The NBA’s 2025–26 season has hit a fever pitch as we enter the second week of January and check on our Predictions. While Oklahoma City and Detroit maintain their iron grip on their respective conferences, the “Elite Empire” is seeing major individual scoring shifts and a schedule that is about to test the depth of every contender.
The Scoring Kings: Last Week’s Top Performers
Individual greatness defined the weekend, with Tyrese Maxey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting the league on notice.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Led the league in total points (1,182) and dropped 29 in a statement win over Miami.
- Tyrese Maxey (PHI): The new “Fantasy King” of the week, Maxey scored 34+ points in three straight games. He erupted for 38 points in an overtime thriller against Toronto.
- Luka Dončić (LAL): Continues to lead the NBA in scoring average at 33.3 PPG.
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): Sit second in total points (1,071) after another high-volume week.
- Victor Wembanyama (SAS): Reminded everyone of his ceiling with a 29-point masterclass in his return against Minnesota.
Conference Standings (As of Jan 12, 2026)
The gap between the “Elite” and the “Tanking” is widening as we approach the mid-season mark.
Western Conference
| Seed | Team | Record | Win % | GB |
| 1 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 32–7 | .821 | — |
| 2 | San Antonio Spurs | 27–11 | .711 | 4.5 |
| 3 | Denver Nuggets | 25–13 | .658 | 6.5 |
| 4 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 25–14 | .641 | 7.0 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Lakers | 23–13 | .639 | 7.5 |
Eastern Conference
| Seed | Team | Record | Win % | GB |
| 1 | Detroit Pistons | 28–10 | .737 | — |
| 2 | New York Knicks | 24–14 | .632 | 4.0 |
| 3 | Boston Celtics | 24–14 | .632 | 4.0 |
| 4 | Toronto Raptors | 23–16 | .590 | 5.5 |
| 5 | Philadelphia 76ers | 21–15 | .583 | 6.0 |
Upcoming Games: The Week 12 Gauntlet
This week features critical divisional battles and cross-conference showdowns that will shift the standings by next Monday.
- Monday, Jan 12: * Lakers at Kings: A classic Pacific rivalry where the Lakers are favored by 9.5 points.
- 76ers at Raptors: The second of a “baseball-style” back-to-back after Toronto’s OT win Sunday.
- Tuesday, Jan 13: * Thunder at Spurs: A massive clash of the West’s top two seeds.
- Bucks at Timberwolves: A physical test for Giannis and Milwaukee.
- Wednesday, Jan 14: * Kings at Knicks: Sacramento continues its brutal January road stretch.
Next Week Predictions: Who Rises and Who Falls?
1. The Boston Surge
Despite Jaylen Brown being doubtful for Monday, the Celtics are predicted to cover their spreads and likely leapfrog the Knicks for the #2 seed in the East. Their depth has proven they can “blow out” competition even without their stars.
2. The Sacramento Slide
The Kings face the league’s hardest schedule in January, with 13 of their 17 games against teams above .500. Expect them to struggle to break their current bottom-tier standing as they face the Lakers and Knicks this week.
3. OKC vs. Spurs Stand-off
The Tuesday night matchup between OKC and San Antonio will likely decide the “momentum lead” for the West. While OKC has the better record, the Spurs’ recent form suggests a narrow gap that could close by the weekend.
4. The Lakers’ Easy Path
In contrast to the Kings, the Lakers have the easiest January schedule in the league. Predictions have them comfortably holding a top-5 seed and potentially moving up if Minnesota or Denver falter during their mid-week matchups.
