The 19-1 Thunder are currently the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Cup (-125 at FanDuel ). The Bucks won the competition last year, and the Lakers won the initial version in 2023. Tuesday, Dec. 9: Heat at Magic, 6 p.m. ET | Knicks at Raptors, 8:30 p.m. ET

The Knicks are beginning to put things together and move up the NBA power rankings. Here is where all 30 teams rank entering December.

The Raptors rank fourth in opponent points per game at 112.8, first in opponent 3-point percentage (31.8%), and fourth in opponent field goals made (39.6). The Knicks don’t trail far behind, ranking tied for seventh in opponent ppg (114) and second in field goals allowed (85.1).

The Knicks have not drafted well over the last few years. They’ve had limited, blah draft positioning as of late due to all the trades they’ve made, but some good players were selected after New York was on the board, particularly in the 2024 draft.

The guard has surpassed 30 points in nine out of 17 outings this season. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Houston’s the rare NBA squad sitting top-five on both ends, and that’s the mark of a legit contender, not a cute early-season story. The defense keeps tightening up, and even with Kevin Durant out, Reed Sheppard stepped in like he’s been there for years.

There was plenty of drama on the final night of NBA Cup group play, with the Magic, Thunder, and Spurs winning their way in, while losses by the Cavaliers and Pistons opened the door for Miami to make it in as a Wild card.