The Toronto Raptors (13-8) closed November strong, winning 8 of their last 10 to climb to 5th in the Eastern Conference — just two games behind the first-place Atlanta Hawks (15-6). Brandon Ingram (18.3 PPG) and Scottie Barnes (18.7 PPG) have fueled Toronto’s rise.
Out West, the Denver Nuggets (13-6) finished the month on a five-game win streak and went 8-2 over their last 10. They moved into 4th place, three games behind the first-place Golden State Warriors (17-4). Nikola Jokić continues to anchor Denver, ranking 4th in scoring (31.1 PPG), 2nd in rebounding (13.2 RPG), and 1st in assists (11.3 APG).
Standings as of December 1st, 2025
Slow Start for Defending Champs
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (11-9) stumbled out of the gate, going 4-8 in their first 12 games. They rebounded late in the month, winning 7 of their last 8 to climb to 6th in the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently 2nd in the league in scoring at 32.4 PPG.
Players of the Month
East: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
West: Nikola Jokić, Nuggets
Rookies of the Month
East: Igor Demin, Nets
West: Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Rookie Ladder
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks, sits atop the Rookie Ladder. He’s averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while starting all 21 games. Flagg is shooting an efficient .611 from the field.
NBA Cup Update
The NBA Cup group stage concluded with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, and Golden State Warriors advancing as group winners. The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic secured Wild Card spots.
Injuries
The most significant injury belongs to the Denver Nuggets. Center Jonas Valančiūnas suffered a torn left ACL on November 21 against Houston and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. He was averaging 11.1 points and 7.7 rebounds.
The Charlotte Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball for 8-10 weeks after he tore his left MCL on November 26 against the New York Knicks. Ball was averaging 25.6 PPG. Charlotte finished November at 10-10, sitting 8th in the East.
