The final month of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is crucial, as teams are nearing their final arguments for playoff seeding and individual awards. The Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder are currently leading the Western Conference, while Detroit has the 22nd-toughest remaining schedule. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs have been the hottest team in basketball, losing only two of their last 20 games. The 65-game rule may disqualify any stars in the MVP, individual awards races, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12 games missed), Nikola Jokić (16), Victor Wembanyama (15), and Shai Gilmore (15) expected to be the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year. The bottom of the standings has become clear, with teams with player protections like the Indiana Pacers carrying first-round Top-4 and 10-30 protected, which could impact their draft picks. The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to receive the same protection.