NBA power index on ESPN. The BPI is the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season.

A reason to watch: It’s basketball’s best rivalry right now. Oklahoma City opens the week atop the Western Conference and first in defensive rating. San Antonio is second in the conference with the third-rated defense, and it’s gone 3-for-3 against the defending champs this season.

In the interim though, fans can at least look forward to a far greater number of Inside the NBA episodes as the postseason approaches. Shaq’s recent comments give me the impression that he’ll be revved up and ready to go when it’s time to get in front of the cameras again. The show returns to ESPN on January 24.

The 2025 NBA Cup continues with the semifinals on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about the third annual in-season tournament.

ESPN's NBA studio shows have also experienced increased viewership. "Inside the NBA" is averaging 1.2 million in its first season on ESPN, up 135% compared to last year's regular-season average on TNT.

The Atlanta Hawks are moving on from Trae Young. After eight seasons with the franchise, they confirmed on Wednesday that Young has been traded to the Washington Wizards. Against the New Orleans Pelicans, the star guard was seen walking to the locker room for the final time in front of the Hawks crowd at the State Farm Arena.