NBA Season Update: Week 8 Highlights
As Week 8 of the NBA season unfolds, the spotlight shines on the ongoing NBA Cup series. This moment presents an excellent opportunity to revisit the top ten teams in the league, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder at the helm. The updated championship odds, sourced from DraftKings, provide insight into each team’s title aspirations.
Top Ten Teams
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (24-1)
NBA Finals odds: +120
Leading Scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.6 PPG), Isaiah Hartenstein (10.7 RPG), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6.5 APG)
The Thunder continue to dominate with an impressive 15-game winning streak, boasting a 24-1 record thus far. Such remarkable performance raises questions about their potential to eclipse the iconic 73-9 record set by the 2015-16 Warriors. Oklahoma City achieved a remarkable 18-1 record even during Jalen Williams’ absence, and the team has thrived since his return. With their current trajectory, they appear poised to chase consecutive championships, establishing themselves as a potential dynasty.
2. Denver Nuggets (17-6)
NBA Finals odds: +650
Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic (29.2 PPG), Nikola Jokic (12.3 RPG), Nikola Jokic (11.0 APG)
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries affecting core players Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, the Nuggets have maintained a solid position with one of the best records in the league. With a streak of three wins in their last five games, they have shown resilience, managing a 5-3 record in the absence of key players. Star Nikola Jokic has been instrumental, averaging an outstanding triple-double, while Jamal Murray is enjoying a breakout season with career-high scoring.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (17-6)
NBA Finals odds: +1300
Leading Scorers: Luka Doncic (35.0 PPG), Luka Doncic (9.0 RPG), Luka Doncic (9.0 APG)
Since the return of LeBron James, the Lakers have demonstrated a revitalized form, tallying a 6-2 record. While LeBron’s numbers reflect a decline, his playmaking abilities remain vital, contributing to highlight moments and clutch assists. The Lakers’ offensive capabilities are bolstered by efficiency metrics, as they rank among the top teams in several categories, including effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage—better than both Oklahoma City and Denver.
4. Houston Rockets (15-6)
NBA Finals odds: +1000
Leading Scorers: Kevin Durant (25.3 PPG), Steven Adams (9.2 RPG), Alperen Sengun (7.1 APG)
Houston has been a force lately, emerging victorious in ten of their last thirteen games, showcasing their offensive prowess. Injuries have impacted the availability of players like Tari Eason and Fred VanVleet, yet the Rockets have managed to maintain strong defensive metrics. With a young core, they rank highly in offensive efficiency despite their slow pace, hinting at their potential as a competitive threat.
5. Detroit Pistons (19-5)
NBA Finals odds: +2500
Leading Scorers: Cade Cunningham (27.5 PPG), Jalen Duren (11.5 RPG), Cade Cunningham (9.3 APG)
After a staggering 13-game winning streak, the Pistons have taken a moment to recalibrate, winning four of their last six games. Detroit stands firm with the best away record in the Eastern Conference and continues to impress with strong metrics on both offense and defense. Star player Cade Cunningham is making a significant impact, emerging as a viable MVP candidate with career highs across several statistical categories.
6. New York Knicks (17-7)
NBA Finals odds: +1400
Leading Scorers: Jalen Brunson (28.3 PPG), Karl-Anthony Towns (12.0 RPG), Jalen Brunson (6.3 APG)
The Knicks are on a roll, winning four in a row and eight out of their last nine—setting the stage for an exciting NBA Cup matchup against the Magic. Their performance against teams with winning records reflects growth, and they have remained solid against teams with losing records. A strong showing could solidify their standing in the playoff conversation.
7. San Antonio Spurs (16-7)
NBA Finals odds: +3000
Leading Scorers: Victor Wembanyama (26.2 PPG), Victor Wembanyama (12.9 RPG), Stephon Castle (7.3 APG)
San Antonio has recently surged, winning four out of five and qualifying for the next round of the NBA Cup. Notably, the Spurs have performed well even without their superstar Victor Wembanyama for an extended period. If he returns for the upcoming matches, they could pose a significant challenge to their opponents.
8. Orlando Magic (15-10)
NBA Finals odds: +3000
Leading Scorers: Franz Wagner (22.3 PPG), Paolo Banchero (7.9 RPG), Jalen Suggs (4.7 APG)
With an engaging season underway, the Magic have continued to impress, winning eight out of their last eleven games. Their metrics reflect a competitive offensive and defensive game. The upcoming contest against the Knicks promises to be a thrilling matchup, particularly as they look to improve their road performance which has been less consistent compared to their home games.
9. Boston Celtics (17-7)
NBA Finals odds: +3500
Leading Scorers: Jaylen Brown (29.1 PPG), Neemias Queta (8.2 RPG), Derrick White (5.3 APG)
The Celtics are experiencing a resurgence with the most extended active winning streak in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown has turned heads with a scoring streak, solidifying his elite status among scoring leaders. Boston’s bench has also emerged as a critical asset, providing valuable support and scoring from beyond the arc.
10. Phoenix Suns (14-11)
NBA Finals odds: +70000
Leading Scorers: Devin Booker (25.0 PPG), Mark Williams (8.4 RPG), Devin Booker (6.7 APG)
The Suns have solidified their place in the top ten by overcoming recent challenges, notably snapping the Timberwolves’ five-game winning streak. While concerns linger regarding consistency, the Suns have maintained respect in their ranking despite some ups and downs. Meanwhile, teams like the Raptors and Heat, who have struggled recently, miss out on the top ten.
Stock Updates
Stock Up
Boston Celtics (17-7)
Riding a wave of success, the Celtics have transformed their performance in recent weeks, boasting a potent offense while contending with defensive challenges.
Stock Down
Toronto Raptors (15-11)
Following an impressive start, Toronto’s performance has dipped significantly, with a troubling record in recent games highlighting challenges in their competitiveness.
Miami Heat (14-11)
The Heat, once thriving, have faced setbacks, losing multiple consecutive games following a lengthy winning streak, raising concerns about their ability to bounce back.
Fans can keep up with the league through streams on platforms like NBC and Peacock, offering a full slate of games and extensive coverage throughout the season.
