NBA Playoff Season: A Mid-Season Review
As the NBA gears up for the playoff season following the 2026 All-Star break, it’s an opportune moment to reassess the standout performers of the ongoing season. In a recent review by USA TODAY Sports, the Top 25 NBA players for 2025-26 have been reevaluated, opening the door for discussions about where these figures truly stand in terms of their current impact and performance.
The rankings are subjective, of course, prompting lively debate among fans and analysts alike. Notably, injured stars such as Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, and Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks have been excluded from this list due to their limited availability.
A Closer Look at the Top 25 NBA Players
- Nikola Jokić (C, Denver Nuggets) – Leading the league with an impressive average of 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists, Jokić’s triple-double stats highlight his unmatched influence on the court, establishing him as the top player.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G, Oklahoma City Thunder) – Consistency defines Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.8 points per game and is currently tied for the second-best player in this ranking.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (F-C, Milwaukee Bucks) – Antetokounmpo remains a force with averages of 28.0 points and 10.0 rebounds, though he battles lingering injuries that have affected his playtime.
- Victor Wembanyama (F-C, San Antonio Spurs) – As a dual-threat player, Wembanyama’s averages of 24.4 points and 11.1 rebounds showcase his game-altering abilities, some of which come from his elite shot-blocking skills.
- Anthony Edwards (G, Minnesota Timberwolves) – The 2026 NBA All-Star MVP, Edwards is averaging 29.3 points per game and proving to be a scoring powerhouse with exceptional shooting from beyond the arc.
- Luka Dončić (G, Los Angeles Lakers) – Still a high-scoring player, Dončić leads the league with 32.8 points on average, although his defensive weaknesses have raised concerns.
- Cade Cunningham (G, Detroit Pistons) – Despite not receiving the same spotlight as others, Cunningham’s average of 25.3 points per game has been crucial for the Pistons’ surprising success.
- Stephen Curry (G, Golden State Warriors) – Curry, renowned for his shooting skills, maintains 27.2 points per game but is vital for the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
- Kawhi Leonard (F, Los Angeles Clippers) – Leonard has had a significant impact on the Clippers, scoring 27.9 points and revitalizing the team following a rough start.
- Jaylen Brown (G, Boston Celtics) – Brown thrives as the leader in scoring for Boston, currently averaging 29.3 points and securing the Celtics’ position in the Eastern Conference.
- Donovan Mitchell (G, Cleveland Cavaliers) – Mitchell’s strong performance, with an average of 29.0 points, continues to push him to deliver more in high-stakes situations so he can prove the critics wrong.
- Kevin Durant (F, Houston Rockets) – Still an elite scorer at age 37, Durant contributes 25.8 points per game, although his adjustment to a new team has had its challenges.
- Jalen Brunson (G, New York Knicks) – Known for his clutch performance, Brunson averages 27.0 points per game, converting critical chances during matches.
- Devin Booker (G, Phoenix Suns) – Booker has helped lead a surprising resurgence for the Suns, averaging 25.2 points per game.
- Tyrese Maxey (G, Philadelphia 76ers) – Maxey’s 28.9 points per game highlight his ability to step up, especially in Embiid’s absence.
- LeBron James (F, Los Angeles Lakers) – At 41, James continues to be a force, contributing 22.0 points and 7.1 assists per game, though age has impacted his efficiency.
- Jamal Murray (G, Denver Nuggets) – He’s been pivotal during Jokić’s absences, averaging 25.7 points.
- Pascal Siakam (F-C, Indiana Pacers) – Despite injuries on the team, Siakam has maintained high stats, averaging 26.7 points.
- Joel Embiid (C, Philadelphia 76ers) – Acknowledged for his scoring ability, even with concerns about his knee, Embiid averages 26.6 points per game.
- Scottie Barnes (F, Toronto Raptors) – Transitioning into a reliable contributor, Barnes scores 19.3 points per game.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (F-C, New York Knicks) – His scoring and rebounding ability, with 19.8 points per game, show flashes of greatness, though consistency is a concern.
- Jalen Johnson (F, Atlanta Hawks) – Rising quickly, Johnson has impressive stats with 23.3 points, helping his team significantly.
- Lauri Markkanen (F, Utah Jazz) – Markkanen has shocked critics with 26.7 points per game, redefining his role despite some limitations late in games.
- Jalen Duren (C, Detroit Pistons) – Duren shows promise with an average of 17.7 points, showcasing growth in multiple areas of his game.
- Paolo Banchero (F, Orlando Magic) – The young forward rounds out the list with 21.3 points but has seen some performance dips despite being a central figure for the Magic.
Additionally, the rankings have seen some notable omissions from the preseason list, including Ja Morant and Jimmy Butler, signifying the fluctuating fortunes of various players over the course of the season.
Conclusion
In summary, this mid-season analysis not only gives fans something to debate but also highlights the evolving nature of player performance in the NBA, especially with the playoffs looming on the horizon.
