The Sixers have clearly vaulted themselves into the top half of the NBA with their recent play. Can they go higher?

In the East, the New York Knicks are riding their NBA Cup championship, surging to second in the East. However, the rest of the conference remains in flux as the other eight teams besides the Knicks and Pistons remain within 1.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ranking the NBA Christmas Day Matchups in Terms of Watchability. Christmas is upon us. On top of all the gift giving, lights and family traditions, the holiday also brings a full slate of NBA games on Christmas Day.

Week 9 NBA Power Rankings see Pelicans surge upward, Rockets slide hard, while contenders shuffle amid trade buzz and late-season drama.

The New York Knicks came away with the 2025 NBA Cup in a win over the San Antonio Spurs. Alas, the celebration was short. By the end of the week, most have likely forgotten about the in-season tournament. That said, the national stage showed that both teams are capable contenders.

There is barely movement in this week's NBA Power Rankings, with the OKC Thunder remaining at the top despite stumbling again. The LA Lakers continued to fall, though it can be attributed to injuries.

The defending champs dropped two games in a three-outing span, showing the first sign this season that they are mortal.

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The Detroit Pistons are ranked as high as the No. 2 team in the NBA, according to many of the biggest sports media outlets.

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns' recent stretch of games has raised concern around their overall standings within various NBA power rankings entering Christmas week. Phoenix is just 2-5 in the month of December with a home date coming today against the Los Angeles Lakers and a four-game road trip that will follow to end 2025.