The Houston Rockets Houston gets an A on their report card halfway through the season. They have been succeeding all expectations so far this season. Ime Udoka

Houston (29-14, No. 2 in West) is the only team with wins this season over both the Thunder and Cavaliers, who are tied for the NBA’s best record.

The Houston Rockets showcased great defense in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, proving why they deserve to be in championship conversations.

Blazers center Robert Williams III is the center of attention in trade rumors, especially with Ime Udoka and the Rockets interested.

Lu Dort was ejected for his hit on Daniel Gafford in the third quarter during Thursday's game between the Thunder and Mavericks.

As of Sunday night, the Rockets are sixth in the league in net rating at +6.1. Their defense is third in the league with a defensive rating of 107.3. But the offense has now crept all the way up to eleventh league-wide with an offensive rating of 113.4. Houston is inching closer to having both a top 10 defense and offense.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite having the second-best record, are the very best team in the NBA and should only get better.

Utah now continues its road trip against the best in the west, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It was a virtuoso display from a player that many consider as the front-runner for this season’s Most Valuable Player award Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be shorthanded once again when they travel to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Evan Mobley (calf) and Isaac Okoro (shoulder) have been ruled out for the game.

The NBA trade deadline is not until Feb. 6, but the buzz around notable players and teams is building up. Keep an eye on players such as Jimmy Butler, Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine, who'll be linked to possible trades. One team to watch is the Phoenix Suns, who have stayed busy in January, making two trades while remaining in the mix for Butler.

The Mavericks won the season series against the Thunder, handing OKC a 119-112 loss Thursday night at Paycom Center.