NBA Standings Update at All-Star Break

The NBA's second half is underway with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder leading their respective conferences.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 8:15am

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The NBA has reached the All-Star break, marking the start of the second half of the season. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons hold a commanding lead at 40-13, followed by the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the way at 42-13, with the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets rounding out the top three. Several teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, while others have already turned their attention to the upcoming draft lottery.

Why it matters

The NBA All-Star break is a crucial point in the season, as teams make their final push for the playoffs or begin to focus on the future. The standings at this stage will have a significant impact on the postseason picture, as well as the draft order for teams that have fallen out of contention.

The details

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have emerged as the clear frontrunners, holding a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Boston Celtics. The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are also firmly in the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets are all but eliminated from postseason contention. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominant, but the San Antonio Spurs have proven to be a tough matchup for them. The Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves are also in the mix for top playoff seeds.

  • The NBA All-Star break took place on February 13, 2026.
  • The second half of the NBA season is now underway.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks star is currently dealing with an injury but could lead his team on a late-season surge.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs' rookie sensation has been a key factor in their success this season.

Trae Young

The Washington Wizards acquired Young in a trade, but he is currently sidelined with an injury.

Anthony Davis

The former New Orleans Pelican was also traded to the Wizards but is also dealing with an injury.

Tyrese Haliburton

The Indiana Pacers' guard suffered an injury in the NBA Finals, contributing to the team's struggles this season.

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What they’re saying

“The conference remains dominated by the Detroit Pistons, the one team the Hornets lost to during that aforementioned stretch.”

— Zach Roberts, Author

“It's very muddled in the middle of the playoff range, with just five games separating the Philadelphia 76ers (sixth) and the Boston Celtics (second).”

— Zach Roberts, Author

What’s next

As the second half of the NBA season progresses, teams will continue to jockey for playoff positioning, with the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder looking to maintain their conference leads. Injured players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young will also be closely monitored as they work to return to the court.

The takeaway

The NBA's second half promises to be an exciting and competitive stretch, with several teams vying for playoff spots and the top contenders aiming to solidify their positions. Injuries and trades will continue to play a significant role in shaping the final standings, making the next few months must-watch basketball.