Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list! This week Steve shares his thoughts after week 8 of the 2025-26 NBA season. NBA Power Shifts: Thunder’s Dominance, LeBron’s Streak, Injury Wave, and Eastern Conference Contenders
Injury Concerns Around the League
Injury spike renews questions about NBA schedule
Calf strains to Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Reed Sheppard, and Isaiah Hartenstein have caused concern in the NBA. After last year’s Achilles tears to star players, teams are careful with their athletes. One of the reasons given as to why these injuries are happening is because players are playing too many games in a short period of time. In the future, the league may be facing having to make a choice—either start the season earlier or play fewer games in a season. I think with all the money involved, starting the season earlier may be the only way to go.
LeBron’s Historic Scoring Streak
LeBron extends one of the NBA’s most unbreakable records
Thunder’s Dominance Continues
Oklahoma City looks like the clear title favorite
The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing tremendous basketball. Not only are they 24–1 with a sixteen-game winning streak, they also have a 17.4-point differential so far this season. If they win their next game by ten, that number goes down. They currently are the top-rated defense and second-best rated offense. Unless an injury occurs, it’s hard to picture another team winning the title.
Giannis Trade Speculation and Hawks Scenario
Could Atlanta assemble enough to trade for Giannis?
Because of Oklahoma’s domination of the league right now, it may make teams reluctant to trade for Giannis, knowing beating Oklahoma in a playoff series would be quite difficult. One team that could pull off a trade is the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks would have to trade Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis for Giannis and Kyle Kuzma. I know that’s not nearly enough, but keep in mind the Hawks have all their own picks to trade, as well as New Orleans’ unprotected pick next year, which could be a top pick in a strong draft year. With enough picks, the trade could work.
Knicks’ Potential and Weaknesses
New York’s talent is real, but key flaws remain
The New York Knicks might be the most talented team in the East. However, they have two problems that need to be improved. The first is defense. Presently, they are rated tenth in the league on defense. Generally, a title team must be top seven in both offense and defense. The other is their 4–6 road record. Not many teams win titles with a sub-.500 road record.
NBA Power Shifts: Cleveland’s Inconsistency
Cavaliers’ issues may run deeper than injuries
What’s wrong with the Cleveland Cavaliers? Their record is 14–11. I know they have had key injuries to players, but my feeling is it goes deeper. They still have two top players healthy—Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. If they are just waiting for the playoffs, that’s not good. Not many teams do well when they think they can turn it on whenever they want. Watching them, it seems they aren’t on the same page, which makes me think their problems may be internal.
The Heat’s Relentless Mindset
Miami’s culture keeps them in the mix every year
You have to like the Miami Heat. The Heat never rebuild and always are looking to contend. To win a title, you need a top-ten player in the league. I’m sure Pat Riley is aware and will try to do everything possible to get one before the deadline. If nothing else, the Eastern Conference is wide open!