In mid-December, Denver’s Nikola Jokic had a healthy lead on Gilgeous-Alexander in ESPN’s MVP straw poll, conducted several times over the course of each season by Tim Bontemps.

With 41 points after three quarters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took advantage of the close score to shatter his career high. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a career-best 54 points on 17-of-35 shooting,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz 123-114

All-Star voting ended Monday, and for the first time, this Power Rankings host was given a ballot. The coming weeks will see a slow reveal of all the All-Star Weekend participants, with starters set to be announced Thursday night.

As for the Bucks, they've won eight of their last 11 games and are continuing to do a great job of turning their season around despite their sputtering 2-8 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo has emphasized that the difference is simple: The team now trusts each other.

But Detroit (21-21) is ninth in the East this time around. Former Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham has a chance to earn an All-Star selection, and new additions such as Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. have added some much-needed 3-point shooting.

It's Mavericks vs. Thunder on Thursday in the NBA. Here's how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.

On the other hand, the Mavericks will have to make due with a 23-21 record unless they turn things around (and fast). Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks Current Records: Minnesota 22-21, Dallas 23-20 The Minnesota Timberwolves are taking a road trip to face off against the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (22-21) and Dallas Mavericks (23-20) will face off on Wednesday in NBA action at the American Airlines Center.