The Boston Celtics entered Friday with the shortest odds on the board (+200) to win the NBA championship at ESPN BET.

But should the Celtics really be the favorite? Although the Celtics have played well overall this season, there are two teams that have clearly been better through the first half. The Celtics currently have as many losses at 28-12 as the Thunder (34-6, +250 to win) and the Cavaliers (34-6, +750 to win) combined. In fact, through 40 games, both the Thunder and the Cavs remain on pace to win 70 games. Each.

The Celtics go into Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic having lost three of their last five games, and six of 12. Those last three defeats have come by a combined 43 points with each loss by at least 13 points, including the thrashing handed to them by the 10-31 Raptors on Wednesday.

Why are the Celtics still favored to win?

Some of it is inertia. The Celtics won last season's championship pretty routinely. They won the Eastern Conference by a whopping 14 games, and were seven games clear of the Thunder out West for the best record in the NBA. They were never really challenged in the playoffs, either, winning 16 of 19 games on their way to the title. Then, they won 16 of their first 19 games in dominant fashion to start this season and the narrative set in that they were the class of the NBA.

For for the last month-and-a-half, as the sports world has worked its way through the end of the NFL season and the College Football Playoff, the mindset that the Celtics are still "champs in waiting" has persisted ... largely under the radar. No one was really talking much about them, allowing their championship aura to largely go undented until their recent struggles.

Offense: An over-reliance on the 3-pointer

So, now people are paying a bit of attention. And if you look closer, there are some warning signs for these Celtics. They led the NBA in team offensive rating last season (123.2 points per 100 possessions). They still have the third-best offense in the NBA this season with 119.7 points per 100, but they are the only team in the NBA that shoots more from behind the arc (49.3 3PA) than inside the arc (41.6 2PA) each game. When the 3-pointers are going in, they can barrage teams right off the court. But against quality defenses, or when it's just a cooler shooting night, the Celtics don't currently have a balanced enough offense to be able to win those games.

And they just aren't shooting all that efficiently from deep, ranking 15th in the NBA with a 36.2% team 3-point percentage. As a result, the East-leading Cavaliers are only making 1.7 fewer 3-pointers per game than the Celtics (16.2 3PG vs 17.9 3PG) even though the Cavs are taking almost nine fewer attempts per game (40.5 3PA vs 49.3 3PA). The Cavs have much more balance, featuring two all-star caliber big men in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, in addition to their two all-star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. As a result, they almost match the Celtics' 3-point volume but also sport the best shooting percentages in the NBA from both inside (58.6 2P%) and outside (39.9 3P%) the arc.

Defense: The Thunder is better

And on the other end of the court, the Celtics have slid from third in the NBA in defensive rating last season to seventh (110.8 points allowed per 100 possessions), while their main competitor, the Thunder, are dominating the league on defense. Their Defensive Rating of 103.6 points allowed per 100 possessions is almost four points better than the second place Magic, and are a full seven points better than the Celtics.

The Thunder have maintained their dominant defense despite consistent injuries to either one or both of their star big men at the same time. Chet Holmgren was one of the leading shot-blockers in the NBA (2.6 BPG) before injuring his hip 10 games in, and Isaiah Hartenstein has been one of the leading rebounders in the NBA (12.2 RPG) in the 24 games he has played between injuries. But the Thunder haven't had both their bigs together at any one time, and they throttled the Cavaliers on Thursday night despite having neither of their bigs.

Futures angles

Many don't believe that what happens in the regular season matters, that it's only the playoffs that count. And until the playoffs begin, the only memory people have of the Celtics is their dominant run to the championship. But the Cavaliers (+750) and the Thunder (+200) are both built to play with a style and effectiveness that has historically been better in the playoffs than what the Celtics have shown us this season with their reliance up on scoring 3s.

While the Celtics have earned their spot as one of the top three contenders for this season's championship, their current odds don't make them a good futures value compared to the other two. The Thunder are in the West, where there isn't another dominant team this season, so they have a clearer path to the championship than the Celtics, and because they share a conference with the Cavaliers, Boston would have to potentially go through both Cleveland and Oklahoma City to win the championship.

The Thunder and Cavaliers are the better betting values

Given this path and that they still have longer odds, the Thunder have better value at +250 than the Celtics at +200. Meanwhile, the Cavs may not have the Celtics' experience, but they've held their dominance for long enough to be at least the co-favorite from the Eastern Conference. However, they are getting significantly more juice than the Celtics right now, making them the best value among the three top contenders for the championship.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Athletics agreed to terms on a $10 million, one-year contract Friday with former Texas right-hander Jose Leclerc.

The 31-year-old Leclerc went 6-5 with a 4.32 ERA and one save in 64 relief appearances for the Rangers last season. He struck out 89 batters in 66 2/3 innings and held righties to a .193 batting average.

Leclerc has spent his entire career in the majors with Texas since making his debut in 2016. He is 12-20 with a 3.27 ERA and 41 saves in 350 career appearances. He has averaged 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings over his career.

He was limited two two games in 2020, the last on July 26, because of a torn right teres major muscle. Leclerc missed the next season following Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2021, and returned to a big league mound on June 18, 2022.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the A's designated right-hander Will Klein for assignment.

Saracens: Daly; Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Segun; Burke, Van Zyl; Mawi, Dan, Balmain, Itoje (capt), Tizard; Gonzalez, Earl, Willis.

Replacements: George, Brantingham, Riccioni, Michelow, Knight, Simpson, Hartley, Hall.

Castres: Chabouni; Hulleu, Seguret (capt), Cocagi, Raisuqe; Le Brun, Doubrere; Guerois-Galisson, Colonna, Corato, Maravat, Jedrasiak, Moore-Aiono, Meka, Tukino.

Replacements: Zarantonello, De Benedittis, Azar, Macurdy, Peysson, Perrone, Dupont, Zeghdar

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Manchester United legend Denis Law has died, his family confirmed in a statement on Friday. He was 84.

Law is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the club's history, remembered for his part in an infamous "United Trinity" partnership with Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, with the trio immortalised in a statue outside Old Trafford.

United did not specify the cause of Law's death. He revealed in 2021 that he was suffering with dementia.

"It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace," Law's family said in a statement published by United.

"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."

Law also won 54 international caps with Scotland, scoring 31 times. He began his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and spent a season at Italian side Torino.

However, it is the 404 appearances he made for United between 1962 and 1973 for which he is most remembered. Most of those games came under Sir Matt Busby as the club rebuilt following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.

Law was a part of the United side that won the English top flight in 1965 and 1967 as well as the European Cup in 1968 -- a first for an English club.

He also only the second British recipient of the Ballon d'Or, winning the individual award in 1964.

United said in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84."

"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis's family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

Law's 46 goals in the 1963-64 season remains a single-season record for United. His 237 goals for the club is bettered only by Charlton and Wayne Rooney, though his goals-per-game ratio is higher.

His 30 goals for Scotland is matched only by Kenny Dalglish, though was achieved in just 55 games compared to Dalglish's 102.

However, a goal he scored against United is arguably his most famous. In one of the last games of his career, Law was playing for rivals City at Old Trafford in United's penultimate game of the 1973-74 season.

His late goal -- an audacious back-heel flick he insisted was "a fluke" -- meant United lost 1-0 and helped ensure relegation to the second division just six years after being crowned European champions.

Law did not celebrate his goal and was substituted with head bowed as United fans invaded the pitch before the game restarted.

A player who would become fondly referred to as "The Lawman," Law left his northern Scotland hometown of Aberdeen as a skinny 15-year-old with poor eyesight. He became a feared penalty-area predator and a pioneer in a modernising world of European football.

By the age of 22, both United and City had paid an English-record transfer fee to sign Law, and he had played one season in Italy -- an exotic change of culture at that time, though he disliked the defensive nature of Serie A.

He returned from Torino in 1962 to begin an 11-year stint at Old Trafford that helped re-establish United as an international power under manager Busby.

Law joined a club that was still rebuilding from the airplane crash at Munich four years earlier. It tragically took the lives of most of Busby's then-dominant team, which was returning from a European Cup game.

Law's prolific scoring helped United win the FA Cup in 1963 for its first trophy since the Munich disaster, and then two league titles in three seasons.

Redemption for Busby's United was becoming European champions a decade after the tragedy.

Though Best and Charlton scored in the final, a 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica, Law missed the game at London's Wembley Stadium due to a knee injury that persisted in his career.

He had his own signature Wembley moment one year earlier. He scored Scotland's first goal in a 3-2 victory to inflict England's first loss since winning the 1966 World Cup final nine months previously.

Only in one of his last games would Law finally play at the World Cup, in 1974 in West Germany.

Then a 34-year-old veteran, Law was selected for Scotland's opening match, a 2-0 win against Zaire. He was not picked for subsequent drawn games against Brazil and Yugoslavia as Scotland was eliminated.

Law retired in August 1974, by which time he had etched his name into football history. After his playing career, Law worked as a TV pundit and presenter.

Law recovered from prostate cancer in November 2003 and was later awarded a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 for services to football and charity.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens did not rule out Zay Flowers for Sunday's divisional playoff game at the Buffalo Bills, listing him as doubtful even though the Pro Bowl wide receiver did not practice all week.

"I think he'll have a chance," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Friday's practice.

Flowers hasn't practiced since injuring his right knee during Baltimore's regular-season finale on Jan. 4 against the Cleveland Browns. He was the only Ravens player who did not participate in Friday's practice.

But Flowers is making progress. He held a workout before Friday's practice where he did some running while wearing a brace. The Ravens later posted part of that workout on their social media, which is something the team doesn't typically do.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said it would be a "huge challenge" if Flowers can't play.

"He is a guy that has been with us all season long [and has] been making things happen for us," Jackson said, "What he brings to the game -- we're going to miss that. But we have guys who are locked in and are ready to step up to the plate for us."

In his second season, Flowers led Baltimore with 74 receptions and 1,059 receiving yards. With Flowers sidelined in the wild-card round, Jackson completed 16-of-21 passes (76.1%) for 175 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson spread the ball around, completing multiple passes to five different players.

If Flowers can't play, it will mark the first time that he will miss consecutive games.

"Hopefully, Zay will be able to go, but if not, we have a lot of really good players," Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. "We're fortunate. We have a lot of really good players, and we anticipate them playing well."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans plan to hire Mike Borgonzi to be their next general manager, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Borgonzi served the previous 16 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Borgonzi has been the Chiefs assistant general manager for the past four years. He'll replace former Titans general manager Ran Carthon, who held the position for two seasons.

The Chiefs promoted Borgonzi to assistant general manager in 2021. He served three seasons as the Chiefs' director of football operations (2018-20) and one season as the director of player personnel in 2017.

Kansas City hired Borgonzi to be their college scouting administrator in 2009. He went on to be their manager of football operations in 2010, then pro personnel scout from 2011 to 2012. Borgonzi spent 2013 and 2014 as the assistant director of pro scouting before becoming co-director of player personnel from 2015 to 2016.

Before joining the Chiefs, Borgonzi was the assistant recruiting coordinator at Boston College (2007-08). Boston College played in the ACC championship twice and won the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl while Borgonzi was there.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida assistant coach Taurean Green will continue working the men's basketball team despite being accused of sexual assault.

Head coach Todd Golden said Green "will be with us" when the fifth-ranked Gators host Texas on Saturday. Golden, who remains the subject of a Title IX investigation himself, also ripped into a process that is supposed to be confidential.

"I would suggest people do not rush to judgment based off a headline," Golden said Friday. "For me, I am just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this -- that confidentiality and privacy continues to be abused.

"So as frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I am going to do what I think I need to do and continue to respect the process, as I have."

Golden's comments came one day after ESPN reported that a formal complaint was filed with the school's Title IX office accusing Green of kissing an athletic department employee and trying to put his hand down her pants in March 2024. ESPN reviewed a copy of the complaint.

The woman, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, pulled Green's hand away, said no and left. She told ESPN she had never been alone with Green previously and had only exchanged casual greetings with him on campus.

The woman said she did not report the alleged incident at the time in part because of Green's status. Green, who won NCAA championships as a player with the Gators in 2006 and 2007, joined the basketball staff in 2022 following a professional basketball career.

The woman told ESPN she came forward after Title IX investigators working on Golden's case asked to interview her last fall about Golden's interactions with female athletes. She said that inquiry made her realize there could be concerns about a pattern of behavior.

The woman told ESPN she first reported her allegations in mid-December to Florida deputy athletics director Amy Meyers Hass.

It came while the university is still investigating a Sept. 27 Title IX complaint against Golden that includes allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking, according to copies of the complaint.

The complaint accuses Golden of sending photos and videos of his genitalia, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requesting sexual favors.

Title IX is designed to protect students from discrimination, including sexual harassment. Florida outsources its Title IX investigations to Grand River Solutions, a private firm based in California.

Golden initially signed a six-year, $18 million contract to take over at Florida and agreed to a two-year extension in March 2024 that will keep him at Florida through the 2029-30 season. His contract prohibits "romantic, amorous and/or sexual relationships between any coach or other employee of the Association and any student athlete or other person subject to the supervision, control and/or authority of such coach or other employee."

The contract also says the university can take disciplinary action if the coach acts in a manner "that has an 'adverse effect' or causes an 'adverse reflection,' on the reputation, mission and/or interests" of the athletic department or the university.

Golden praised his team for "staying the course and working hard."

"Obviously, it is not ideal, but at the same time, I think we've done a pretty good job this year of staying the course and keeping winning the main thing with the way we've played and the way we've performed," he said. "I believe we will continue to do that on a day-to-day basis."

As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches (Feb. 6, 3 p.m. ET), several teams across both conferences will be reevaluating their rosters over the next three weeks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the dominant team in the West behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but the rest of the conference continues to be a battleground that may force other contenders to pursue a superstar for their playoff hopes. Will the Golden State Warriors make a splashy move before next month to help save their season? Or will the Phoenix Suns continue their chase of disgruntled superstar Jimmy Butler?

In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics remain the contenders to beat, but last season's lowly Detroit Pistons are in the hunt for the postseason this time, losing only one game in January so far. And the return of Paolo Banchero for the Orlando Magic will put other East teams on notice for the remainder of the season.

With 22 days left until the trade deadline, this is where all 30 teams stack up in this week's power rankings.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1 | Jan. 8

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

• 2024-25 record: 34-5

• Previous ranking: 1

• Next games: @ OKC (Jan. 16), @ MIN (Jan. 18), vs. PHX (Jan. 20)

Cleveland saw its 12-game winning streak snapped in unceremonious fashion, getting blown out at home against a Pacers team that outscored the Cavs 68-40 in the second half. The loss set up a challenging week for the squad, with road games at Indiana, Oklahoma City and Minnesota. The Cavaliers got revenge over the Pacers. However, the Thunder will be looking for revenge against them and the Wolves are starting to resemble their playoff form from last season. -- Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 2024-25 record: 33-6

• Previous ranking: 2

• Next games: vs. CLE (Jan. 16), @ DAL (Jan. 17), vs. BKN (Jan. 19)

As the midway point of the season nears, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case can be built around his massive leads in two major statistical categories. He had 1,192 points entering Tuesday night, which was 161 more than any other player. His plus-minus was plus-474, which was 142 points better than any other player. Not to mention Gilgeous-Alexander has played every game for the West-leading Thunder. -- Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

• 2024-25 record: 28-11

• Previous ranking: 3

• Next games: @ TOR (Jan. 15), vs. ORL (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 18), @ GS (Jan. 20)

Boston is 9-7 across its past 16 games following a 19-5 start, allowing Cleveland to break away at the top of the Eastern Conference. What's been the biggest cause for Boston's struggles? After a hot start from beyond the arc this season, their 3-point shooting percentage has slumped to 34.6 (23rd in the league) over that stretch. -- Tim Bontemps

4. Houston Rockets

Houston captured its third victory this season against the Grizzlies on Monday to become the only team this season to defeat Memphis three times. The win also marked the team's fourth in a row as Jalen Green tied a career high with 42 points. Green, 22, has tallied 25-plus points in five consecutive outings, while Amen Thompson had his second five-block game of the season in Monday's win. The Rockets are 5-3 against the top-six teams in the NBA, helping solidify their contender status at the top of the West. -- Michael Wright

5. New York Knicks

• 2024-25 record: 26-15

• Previous ranking: 4

• Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 15), vs. MIN (Jan. 17), vs. ATL (Jan. 20), @ BKN (Jan. 21)

The bad news is entering Monday's matchup, at just 29.9%, no team has shot worse from three over the past 10 games than the Knicks. The good news? New York -- still the third-most efficient offense in basketball -- managed to win six of those contests. The real question, after a blowout loss to Oklahoma City at the Garden, is how the Knicks stack up against elite opponents. They have the league's toughest remaining schedule. -- Chris Herring

6. Memphis Grizzlies

• 2024-25 record: 25-15

• Previous ranking: 6

• Next games: @ SA (Jan. 15), @ SA (Jan. 17), vs. MIN (Jan. 20)

Memphis has racked up 97 30-point quarters this season, while allowing 121.2 points per game throughout January. But the Grizzlies are 2-4 this month with Ja Morant missing three of those outings due to injury. The latest setback took place Monday, courtesy of the Rockets, who captured a victory despite committing 23 turnovers for 31 Grizzlies points. Memphis led by 13 points with 9:55 left but were outscored 33-20 down the stretch. The Grizzlies will look to close out their four-game road trip in San Antonio, where they'll face Victor Wembanyama and the surging Spurs twice. -- Wright

7. Denver Nuggets

• 2024-25 record: 24-15

• Previous ranking: 7

• Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 15), @ MIA (Jan. 17), @ ORL (Jan. 19), vs. PHI (Jan. 21)

The Nuggets weren't sure how things would go when they added Russell Westbrook to the mix in the offseason, hoping the former MVP would bring energy, pace, hustle and playmaking alongside Nikola Jokic. But through nearly 40 games, Westbrook has exceeded every expectation and appears to be getting better in his 18th season. His chemistry with Jokic is impressive, and the Nuggets are 7-3 since inserting Westbrook into the starting lineup on Dec. 27 -- the third-best record in the West during that span behind the Thunder (8-1) and Kings (7-1). In his four games entering Tuesday, Westbrook averaged 22.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists. He made two or more 3's in a game twice and had four blocks and three steals during that stretch. -- Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Dallas Mavericks

• 2024-25 record: 22-18

• Previous ranking: 11

• Next games: @ NO (Jan. 15), vs. OKC (Jan. 17), @ CHA (Jan. 20)

Third-year guard Jaden Hardy was a major bright spot for the Mavs during Kyrie Irving's five-game absence due to illness and a back injury. Hardy averaged 15.4 points in 22.6 minutes during that span, shooting 49.1% from the floor and 51.9% from 3-point range. The next step in the 22-year-old Hardy's development: "Consistency," coach Jason Kidd said. -- MacMahon

9. Orlando Magic

• 2024-25 record: 23-18

• Previous ranking: 10

• Next games: @ MIL (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 17), vs. DEN (Jan. 19), @ TOR (Jan. 21)

Welcome back, Paolo Banchero! The Magic's All-Star forward had 34 points Friday against the Bucks in his first game since an oblique strain sidelined him in October. Although that didn't translate into a victory, Orlando got back in the win column Sunday, beating the 76ers with 20 points from Banchero and 27 from Cole Anthony. Banchero's return couldn't have come at a better time for the Magic, who are still without Franz Wagner due to an oblique strain and have seen Jalen Suggs miss the past five games with a back strain. -- Kevin Pelton

10. Los Angeles Lakers

• 2024-25 record: 20-17

• Previous ranking: 8

• Next games: vs. MIA (Jan. 15), vs. BKN (Jan. 17), @ LAC (Jan. 19), vs. WAS (Jan. 21)

The Dorian Finney-Smith trade hasn't resulted in the immediate returns L.A. hoped it would. The Lakers have gone 2-4 since acquiring the 3-and-D wing, and Monday's loss to San Antonio was Finney-Smith's worst performance of the lot, scoring 4 points on 1-for-4 shooting and managing minus-13 in 20 minutes. And obviously, the team's six-day hiatus because of the Southern California wildfires hasn't helped either. "It's been a crazy two weeks since I've been in L.A., man," Finney-Smith said. "I ain't going to lie to you." -- McMenamin

11. LA Clippers

• 2024-25 record: 21-17

• Previous ranking: 9

• Next games: vs. BKN (Jan. 15), @ POR (Jan. 16), vs. LAL (Jan. 19), vs. CHI (Jan. 21)

After losing their first four games at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers finally got comfortable in owner Steve Ballmer's technological palace, winning 13 of their past 15. Since Nov. 4, only Cleveland (17-2) and Oklahoma City (14-2) have better home records. The defense held Miami to 98 points in the team's win Monday, the 11th time holding an opponent under 100 points, tied with the Heat and Timberwolves for third most this season. Kawhi Leonard has been back for only three games and has played no more than 21 minutes in any of those contests. But once he gets stronger, the Clippers defense could really take off -- it is currently fourth in the league (108.6). -- Youngmisuk

12. Indiana Pacers

• 2024-25 record: 22-19

• Previous ranking: 15

• Next games: @ DET (Jan. 16), vs. PHI (Jan. 18)

Indiana went on a six-game winning streak to start January, including a victory over the Cavaliers on Sunday despite guard Tyrese Haliburton missing the second half with a hamstring injury. The Pacers have risen in the East standings during this hot streak to No. 5, but may have to find ways to win without its star guard. Haliburton strained the same hamstring in January 2024 and missed nine of 10 games. -- Jamal Collier

13. Milwaukee Bucks

• 2024-25 record: 21-17

• Previous ranking: 12

• Next games: vs. ORL (Jan. 15), vs. TOR (Jan. 17), vs. PHI (Jan. 19)

A blowout loss on the road against the Knicks dropped the Bucks to 0-8 against the East's top-three teams (Cleveland, Boston, New York) this season, prompting star Giannis Antetokounmpo to implore the team to "get our stuff together" after the game. Milwaukee needs to keep racking up wins to protect its place in the standings as it is set to host another East team ahead of the team in the standings, the fifth-seeded Magic, on Wednesday. -- Collier

14. Minnesota Timberwolves

• 2024-25 record: 21-18

• Previous ranking: 18

• Next games: vs. GS (Jan. 15), @ NYK (Jan. 17), vs. CLE (Jan. 18), @ MEM (Jan. 20)

Anthony Edwards scored 20 points in the fourth quarter in Monday's win against the Wizards, finishing with 40 and continuing an impressive hot streak. He's the third-leading scorer in the NBA since Jan. 4, averaging 33.6 points during that span. The Wolves need him to continue that run as they enter a brutal stretch, facing the Warriors, Knicks, Cavs and Grizzlies in the next week. -- Collier

15. Miami Heat

• 2024-25 record: 20-18

• Previous ranking: 16

• Next games: @ LAL (Jan. 15), vs. DEN (Jan. 17), vs. SA (Jan. 19), vs. POR (Jan. 21)

Miami wraps up its six-game road trip Wednesday night against the Lakers. All eyes, though, will be on the Heat when they return home Friday night to take on the Nuggets -- the first game Jimmy Butler is eligible to return after a seven-game suspension. The drama-filled saga will continue whether or not Butler plays, and if he does, what will that look like? -- Bontemps

16. Sacramento Kings

• 2024-25 record: 20-20

• Previous ranking: 20

• Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 16), vs. WAS (Jan. 19)

The Kings' seven-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie finally ended with their first loss in 2025 on Tuesday in Milwaukee, but Sacramento remains one of the league's hottest teams despite a recent three-game absence for star guard De'Aaron Fox. DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis stepped up their play in Fox's absence for two of the Kings' best wins all season -- including a 17-point win at TD Garden over the defending champion Boston Celtics last Friday. Fox's return to the lineup didn't slow Sacramento down in Sunday's win at Chicago, already the Kings' fourth by six points or fewer under Christie -- more than they had under Brown (three). -- Pelton

17. Detroit Pistons

• 2024-25 record: 21-19

• Previous ranking: 19

• Next games: vs. IND (Jan. 16), vs. PHX (Jan. 18), @ HOU (Jan. 20)

Since the start of 2025, the Pistons can't stop winning. Their 7-1 record in January, capped by Monday's impressive victory over the Knicks, is one win away from matching their most in a month since March 2019 -- and that came last November, when Detroit was 8-9. Cade Cunningham is averaging 26.5 points on 50% shooting and 8.3 assists in January, continuing his push for a first All-Star appearance, while Malik Beasley's 15.8 PPG has helped the Pistons overcome the loss of starting guard Jaden Ivey to a fibula fracture. -- Pelton

18. Phoenix Suns

• 2024-25 record: 19-20

• Previous ranking: 23

• Next games: @ WAS (Jan. 16), @ DET (Jan. 18), @ CLE (Jan. 20)

Heading into Tuesday's game in Atlanta, Phoenix recorded a three-game winning streak, its longest since early November. While it's too early to tell if Bradley Beal coming off the bench will be a permanent fix, it's shown some sign of promise. In five games as a reserve, Beal has shot 53% (compared to 48% as a starter), and his scoring has stayed steady at 17.4 points (just a tick down from 17.8 as a starter). More importantly, Phoenix is 4-1 since the shift. -- McMenamin

19. San Antonio Spurs

• 2024-25 record: 19-19

• Previous ranking: 14

• Next games: vs. MEM (Jan. 15), vs. MEM (Jan. 17), @ MIA (Jan. 19)

Late-game collapses during a three-game skid left San Antonio seeking redemption heading into their two-game matchup against the Lakers. The Spurs arrived in Los Angeles early Thursday for their first matchup against the Lakers, but didn't play until Monday due to the wildfires in Southern California. Chris Paul said last week after a loss in Chicago that San Antonio needed to find grit late in games. The Spurs showcased just that, snapping their losing streak against the Lakers and proving the young club is gradually learning what it takes to close contests. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell each tied for a team-high 23 points in the outing. -- Wright

20. Atlanta Hawks

• 2024-25 record: 20-19

• Previous ranking: 17

• Next games:@ CHI (Jan. 15), @ BOS (Jan. 18), @ NYK (Jan. 20)

It's been a rough go for Atlanta since stringing together four consecutive victories to close out 2024, with the Hawks dropping four games since the start of 2025. And as euphoric and heart-stopping as that one win was -- Trae Young hit a buzzer-beater from just beyond half court to defeat Utah on the road last week -- the fact that it was necessary against the worst team in the West was telling. Atlanta's been a bottom-three defense since the start of the new year, something it needs to address if it wants to avoid a fourth straight season of the play-in. -- Herring

21. Golden State Warriors

• 2024-25 record: 19-20

• Previous ranking: 13

• Next games: @ MIN (Jan. 15), vs. WAS (Jan. 18), vs. BOS (Jan. 20)

The frustration continues to build in Golden State as the Warriors lost to the nine-win Raptors on Monday without Draymond Green (illness/back), Jonathan Kuminga (ankle), Gary Payton II (calf) and Brandin Podziemski (abdomen). Warriors coach Steve Kerr called this as frustrating a night as they have had, citing a lack of execution and discipline on both ends. He blamed himself. With just over three weeks before the trade deadline, Stephen Curry says the Warriors should not panic and make any "desperate" moves at the expense of the franchise's future. --Youngmisuk

22. Chicago Bulls

• 2024-25 record: 18-22

• Previous ranking: 22

• Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 15), vs. CHA (Jan. 17), @ POR (Jan. 19), @ LAC (Jan. 21)

The Bulls are getting a healthy version of Zach LaVine this season and he's posting a career high in field goal (51.7) and 3-point percentage (45.0). LaVine has scored at least 30 points in six straight games, the longest streak of his career. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of two players this season with a 30-point scoring streak spanning as many games. -- Collier

23. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2024-25 record: 15-23

• Previous ranking: 21

• Next games: vs. NYK (Jan. 15), @ IND (Jan. 18), @ MIL (Jan. 19), @ DEN (Jan. 21)

The next three weeks will define Philadelphia's season. The 76ers gave a strong effort against the Thunder on Tuesday night, losing a competitive game despite the team's three All-Stars (Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey) sitting out, as well as several rotation players. But with 11 of the remaining 12 games before the trade deadline being against winning teams, which includes five back-to-back sets, a struggle here for Philadelphia could spell doom for the 76ers' chances of getting even into the play-in -- let alone the playoffs. -- Bontemps

24. Portland Trail Blazers

• 2024-25 record: 13-26

• Previous ranking: 24

• Next games: vs. LAC (Jan. 16), vs. HOU (Jan. 18), vs. CHI (Jan. 19), @ MIA (Jan. 21)

An uneven January continued for the Blazers, who went from having a 19-point win in New Orleans on Wednesday to blowing a 10-point lead with four and a half minutes remaining in Thursday's six-point loss to Dallas. In the opener of a five-game homestand Saturday, Portland got blown out by the short-handed Heat. One positive has been the consistent play of forward Deni Avdija. Since Dec. 21, Avdija is averaging 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting better than 50% from the field. -- Pelton

25. Brooklyn Nets

• 2024-25 record: 14-26

• Previous ranking: 25

• Next games: @ LAC (Jan. 15), @ LAL (Jan. 17), @ OKC (Jan. 19), vs. NYK (Jan. 21)

After dealing away starters Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets -- who got out to a pleasantly surprising 9-10 start -- are starting to fall into preseason expectations. They dropped five straight before beating Portland on Tuesday. -- Herring

26. Utah Jazz

• 2024-25 record: 10-28

• Previous ranking: 26

• Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)

Rookie Isaiah Collier had a season-high 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, including the game-winner in the final seconds of overtime in Sunday's win over the Nets. It was only his second game scoring in double figures, but Collier has recently displayed consistent playmaking ability. He has averaged 7.8 assists as a starter in the past five games, dishing out at least six dimes in each outing. -- MacMahon

27. Toronto Raptors

• 2024-25 record: 9-31

• Previous ranking: 27

• Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 15), @ MIL (Jan. 17), vs. ORL (Jan. 21)

The rest of this season in Toronto is going to be about getting chemistry going between Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the team's two long-term building blocks. Although Quickley has been in Toronto for a full calendar year, because of injuries to Barnes last season and Quickley this season, they've barely played together. The Raptors are hoping that will change over the next three months. -- Bontemps

28. Charlotte Hornets

• 2024-25 record: 8-28

• Previous ranking: 29

• Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 15), @ CHI (Jan. 17), vs. DAL (Jan. 20)

Center Mark Williams, who has battled injuries throughout the first three seasons of his NBA tenure, had perhaps the best performance of his young career Sunday, logging 24 points and 16 rebounds in a loss to the Suns. (Though the Hornets did manage to snap a 10-game skid by beating Phoenix in a previous matchup) Still, it's much easier to live with defeats -- particularly during a rebuild -- when they can pull off some promising wins. -- Herring

29. New Orleans Pelicans

• 2024-25 record: 9-32

• Previous ranking: 28

• Next games: vs. DAL (Jan. 15), vs. UTAH (Jan. 17), vs. UTAH (Jan. 20)

Winners of four of their past seven, the Pelicans are off to their second-worst 40-game start in franchise history. However, Trey Murphy III remains a blossoming bright spot. The fourth-year vet produced his third 30-point game of the season in a close loss to Boston on Sunday, which also featured Zion Williamson's return from a one-game suspension. Despite Herb Jones being out indefinitely due to a right labrum tear, New Orleans appears to be trending in a positive direction on the injury report with trade candidate Brandon Ingram inching closer to a return. -- Wright

30. Washington Wizards

• 2024-25 record: 6-32

• Previous ranking: 30

• Next games: vs. PHX (Jan. 16), @ GS (Jan. 18), @ SAC (Jan. 19), @ LAL (Jan. 21)

The Wizards have dropped seven straight games, including a 41-point loss to the Thunder on Sunday. Washington will have to endure a six-game West Coast trip in the span of 10 days, starting Saturday, but it should be a good learning experience for the Wizards' young core. Alexandre Sarr has three double-doubles this month but will be tested against some veteran forwards on this trip, facing Draymond Green, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis, Lauri Markkanen and Dereck Lively II. -- Youngmisuk