Overview
- Oklahoma City remains No. 1 at 10-1 despite its first loss and Jalen Williams’ absence, with rookie Ajay Mitchell emerging as a credible creator in expanded minutes.
- Detroit jumps near the top behind Cade Cunningham’s 25.6 points and 9.8 assists per game and Jalen Duren’s 19.4 points and 11.8 rebounds, while Denver also climbs.
- Philadelphia drops after losing four of six and struggling in third quarters, reflecting a broader slide among recent Eastern contenders.
- The Clippers fall to 3-6 on poor defense and turnovers, with external speculation circulating about coach Tyronn Lue’s future.
- Utah loses one of the season’s most effective five-man units as Walker Kessler’s shoulder surgery ends his season, removing a lineup that had dominated in limited minutes.