over the Pelicans. He’s been awesome in Brooklyn. He’s been a 25-point scorer who’s shown he can still help out a contender if needed.

25. Indiana Pacers (5-18)

Previous Rankings: 28

The Pacers are another team that’s fallen to the bottom of the standings. But not by design. Instead, injuries have forced them to hit the reset button a bit. Everybody knew about Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, but the rest of the roster has been ravaged by injuries. Pascal Siakam has remained a good teammate, though. He dropped 36 points in a win over the Bulls. He’s been awesome this season. Too bad Indiana being bad has hidden that.

Previous Rankings: 24

Well, it didn’t take long for Kon Knueppel to usurp LaMelo Ball. He’s had a phenomenal season that has flown under the radar. He scored 21 points in an upset win over the Raptors. A lot of questions have materialized in recent weeks about Charlotte’s long-term future. Especially with Ball, as injuries have hampered him again. But the rookie has shown them why pivoting to him might be the best decision they can make.

23. Dallas Mavericks (9-16)

Previous Rankings: 22

While they’ve played better since Nico Harrison was fired, the Mavericks’ three-game winning streak was snapped with a blowout loss to the Thunder. After Anthony Davis was held to just two points, Dallas was coldly reminded of the humongous gap between itself and the NBA’s best teams. It also resurfaced the question of what Davis’ long-term future is on the Mavericks as they pivot to a rebuild. The trade value might be low, but it’s better now than never.

Previous Rankings: 19

Well, the Bulls were a fun story while it lasted. A seven-game losing streak has slapped them back to reality. Even more brutal is that Noa Essengue will miss the remainder of the season with shoulder surgery. The early returns from the 18-year-old weren’t great, either. He didn’t record a single stat in his two games. Just a bad-tasting cherry on top of a horrendous sundae that Chicago has had since its hot start.

Previous Rankings: 23

If it’s true that the Jazz are willing to be buyers, they need Lauri Markkanen to continue his All-Star start. He scored 30 points in a win over the Nets. After taking a step back, he’s returned to being one of the better forwards in the NBA. Utah’s best bet is to self-correct by selling high on Markkanen. Which I think they eventually will do. It’s the best decision to make.

Previous Rankings: 21

Seems like Deni Avdija has made a true leap. He’s turned into a 25-point scorer. He’s done that by transforming into a free-throw machine. In his last three games, he’s averaged an eye-popping 16 free-throw attempts. Just an unreal number. The physical driver forces defenders to commit fouls. The Trail Blazers have lucked out with his improbable All-Star ascension. It’s the main reason why Portland is in the play-in tournament picture.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (10-15)

Previous Rankings: 18

The day may finally arrive. For a while now, it’s felt like the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo were on their way to a divorce. Failed attempts to save that marriage with all-in moves have just delayed the inevitable. Reports have come out that the two-time MVP may be ready to move on. A decision on his future should happen soon. For the cherry on top, he sustained a calf strain that’ll knock him out for a month. Coincidentally, on the same day that those reports surfaced. There’s a non-zero chance he has played for Milwaukee for the last time. It’s truly near the end of an era.

18. Golden State Warriors (12-12)

Previous Rankings: 17

It remains murky waters for the Warriors. Stephen Curry has missed the last week-plus with a quad contusion. His absence exposed just how badly they rely on the two-time MVP winner. Duh. At least one bright spot has been Pat Spencer’s production. He scored a career-high 19 points in a win over the Cavaliers. He’s been a great addition to their depth. Golden State badly needs it with an older roster.

Previous Rankings: 20

After a shaky start, the Grizzlies have taken advantage of cupcakes. They’ve beaten up on some of the worst teams to get some much-needed wins. It’s been the young players who’ve stepped up. Zach Edey scored 32 points in a win over the Kings. Cedric Coward put up 23 points and 14 rebounds in a win over the Clippers. Memphis should lean into its youth movement. It’s the type of energy that NBA franchise needs after all the off-court drama.

16. Phoenix Suns (13-10)

Previous Rankings: 13

The Suns have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprise teams. Everything has gone well for them. That was, until this past week. Devin Booker will miss time with a groin strain. That’s a bummer. He’s been Phoenix’s best player. All of the good vibes center around him as its role players complement him really well. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s back by the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Thunder. They could be a squad that fully embraces the in-season tournament.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers (14-11)

Previous Rankings: 12

The Cavaliers continue to disappoint. Donovan Mitchell had 29 points but lost to the short-handed Warriors. Many expected them to be a contender, but so far, they’ve been an inconsistent squad. Plenty of time to still turn it around, but Cleveland won’t be the win machine it was last season. Too many players have regressed in their development.

14. Miami Heat (14-10)

Previous Rankings: 9

A three-game losing streak has calmed down the Heat. They were one of the NBA’s surprise teams this season. One of the best offenses will do that. Oh well. This is likely just a bump on the road. Miami has been a consistent playoff team for years now. They usually get the most out of veteran players. The latest example is Norman Powell. He’s averaged 25 points and recently had revenge in a blowout win over the Clippers.

13. Atlanta Hawks (14-11)

Previous Rankings: 8

At this point, Jalen Johnson has become Atlanta’s best player. He’s had a breakout season that should lead to his first All-Star bid. He’s been a triple-double machine. He had a 30-point triple-double in a win over the Wizards. Before that, he had 21-18-16 in a close loss to the Nuggets. The Hawks are in a difficult predicament with how Trae Young will be reintroduced once he returns from injury.

12. Philadelphia 76ers (13-9)

Previous Rankings: 16

The Sixers have won three in a row. They’ve righted the ship. Philadelphia has had a good vibes season, which was badly needed after last year’s headache. Give thanks to Tyrese Maxey. He scored 35 points in wins over the Wizards and Warriors. His breakout as a 30-point scorer has salvaged an ugly situation. The keys to the franchise belong to him, as the Sixers have a weird group of veterans and young players.

11. Orlando Magic (14-10)

Previous Rankings: 11

There must be an NBA curse that prevents the Magic from staying healthy. Paolo Banchero returned from a month’s absence with a groin strain. How he returns is the biggest question mark. In his absence, Orlando found a successful formula that helped it regain control of its season. Looks like we will have to wait. A game after his return. Franz Wagner was injured. And it looked scary. Remains to be seen how much time he misses. But it goes to show that those two players can’t stay healthy at the same time.

10. Toronto Raptors (15-10)

Previous Rankings: 7

Even with recent losses, the Raptors have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprise teams. It’s been a group effort where they have one of the best starting lineups. Nobody is the certified best player in Toronto. Instead, it’s a group effort where anybody can go off on any night. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes have been their best players and the catalysts of their first winning season in forever.

9. Boston Celtics (15-9)

Previous Rankings: 15

The Celtics have figured things out. They’ve been a scoring machine. Jaylen Brown has led the way with a career season. He scored 42 points in a win over the Knicks. While the collection of talent might not be crazy, Boston has produced one of the NBA’s best offenses. Several role players have had simultaneous career seasons. That’s the type of luck you need to be a surprise team after everybody penciled the Celtics in as a gap-year squad.

8. San Antonio Spurs (15-7)

Previous Rankings: 6

The Spurs continue to find ways to get wins while Victor Wembanyama is out. One game, Luke Kornet has a game-sealing block in a win over the Magic. Another game, Harrison Barnes scored 33 points in a win over the Grizzlies. San Antonio has built out a winning roster for the first time in forever. Filled with young prospects and draft capital, it makes you wonder if they’d be a dream candidate for Antetokounmpo. But those conversations can be held for another day.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (15-8)

Previous Rankings: 14

Watch out, the Timberwolves have gotten hot. They’ve won five in a row. Feels like at this point, Minnesota only plays clutch scenarios. Anthony Edwards scored a game-winner in an OT win over the Pelicans. Naz Reid hit a go-ahead 3-pointer to beat the Clippers. It was a rollercoaster start for Minnesota. This win streak has given them some wiggle room, though. This should help them in their fight for a top-four seed in the West down the road.

6. New York Knicks (16-7)

Previous Rankings: 10

The Knicks have won seven of their last eight games. They’ve gotten hot. Everybody has taken their turn in the spotlight. Jalen Brunson scored 30 points a couple of times. Karl-Anthony Towns had 35 points in a win over the Hornets. And OG Anunoby finally returned after a lengthy absence. New York has been a scoring machine. It remains a popular pick to be an NBA Finals team.

Previous Rankings: 5

Maybe this is the year that Jamal Murray is finally named an All-Star player. He’s famously one of the more accomplished players ever to not have that accolade. That could change if Denver sits near the top of the standings by then. He went off for 52 points in a win over the Pacers. The Nuggets have had three players reach the half-century mark alongside Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. That’s quite the wild stat that shows how deep Denver’s roster is, despite what some might say.

4. Los Angeles Lakers (17-6)

Previous Rankings: 3

We witnessed some NBA history this past week. In a tied game in the final seconds, LeBron James had the chance to hit the game-winner against the Raptors. More importantly, though, one more bucket would’ve had him extend his 10-plus point streak. Instead, he passed it out to Rui Hachimura, who knocked down the game-winning 3-pointer. The price to pay was James’ streak as he finished with eight points. For the first time since Jan. 2007, he failed to reach double-digit points in a regular-season game. Didn’t matter, though, as the 40-year-old made the game-winning play. Couldn’t have drawn up a better ending for one of the NBA’s most insane streaks ever.

3. Houston Rockets (15-6)

Previous Rankings: 4

Facing his old squad, Kevin Durant reached another career milestone. He reached 31K points in a win over the Suns. The Rockets remain one of the NBA’s best teams. Besides the Thunder, they’re the only team that sports a plus-10 point differential. Houston has been a winning machine so far. Granted, they’ve been given a ton of rest days in the early part of their schedule. Everything is going right for them and most expect them to be a wildcard team in the playoff picture.

2. Detroit Pistons (19-5)

Previous Rankings: 2

The Pistons sit pretty at the top of the East standings. Cade Cunningham has played like an All-Star starter. He’s averaged 28 points and nine assists. While Detroit is filled with success stories on its roster for its ascension, everything starts and stops with him. They have a little bit of wiggle room at the top of the East standings. Securing homecourt advantage would be huge for the young squad that only has one playoff series of experience under their belt.

Previous Rankings: 1

The Thunder remain the NBA’s best team. The 70-win talks have only grown louder with their OKC-record 15-game win streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played like someone ready to capture his second MVP award. Putting up 30 points in three quarters or hitting soul-crushing crunch-time jumpers has been his game script for the entire season. He’s having one of the most efficient 30-point campaigns in NBA history. As OKC has proven for the last two seasons, it’s in its own tier as the league’s clear-cut best team. Still early, but the reigning NBA champion looks ready to go back-to-back.