Thunder Dominate NBA Report Card, Doncic and Jokic Shine

The season is about a third complete and SportsWZRD handed out report card grades to all 30 teams. Oklahoma City stands out as the class leader, playing historic defense and topping the standings despite missing Jalen Williams. Detroit and Denver have become real threats, while New Orleans is mired in a 3 and 22 calamity and the Kings and Clippers are in full collapse. Rookie bursts, surprising veterans and injuries have flipped previews, and several playoff races look wide open. Merlin sees patterns more than surprises. Teams built on depth and young talent are winning long before trade season arrives, while veteran heavy rosters are breaking down under injury pressure. Expect sellers to appear from Sacramento and New Orleans and buyers to circle around teams like Denver and Detroit. The draft picks moving around will shape next summer as much as any midseason deal.