NBA 2025-26 Mid-Season Update: Thunder Defend Crown as All-Star Selections Announced

Mid-season check. The championship race is heating up.

The 2025-26 NBA season has reached its halfway mark. All-Star Weekend is set for Los Angeles at the brand-new Intuit Dome on February 13-15. Here is where things stand across the league.

Defending Champions Still on Top

No championship hangover for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They sit atop the Western Conference behind another outstanding season from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA is among the league’s leading scorers again and a frontrunner for a second consecutive MVP award. The Thunder’s depth and defensive intensity — combined with continued development from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams — make them the team to beat. Again.

Eastern Conference Battle

The East is fiercely competitive. Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks are all vying for the top seed.

Cleveland’s dynamic core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley keeps them among the elite. Boston’s championship pedigree under Joe Mazzulla makes them dangerous every night. The Knicks’ resurgence at Madison Square Garden has been one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

MVP Race

One of the most competitive MVP races in years. Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic are all putting up historically excellent numbers. Anthony Edwards has emerged as a serious contender with explosive performances for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles

Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California — the first major event at the LA Clippers’ new home. Rising Stars game Friday, February 13. Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday. All-Star Game on Sunday, February 15.

Australian Watch

The mid-season report for the Aussie contingent is encouraging. Josh Giddey continues developing as the Chicago Bulls’ franchise player. Dyson Daniels has built on his Most Improved Player award with another strong defensive campaign at the Atlanta Hawks. Jock Landale has made an impact as starting centre for the Memphis Grizzlies, proving his value as a floor-spacing big man.

How to Watch in Australia

All-Star Weekend and regular season games available on ESPN via Kayo Sports ($30/month), Foxtel, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Complete game coverage via NBA League Pass from $24.99/month. Most games tip off between 8:00am and 2:00pm AEDT. NBA fans tracking the championship race can also check the sports betting sites for title odds.

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LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com