The NBA 2025-26 season is turning out to be another instant classic as teams look to cement their places for the playoffs. There’s drama every few days, and Weeks 7 and 8 were no different. Oklahoma City Thunder continue to set the pace, while the chasing pack have been plenty of ups and downs. Let’s break down all the action that unfolded in the past fortnight. 

Key Match Summaries 

The defending champions, Oklahoma City, had won 16  games in a row before their winning streak was ended by San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox all scored 22 points each to help their side past the most in-form team in the NBA. Since losing to Portland Trail Blazers in early November, Mark Daigneault guided his side to 16 wins, and they will hope to return to winning ways against LA Clippers. 

Denver Nuggets are also on a four-match winning streak of their own, demolishing Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks along the way. Nikola Jokić continues to impress with 29.5 points per game, and he is also leading the charts for his team for rebounds and assists. 

After a shaky start to the season, Houston Rockets have found momentum with wins over Sacramento, Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers. Ime Udoka has found the perfect way to use Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun as the deadly duo continues to lead the charts for points per game, rebounds, and assists. 

LA Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are also close behind. With 7 wins from their past 10 games, the Lakers have been riding on performances from Austin Reaves, DeAndre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. Elsewhere, Spurs have also registered 7 wins and 3 losses in their recent matches. Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson have them flying on a 3-match winning streak. 

Minnesota Timberwolves have also won 7 in their last 10, including the last two matches over Golden State and Sacramento. Chris Finch’s side was on a five-game winning streak before Suns ended that run. Jordan Ott has guided his side to just 4 wins of late. Their win over LA Lakers and Minnesota was followed by defeats against Houston, Oklahoma and the Lakers. 

Golden State, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks occupy the remaining three playoffs berths. Portland and Utah Jazz are also looking to push for a qualification playoff berth, while the LA Clippers have slumped to three back-to-back losses. The Kings have also lost three on the trot, whereas New Orleans Pelicans have found a new lease of life with two wins back to back after 7 losses. 

Standout Players and Performances

Nikola Jokić has the highest average SofaScore rating (8.98) in the entire Western Conference. He is closely followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (8.55), close behind on second. Alperen Sengun joined Nikola and Jamal Murray in SofaScore’s Team of the Week 7 from West. Austin Reaves (8.04), James Harden (7.93) and Jamal Murray are also among the top ten as per the average ratings. 

League Table & Impact

Despite seeing their 16-game winning streak snapped, Oklahoma are still sitting pretty atop the Western Conference. Denver Nuggets are in second place, just ahead of Houston Rockets and LA Lakers. San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves are just ahead of Phoenix Suns. Golden State, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas round off the top ten. Portland, Utah, LA Clippers, Sacramento and the Pelicans are in the bottom half of the table. 

Injuries and Suspension Updates

Dallas Mavericks have put a questionable tag on Daniel Gafford for their next outing against Utah. Anthony Davis is being monitored on a day-to-day basis. Julian Strawther is also questionable for Denver’s outing against Rockets. 

Tari Eason may miss Houston’s matchup with Denver. Both James Harden and Nicolas Batum are likely to miss Clippers’ meeting with Grizzlies. Brandon Clarke (knee) is also doubtful while the Timberwolves have ruled out Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert till the end of Week 8. Oklahoma’s Isaiah Joe is also sidelined for now, while Sacramento are sweating on the fitness of Zach LaVine. 

Looking Ahead

Emirates NBA Cup action continues in Week 9 as San Antonio Spurs will face New York Knicks in a star-studded final as the first silverware of the season is up for grabs. Oklahoma City will hope to pick up a win over LA Clippers, and they will meet Timberwolves later in the week. A marquee clash awaits in Denver as the Nuggets will face high-flying Houston. LA Clippers will meet their crosstown rivals LA Lakers. After the NBA Cup final, Spurs have a busy schedule as they will face Washington Wizards twice along with Atlanta Hawks.